I'm an Izakaya Sensei. Self Proclaimed.

Living in NYC, we regularly have visitors. You'd think that going on the Staten Island Ferry would get old but honestly it doesn't. There's nothing like seeing the skyline of Manhattan on the ferry. And it also gives you a whole new perspective.

Father in law (FIL) and my 15 year old sister-in-law (SIL) were in town visiting and SIL had mentioned that she wanted to try something different and was up for anything.

Uh oh.

You do not tell that to Mr. Broad.

I pulled the reigns in a bit on Mr. Broad and we decided that Izakaya would be a good place to go due to their variety of food. When most people think of Japanese food they think sushi. Or Maybe a Benihana steak house. A very popular Japanese food-type is an Izakaya which is considered pub food. Some of the food they serve at Iazakaya's are Yakatori. It's like small kabobs. Can't get more simpler than that. You follow?

We've been to the two other sister restaurants in NYC of this place so this was the last one we tried.

Sobo Totto

211 E 43rd street

We ordered a lot. There were four of us so we went a bit crazy. Plus the portions were real small. I swear!!

First up, pickles and pickled radishes.

You know how sometimes you try things based on appearance?? Yeah I passed on this one. The other three of them had no problem with this one. Although I remember the radish received comments that it was a bit bland.

Fried Wonton Cheese- deep fried wontons filled with cheese

This sounds a lot better than it was. Basically an Asian take on mozzarella sticks. I'd stick to the American version.

Jidori Karaage- Japanese Style Fried Chicken

I was a bit disappointed in this chicken. I've had karage (which I normally heart) before but there was nothing Japanese to this. It was moreso just American fried chicken and didn't have any tang or tenderness I'm used to.

Tuna Sashimi marinated in Garlic Soy Sauce and Wasabi

One of the best dishes of the night.

The tuna was extremely fresh and I appreciated the thickness of the cut. A bit deceiving sashimi which is normally served paper thin. But you could actually taste the tuna this time.

Mori Soba served with cold dipping sauces.

It's really just cold Asian noodles. But don't tell that to Mr. Broad...He was happily slurping away!

And now for the Yakatori. The Kabob-like portion.

Asparagus wrapped in a slice of bacon. Can't get much better than this. Also ordered was an asparagus wrapped in chicken. You can guess which one was better.

Kobe beef tongue. This was ordered by Mr. Broad's father. Just in case you wonder whom he gets it from.

Hatsu. It means Heart. Ordered by Mr. Broad because he had to one-up his father.

Japanese Green peppers served with bonito flakes

I looove japanese green peppers. They really aren't spicy but have lots of spice and flavor.

Chicken Thigh and scallion.

Tastes much better than the quality of the picture.

A view of a bunch of stuff from Mr. Broad's side

Japanese peppers... A chicken meat ball with a quail egg.

Right around here we were doing the "should-we-or-shouldn't-we" game. Do we go for one last small dish. Well what do you think we decided.

A medley of tempura.

Pretty good if not typical. Do you see that white clump on the botton left. That's not tempura, it's daikon. Was soft, mush and quite possibly the oddest texture. And tasted uh, not good. How's that for specific-ness?...

Review:

Gotta love Izakaya. It's like tapas so it allows you to sample many different varieties. And don't be fooled by the "large" pictures with this post. They aren't. All of the "kabobs" are no longer than 3 inches. The camera definitely added some weight to these. (The myth is TRUE!) And they serve the dishes out as they are ready so it's a nice rolling dinner. Lots to chose from, lots to share, and Mr. Broad gets his Japanese fill. Again.

Rating: 7.5