A Takeout Revisit to EE Nami and "Paying the Price" for Online Ordering for Pick-up

I'd been craving some Tonkatsu from EE Nami for a while. And even though they they reopened at the beginning of June, I just couldn't find a good time to do takeout.

Finally, I had waited long enough and I decided to order the Pork Loin Katsu for dinner. Previously, at least when I last ordered at the end of 2020, prices didn't seem too crazy. But this time, when I looked at the online choices for pick-up the Pork Loin Katsu Combo the prices ranged from $26 to $31.50!!! What the heck? I took a look at EE Nami's website and the PDF takeout menu and the combo is now priced at $22..... Now the online prices do not include tip either. It's getting pretty crazy these days. Heck, I'd rather have EE Nami get that extra money as a tip....so I went and called in my order. Which, by the way was a fairly hefty $23.71 anyway.

I drove on over and I gotta say, the place is doing some good business as folks were waiting for tables outside so I didn't take any photos. My order was waiting when I arrived, I paid, added in cash to make it a straight $27.......let me quickly ask, are you tipping for takeout?

This is what I unpacked at home.

   So, first off, let me say that the former "weak link" in the combo, the miso soup, while still being kind of weak overall, was much better, less watery. The rice however was hard and very dry. So, perhaps it's not worth the extra three bucks for that? I can probably do better with what I have at home.

There was a smaller portion of the shredded cabbage and they've replaced the tofu with edamame; which wasn't a favorite of mine.

But of course, I didn't order this for the edamame, right?

    Man, the tonkatsu is the best I've had in a while, even better than on my previous takeout visits. Notice that the breading isn't falling off the pork loin, this tells me that it's been fried at a good temperature and time. The panko breading was crisp and light. The pork was so tender and moist. It was just so good. I've gotten used to the sweeter katsu sauce form EE Nami and use it sparingly.

I guess it's really worth the prices these days?

EE Nami Tonkatsu Izakaya
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858) 246-6903
Hours:
Wed - Sun 1130 - 2pm, 530pm - 10pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Comments

[Sandy]

Thanks for the reminder! I think I would bypass the combo part, especially since I usually have rice in the fridge. When you said online ordering, are you referring to 3rd party services? I never use delivery services, but I have been tipping for takeout.

[Jason]

Even eating in, that's quite a hefty price for lunch. Glad it was really well done. Was just at Wa Okun for lunch and they still have reasonable prices for their lunch specials.

[kat]

steep! but at least it was decent.

[Kirk]

Yes, online ordering for pick-up; not delivery Sandy!

I was just looking at the lunch menu for Okan Jason. Thinking of doing that sometime this week. Thanks for the reminder!

Yeah, prices are going crazy Kat! But that tonkatsu was really good!

[Jessica]

I’ve been wanting to try that place but the prices have always put me off haha

Okan Diner actually has Wa Dining Okan lunch sets available for dinner, by the way. I don’t think the sides or salad dressing are as good but the lunch sets hit the spot at dinner time. I miss when Wa Dining was offering them all day for takeout during peak COVID. Got a bento at least once a week

[Kirk]

Guess where I went for lunch today Jessica! ;o) Thanks for the recommendation!

[Denver]

That place is one of the best I’m SD. Having been to Japan and going to a tonakatsu place that served Berkshire pork, EE is on par. Been going regularly and the quality has always been consistent. I’ve yet to go during dinner as they have other items available such as sashimi. As much as I miss Ramen Yamadaya, I’m glad EE is there. I’m especially glad they survived the pandemic since they opened during the start of it. Thanks for letting us know about this fabulous place

[Kirk]

Yes, I'm still waiting to check out the Izakaya type dishes Denver. That tonkatsu is the best I've encountered in San Diego.