Izakaya Sakura (after all these years)

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk is enjoying some time off with His Missus. 

Following Kirk's post in June, I realized The Mister and I had not been regularly going to Sakura for years (darn Covid!) and we've made an effort to enjoy some summertime lunches here. 
 Having signage over the building still seems so odd, even though it was put up in 2015; still used to no signage and needing to explain the location on the blog since 2005.
 Step inside, the sign in sheet is at the door, sushi bar is to your right.  There is outdoor seating.
 As always, we start with hot tea.

 The paper menu is in English and Japanese.  If you are early enough (and there are still some of the limited number of bento lunch specials available), you'll be given the daily Special Bento Box menu.  You can also read the menus online. 

 This Bento Special ($15) included Pot au feu, steamed chicken, fish miso, deep fried Spanish mackerel, deep fried meatloaf, spaghetti and rolled omelet  (in addition to miso soup and salad).  Pot au feu is steamed beef with vegetables; tender, rich flavored.  The steamed chicken was also nicely flavored (no condiments/soy sauce is needed for any of this meal); every bite was well balanced.

 Sara Udon ($18) is a crispy noodle based dish.  Stir fried seafood (shrimp, fish, scallops) and vegetables with a smooth sauce surrounded by crisp, fried udon.  Textures, flavors and comfort-food. 

 Homemade gyoza ($7.50) are filled with a juicy pork mix,.  The gyoza skins are thin with a light fry.

 Chicken Katsu Bowl ($16).  Served as a 'Set" (as are all the main dishes), the Katsu chicken on top of rice is light crisp-fried and juicy. 
Ebi Kakiage Udon ($14)- Shrimp with shredded vegetable.  This tempura-type dish has the shrimp (ebi) coated with bits of seafood and vegetable fried into a sort of fritter.  Pieces can be dipped in the udon, but the crispiness is what was craved this day.

 Grouper Hot Pot ($15) (listed as 'Hataki Noko' instead of 'Nabe' on the handwritten receipt).
Arriving like this- with hidden fish and a luxurious topping of mixed vegetables and  many types of mushroom in an excellent (not too salty) dashi based broth.  Each component of this tray was filled with flavor.  The fried grouper did manage to stay crisp for a good part of the meal.

 One hot day, I ordered my favorite, Tempura Zaru Soba ($14).  Chilled soba noodles with a tasty dipping sauce and tempura shrimp on the side.  Soba does not affect my blood sugar levels, making this dish even more satisfying.

Consistently great food.

Izakaya Sakura 3904 Convoy Street, #121 San Diego Open Daily 11:30-2:30, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (858) 569-6151

  One day, we were seated at the back wall and were able to stop to read the display along that adjoining corner wall. Professional golfer, Xander Schauffele has a signed poster and other news items on this portion of the wall.  This San Diego native must be a 'regular' here!

Comments

[Som Tommy]

The soba is good on a hot day

[Cathy]

Very true; the weather has to match the food, ST. The choices at Sakura have remained such quality. Soba are a great summer treat.