Kioko O.'s Profile

I was one of those who tried to go to Orenchi but ended up here because of the ridiculously, insanely long waiting line there.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted and seated immediately.  The restaurant is really nice and clean.  

The presentation of Miso Ramen was fabulous.  I liked that they serve thick noodles.  Since I am not a big fan of Miso Ramen to begin with, I probably wouldn't know any better but I thought the broth was super SUPER salty.

I tried to like you Misoya, but I think my next ramen fix will be at Orenchi.

Good place to buy Japanese books, magazines, and CDs.  Well, it's actually the ONLY place I can get those items in South Bay.  "Damn you, monopoly!", is what I would usually say to a business like that.

But not Kinokuniya Book Store.  It's a great store.  For a starter, they don't engage in price gouging just because stupid Yen is stronger nowadays.  

In addition, their stationary selections are fabulous.  I kid you not, I see like 97 different kinds of pens at this store.  

If you have some free time, come on down and look around this store.  I will assure you that they have something interesting for each and one of you out there.

I used to go to Pho Hoa a lot when I worked in the Financial District in San Francisco.  Not the best pho in town, but it was pretty decent and inexpensive.

So, I was pretty happy to see there is one in South Bay!  They have the same menu and similar restaurant layout.  Just like any other Pho place, the service is pretty quick.  I think I didn't even have to wait 5 minutes before they bring my order.

What makes this place great is the older gentleman at the cashier.  I am guessing he's either a manager or the owner of this place.  Whenever servers fail to deliver prompt services, he's there to make it right.  Pretty impressive in such casual Pho place.

Every Japanese acquaintances that I know raves this place to a point "who isn't a fan here?"  

I think this place was just OK.  The service is good and food is great.  But, I've definitely had it similar if not better before.  If I live in San Mateo, maybe I could like it more.  But not a place for me to go on a regular basis despite one hour of traffic from South Bay.

Seems like most of negative reviews came from their Groupon promotion, which makes a lot of sense.  Everything tend to go downhill during the Groupon promotion; I've seen it happen elsewhere too.

In my opinion, this is one of the cleaner, relaxing and spacious spa with simple yet good tastes in the decor.  Also plus is the soothing/relaxing background music.

Most of masseuses here do a good job and speak English.  I think I finally met "the one" during my last visit, but I'm not revealing the name here :p

One thing to note; the receptionist will ALWAYS give you a sales pitch when you check in.  Who knows, maybe it's in the manual. Just.., get over it. It's a business and they need the revenue to stay in business. Just say that you're not interested, and that will be the end of the story.

I have no hesitation in giving 5 stars to this spa.

Great Dim Sum place!  

I was very skeptical when a friend suggested lunch here.  Skeptical entirely because of the name.  I mean, who names a restaurant "Asian Perl Seafood Restaurant"??  Obviously this place...

The carts come to you and ask if you want any.  The same method as any other ordinary dim sum place.  What makes them stand out is its capacity of the place (it's very large) and the attentiveness of the servers you won't get from other authentic Chinese place.  

I liked dining here and for sure I'll come back.

A mediocre Japanese restaurant in Downtown San Jose.  Nothing great, but nothing terrible if you stick to their cooked dishes.  ...Maybe.

Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by the server and escorted to the seats.  I ordered Spicy Lion Roll, a spicy salmon roll with tuna, salmon and avocado.  While we were waiting for the food, the server delivered a plate of edamame on the house.  

This is going great so far, I thought.  Waiting time was about 10 minutes, which is probably the standard of Downtown San Jose.  

But when my roll arrived, I had to look at my roll twice in dismay.  "Why on the earth IS that eel sauce swirling on my roll??" was my initial thought.  This roll contains NOTHING related to eels.  

The conveyance of the message by this restaurant, saying that eel sauce goes well with salmon and tuna was an insult to me.  That alone just terminated any future relationship between me and this restaurant.

Their Steak Omelet was SO very good!

I am determined to sit inside that train located there, but sadly that hasn't happened.  I wonder if I need to request it when I make a reservation.

It's a good place to have a group lunch since they seem to have a huge capacity here (and, they are never ever busy).  The interior gives such nostalgic feelings especially if you're looking at their Tiffany style lamp shades located throughout the restaurant.  I think this whole nostalgia concept has to do with the restaurant's history, but I haven't had the time to learn.  If you are interested, you can learn it here: http://www.osf.com/his...

Other than that, I think this place is good.  I mean the service is great as the servers are very attentive throughout your dining experience.  And the menu appears to cover all the basics; nothing fancy but just okay.  BTW, I am known to be indecisive when it comes to ordering food.  But I didn't have to suffer as much here as this place has what's called "The Manager's Favorite" which you can order any two of the sauces.  Yes, it's perfect!

So I ordered white clam sauce and mushroom sauce, but it came as if the chef decided to mix the two sauces together.  Ehhh, who cares.  I didn't mind it, but it may not be for you.  So be mindful when you order this.

Another thing to note for lunch, is that your meal could come with green salad or soup.  Forget the salad.  Soup is WAY better!  I didn't get salad and I was glad I got the soup.

Indeed, Gyu-Kaku brought the concept of Japanese food portion "Sukoshi" to America.  All dishes are affordable, but be aware that they are pretty little small.  Hence, you're encouraged to order about two to three plates PER PERSON.

The customer services are wonderful here.  In fact, I thought it was much better than the Gyu-Kaku I used to go in Tokyo.  For example, the front desk will call your cell about 5 minutes before your table is ready if you are on a waiting list (yes, we didn't  bother to make a reservation on a Wednesday night and our waiting time was about 30 to 40 minutes).  Your server will explain the recommended cooking time for each type of meat you order.   And the team work of the front of house is great; if your server is too busy, he/she will send other staff will make a round to your table which is pretty rare in American restaurant system because servers do not share tips.

In my book, Shabuway at Saratoga Avenue has the best customer service among the Japanese restaurants in South Bay.  But this place is pretty close!  And that's not a bad job for a restaurant who just went through the grand opening about two weeks ago and soft opening thereafter!

The only thing I wish they will consider abolishing is how the staffs yell at the customers "Konbanwaaa, Irasshaimaseee (good evening and welcome)" as they are being escorted to the table.  Trust me, it's pretty embarrassing...

Items two girls ordered are as follows:  The Kobe Style Kalbi Short Rib ($19.95 for just 3 oz), Bone-In Kalbi ($7.95 for 6 oz), Gyu-Kaku Salad with Miso Dressing ($6.50 for full size), Ahi Poki ($5.95), Harami Miso Skirt Steak ($8.50 for 3.5oz), and Beef Tongue ($6.95 for 3oz).  The Kobe Style Kalbi Short Rib is A MUST HAVE.  It's pricey but OMG, it literally melts in your mouth.  

Since we were so full with all of the above food items, we opted out of the dessert. I know.  We were sad, too.  Reservations are highly recommended.