Wagaya

On Saturday I went to Wagaya.

Even though I had received some sad news that morning, I decided I should go anyway. Maybe it would take my mind off things for a little bit.

It didn’t, and I think I should go back to Wagaya and give it a second chance.

I say this because I liked what I ate. I thought the service was ok. I liked the touch screen menus. I was also impressed, in retrospect, how well the staff were aware of the patrons walking around in the layout of the place. I had a good experience, but felt a bit numb about the whole thing, and at the time thought it was the place but now realise it may have been due to the news I had gotten that morning.

It was very sad news, and I’m sorry but that is all you are getting about it here.

After some thought I decided to do the things I had planned on doing anyway, that I could. One of these things was going to Wagaya.

Wagaya is a Japanese restaurant with a karaoke section. The place was laid out in a lot of little booths, I couldn’t see the karaoke part from where I was. I had a booth all to myself.

I was happy to see a touch screen menu, I love these things, and went through four of the sections twice before making a decision. The reason for this was I was looking for miso eggplant, which has become my test in a lot of places. I didn’t find it.

I did find Sea Urchin Chamar Muchi, Crispy Salmon Skin and a Wagaya Parfait.

Sea urchin chamar muchi is pretty much a savoury custard with a little bit of noodles and veges on the bottom and sea urchin on the top. This is the second time I have had sea urchin, but the first time I have had it cooked (I am pretty sure none of you are surprised by this). It was a little smaller than I expected. Going by the picture alone I thought it was a thick soup, with the sea urchin floating on top.

Nope. Savoury custard ahoy. I really enjoyed this. I love sea urchins saltiness and however you would describe the rest of its flavours. Even rolling the flavour around my mind I can’t think of anything else to compare it to. I have been told it is an acquired taste, well I guess I already acquired it. I knew nothing about this dish so it was a beautiful surprise.

I am undecided to whether I prefer raw or cooked sea urchin though. There is a very small difference in flavour.

I followed this with the crispy salmon skin. This dish sounded and felt decadent. Each crunch of the skin made me realise this dish was designed with people like me in mind.

“We still have the skin of the fish left, what should we do with it?”

“Batter it and fry it, someone will eat it.”

Damn straight, it tastes pretty good. I had a couple of pieces before I started dipping them in the soy sauce. Normally I don’t dip things in soy sauce, but this made it better to me. Each crunch was a temptation just to grab the lot and start cramming them into my mouth.

But I didn’t.

I finished and ordered dessert. The Wagaya Parfait. Berries, ice cream, wafers and I think strawberry sauce, not sure on that bit. I love parfaits, especially unhealthy or half healthy ones. This was no different. The ice cream, berries and wafer combined made me smile. My only complaint was it was too short. I hit the bottom pretty quick.

There was nothing unique about this parfait. Nothing made it stand out. It was simple, but delicious.

All up, I enjoyed the meal.

This is why I think I need to go back later, when I am less sad. I realised that the lack of atmosphere I felt could have come from in me.

So, Wagaya, in a little while I shall return. With my appetite and less fog in my mind, and maybe some friends.

Be prepared.

Eat well.