Last week, Dan and I enjoyed a quiet and delicious Valentine’s Day at home. Frankly, going out on major holidays holds no appeal to us. Truth is, I hate crowds. I know that it is probably cooler to be out on New Years Eve and to go to major hot spots for spring break, but I don’t. I love being places off season, eating dinner earlier to avoid crowds, and skipping major holiday rushes. And I don’t think I’m alone. Last Tuesday Dan and I decided to eat out to skip the Valentine's Day crowds. Unfortunately, it would seem that many other like minded couples had the same idea.
The first restaurant we went to was packed to the gills and so we left to find another place. This is how we stumbled on Japoix. It’s a few blocks away and while it too was fully booked, we were able to get a seat at the bar. I wish I could have taken a picture of the interior since it was a really cool place. Probably cooler than both Dan and me combined!
By the time we got there we were starving and didn’t waste any time ordering dinner. Dan had just finished a long bike workout and so he zeroed in on the Kobe Burger, topped with white cheddar and with a side of fries. It was really delicious, definitely the best burger we’ve had in awhile.
I had been eyeing the noodle bowls and so I ordered the Lobster Udon bowl that included udon noodles, miso-butter broth, lobster, snap peas and chili oil.
Unfortunately the lobster was a little fishy tasting and the chili oil was overpowering. Once I got through the chili oil, the broth was really flavorful. I think when I go back, I will order the duck ramen bowl…
egg noodles, roast duck, crispy pork belly, snap peas, light duck broth
Overall, we enjoyed Japoix and will probably be back, but likely on a less popular evening!
