March 19 2012

Takashi - Adventurous Eaters Only

It’s fair to say that if Anthony Bourdain recommends a restaurant, I want to try it.

In his “24 Hour Layover in New York” show, Bourdain not only included Takashi, but called the Japanese/Korean BBQ restaurant his favorite new restaurant.

While I consider myself an adventurous eater, I was still apprehensive about the menu, which not only focuses on meat, but particularly exotic innards such as tongue, heart and stomach. 

Now do I have your attention?

On Saturday night, our group of four gave the beef mecca a try and it turns out our meal was not only delicious, but a very fun experience, too.

The meal kicked off with complimentary kimchis and cabbage drizzled in peanut sauce.

Then our waiter (who was so friendly and helpful!) guided us through the ordering process, or more precisely, guided Joel and Ozzy.  Due to the contents on the menu, Erin and I chose the “surprise and delight” route and waited to see what interesting items came our way.

We also got sake because, well, how could you not? Takashi even lets you pick your own individual sake glass.

First we tried Niku-Uni, chuck flap topped with sea urchin, which was the most perfect texture combination I’ve ever had.

Followed by Yooke, thinly sliced chuck tartarte topped with a quail egg.

Then we moved onto grilling our meets, which included heart, tongue, belly.

Seaweed rice bombs, cucumber kimchi and a ton of rice rounded out the evening.

We ended the meal with their homemade Madagascar Vanilla softserve ice cream topped with salted caramel.  I don’t have a picture, but it was pretty stellar.