A couple of weeks back "FOY" ChrisR sent me an email with some photos with the title "Tenkatori impresses". I then sent him a link to my post from May of last year. Apparently Chris hadn't read that post? And here I thought he was a F(riend) o(f) Y(oso)! Of course, I'm just kidding (I think?). I actually appreciate that email as it placed a reminder in "mi cabeza" about returning to Tenkatori.
I thought about online ordering, but there's an additional $3 fee that I'd rather provide as a tip to the restaurant. So, just like what I do for takeout at EE Nami I called in my order right at 11. I was given the time of 1130 for pick-up.
I arrived a bit early and managed to find a space in the rather merciless parking lot. The woman working the counter was juggling a couple of takeout customers and the phone which seemed to be ringing non-stop.
By the time I made it to the counter my order was waiting...in fact, it's that first package in the photo above. I had ordered the "Mix" Bento Box which was $9.90 in May of last year. It is now priced at $12.50.
The drive back to the office took about 15 minutes and this is what the Mix Bento looked like.
The wings actually held up better than the Karaage. Don't get me wrong, the karaage was very moist and tender, but that light, what seems to be katakuriko based batter is made for eating quickly. I think of the flavors are very nicely balanced, soy-with a touch of sweetness. I like that the karaage still has skin attached. The "whole" wings (tips and drumettes included) did well. Like I've mentioned before, I like the addition of wing tips as they add a nice cartiligous texture with the addition of the batter of course. I could make out a touch of the shichimi togarashi a lot clearer than the karaage.
The potato "salad" was the same as before, mashed potatoes. Decently seasoned, with a sweet, teriyaki like sauce on it. The rice was a bit harder than I like, but serviceable. This is not by any means a large portion of protein, but these days it's enough for me.
Which lead me to wonder why I don't come here more often. Of course, I really like the gizzards and the nankotsu.....so I'll probably wait for a day when Calvin comes into the office to order all that stuff.
Thanks again to Chris who took the time out to send me an email with photographic evidence! Hope you get back to Hilo soon!
Tenkatori Miramar
6780 Miramar Rd Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92121
Sorry! I will accept being placed on probation status as an FOY and endeavor to do better!
Posted by: Chris R. | Tuesday, 28 March 2023 at 10:47 AM
Lol Chris! Best comment ever!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 28 March 2023 at 11:11 AM
fried is always tricky whenever taking out
Posted by: kat | Tuesday, 28 March 2023 at 03:09 PM
Man I love Tenkatori. Might be my current favorite restaurant in the county right now. Haven't had the mix bento but the karaage don always hits the spot for me.
Sometimes I'll just get a big order of thighs too. I've found that they do well after being reheated in an air fryer so getting a 12 piece order and saving a few for later works for me.
Posted by: Derric | Wednesday, 29 March 2023 at 07:21 AM
Yes, it can be Kat!
I think they've gotten better over time Derric. I like the hack with the air fryer, I probably should get one...
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 06:50 AM
I love their cartilage. I always order extra and use the air fryer later.
Posted by: Junichi | Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 01:38 PM
I guess I'll be needing to get me an air fryer Junichi!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 04:11 PM