Taku review
This is an attractive little restaurant, one of the newer ones in Elgin Street. Cherry blossoms hang over the bar bringing a splash of colour to a more traditional style decor. Opposite the bar there is a line of small tables. There are more at the back, and there is seating for large groups upstairs, but there is only one of me and I like to watch the chefs at work so I take a small table.
I could sit at the bar for an even closer look but I like the table, it gives me a view of the whole restaurant which, since it is still early, is not very busy yet.
The word Taku means home and whilst it might be a bit of a stretch for me to call the alleyways of old Kyoto ‘home’, I was pleasantly surprised to find a waitress who used to work in a restaurant I frequented previously. After catching up on some small talk she lead me through the menu.
The tofu is made fresh every morning and I could have a choice of three types of preparation. Chilled, steamed or fried. I opted for chilled with diced maguro ($60). I also ordered a basket of Edamame, or steamed soy beans ($35) and a bottle of Yebisu beer ($42).
They arrived at almost the same time. The tofu was in a very light soy sauce, with the tuna on top and topped off with finely grated radish. Simple but very flavourful. The tofu firm and smooth.
To follow this I had ordered a mixed yakitori platter ($138). This includes Angus beef, chicken and asparagus wrapped in pork. There are two skewers of each making them good to share.
After a respectable pause and a replenishment of beer came the mixed vegetable and prawn tempura ($130). Like the other dishes it is a generous serving and there is plenty to share. To follow it I had ordered cold green tea soba noodles ($58). These are served with a quail egg, some shredded seaweed and some radish and spring onion. These are to be mixed into the soup to taste.
Japanese cuisine is not famous for it’s wide range of desserts but as long as they have black sesame ice cream ($28) I’ll be more than happy.
For such a large Japanese meal I felt the bill was very reasonable indeed. I said good-bye and promised to return again soon. To ensure I made good on my promise the waitress furnished with two generous coupons to be redeemed upon my next visit. It ill be soon
Taku
35 Elgin Street
SoHo
Tel. 2545 9966
Posted: February 11th, 2010 under Japanese, Reviews, Soho.