Decided to take a nice long walk from the office on what might be the nicest day of the Summer and ended up here, of all places (meaning not some sunny patio for something light and summery). First time in a few years, and better than I remember it. I went a little crazy and got the tofu (with mushrooms and spinach) and the flavors were fantastic. No issues like the ones identified by Sweet Willie up thread, either. Could be because I wolfed it down and didn't give it time to overcook on the flat top. One menu comment: it would be nice if they put some protein combos on the menu, e.g., the first okonomiyaki I ever tried was made with thin strips of pork and squid (made by a Japanese woman from Kyoto, in Westchester County).

Place was packed too. Diverse crowd (W. Loop office types, tourists, families) and helpful, fast service. Saw some cocktail drinkers and general conviviality, which is good since they pack you in like a sardine.

I'll try to remember this place more often.

Took advantage, while staying in the neighborhood for a couple of days, to return to Gaijin, which I find to be virtually inaccessible by car (parking). It was a short walk from where we were staying. I'm so glad it came to mind because the place is stellar and doing more than a few things that no one else in town is doing . . .


Veggie Korokke & Bok Choy
Korokke: mushrooms / rice / curry / tomatoes / daikon pickle / tonkatsu sauce
Bok Choy: sesame / garlic / shoyu / fried shallots


Tsukemono Trio & Kombu Marinated Vegetables
Trio: carrot, cucumber, daikon
KMV: celery / fermented green beans / radish / sesame



House-Made Kim-Chi


Osaka-Style Shrimp Okonomiyaki
tempura fried shrimp / corn / creole butter / arare


Osaka-Style Pork Okonomiyaki
pork belly and bacon / bonito

Just a great meal, including some nice cocktails and sake selections, which I neglected to photograph. I wish it were more convenient for me. If it were, I'd be eating here on a regular basis.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:which I find to be virtually inaccessible by car (parking).

The area has fallen victim to its success. I dread meeting anyone there for dinner because of the congestion.