http://www.tomodachisushibistro.com/
24123 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward
Get to the Point: Didn't like it, but maybe I'm just missing something? Like one of their sake-ternative cocktails?
It's about time I give another review. Sushi is something I'm almost always happy to have (not so good if I happen to be feeling nauseous for any reason), but as my experiences with Japanese restaurants rise in number, it's easier to become critical of, well, everything.
I've been to Tomodachi a few times, always expecting to have something happen that will change my opinion of them. Yesterday evening was either my third or fourth time there, and I'm still not convinced that it's as good of a restaurant as all the patrons make it out to be. The place is always packed with customers - I don't usually make a note of who they are or what they look like - but these happy Asian folk seem to believe it's a great place. I feel I must be the only sour-looking Asian person there, unconvinced by the nice tatami mats and alternative sake cocktails.
Nigiri sushi is my standby, but Tomodachi only offers nigiri a la carte or in a combination with at least 6 pieces of other non-nigiri items. Too much food with the additional soup and seaweed salad. Also, a big strike for me: no ika (squid) nigiri, though there's plenty to be had if I want it mixed into an appetizer or served as a giant grilled squid steak. Which I certainly don't if all I want is one or two pieces of raw squid over some rice. Come on now.
The particular experience that comes with all sushi places is lacking here as well, for reasons that can't be well explained. Perhaps it is the sun-dried tomatoes in the rolls, the strangely creamy wasabi, or the lack of intimate eating quarters. I tend to feel the environment is conflicted about its intention to be exclusive or welcoming. We want you to be open to our sake drinks and not be scared off, Hayward folk, they seem to be saying at times. And then they retort with a little Never mind looking at the menu; we didn't bother explaining what any of those Japanese words mean.
I must admit this has come off as quite a bitter review. One of the diners in our party didn't get to enjoy the meal after being served some undercooked chicken teriyaki, and the returned item remained on our bill at the end of the night. I haven't written off Tomodachi just yet, but the experience has definitely sent me in the direction of the smaller Japanese restaurants in downtown Hayward.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Mimi's Cafe (Hayward)
http://www.mimiscafe.com/
24542 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward
I had been to Mimi's before, but only the one in Dublin. Although I've enjoyed eating there, I've never been really excited to go there. Maybe because there's an awesome Thai place in the same shopping complex, but that's another post.
And this is a new Mimi's in Southland...
Mimi's is billed as an upscale family restaurant and that it is. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We've yet to eat breakfast or an actual lunch there, but the dinners and appetizers are quite delish. The selection is a little limited, but what they offer is done pretty well. Not perfect, but damn near.
I had the meatloaf dinner the first night we went. I liked the tomato flavor and that it didn't have too much of a tomato crust (Nancy would disagree with me on this one). The mashed potatoes were fantastic and like homemade. The best part was the gravy, but I have a gravy bias. Everything is better with gravy. Nice brown gravy. And they gave me extra gravy. Sweeeeet brown gravy. But now I'm off topic.
On another occasion, we shared the fish and chips. The batter was more like a breading than a tempura-style coating. Very different and a little off putting, but still tasty (again, Nancy would disagree here). We suspect that it's the same breading that they use on the chicken fingers. The fries were tasty, but not memorable (I can't pick them out from the other fries I've had this week). The tartar sauce has a touch of horseradish, and I can't decide on if I like that or not. I'm guessing not.
The bar area is much bigger at this one, which is nice that they even have a bar that serves more than beer and/or wine. The drinks are average to pricey, so plan on paying at least $6 per drink (more if you're drinking Glenfiddich). So far, I have chosen to sit in the bar area more often than the dining area because service is quicker and the bartenders/servers have been very nice. Then again, here comes another bias because I think one of the guys is really cute and I went to elementary school with another. The only cons to sitting in the bar area are that the bus boys don't come around so much and the bartenders forget to give you flatware/napkins.
Overall, I really like this Mimi's and I would recommend it. Maybe not during a busy time, but definitely try it.
Big pluses: Good food, nice people, and desserts with whiskey sauce. OH! And some recipes are posted on the web site.
Shortcomings: Limited menu, microwaved chocolate, and early last call.
24542 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward
I had been to Mimi's before, but only the one in Dublin. Although I've enjoyed eating there, I've never been really excited to go there. Maybe because there's an awesome Thai place in the same shopping complex, but that's another post.
And this is a new Mimi's in Southland...
Mimi's is billed as an upscale family restaurant and that it is. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We've yet to eat breakfast or an actual lunch there, but the dinners and appetizers are quite delish. The selection is a little limited, but what they offer is done pretty well. Not perfect, but damn near.
I had the meatloaf dinner the first night we went. I liked the tomato flavor and that it didn't have too much of a tomato crust (Nancy would disagree with me on this one). The mashed potatoes were fantastic and like homemade. The best part was the gravy, but I have a gravy bias. Everything is better with gravy. Nice brown gravy. And they gave me extra gravy. Sweeeeet brown gravy. But now I'm off topic.
On another occasion, we shared the fish and chips. The batter was more like a breading than a tempura-style coating. Very different and a little off putting, but still tasty (again, Nancy would disagree here). We suspect that it's the same breading that they use on the chicken fingers. The fries were tasty, but not memorable (I can't pick them out from the other fries I've had this week). The tartar sauce has a touch of horseradish, and I can't decide on if I like that or not. I'm guessing not.
The bar area is much bigger at this one, which is nice that they even have a bar that serves more than beer and/or wine. The drinks are average to pricey, so plan on paying at least $6 per drink (more if you're drinking Glenfiddich). So far, I have chosen to sit in the bar area more often than the dining area because service is quicker and the bartenders/servers have been very nice. Then again, here comes another bias because I think one of the guys is really cute and I went to elementary school with another. The only cons to sitting in the bar area are that the bus boys don't come around so much and the bartenders forget to give you flatware/napkins.
Overall, I really like this Mimi's and I would recommend it. Maybe not during a busy time, but definitely try it.
Big pluses: Good food, nice people, and desserts with whiskey sauce. OH! And some recipes are posted on the web site.
Shortcomings: Limited menu, microwaved chocolate, and early last call.
Foodie Spotlight: Nancy
- Blogger Profile
Favorite foods: nigiri sushi, sandwiches, potatoes, turkey dinners
Dislikes: cilantro, avocado, hominy, too much spice, salad with too much dressing
Favorite restaurants: Sushiya (Oakland), Favorite Indian (Hayward)
Picky about: tomato sauce on meatloaf, brown gravy instead of white, breading-to-meat ratio
Preferred beverage: scotch / whisk(e)y on the rocks, rootbeer, non-herbal teas
Soft spot for: appetizers, fresh Krispy Kreme donuts, fried ice cream, stuffed things
Miscellaneous info: does not cook, loves "America's Test Kitchen" (though the past few seasons have been too polished), parents own and operate a Chinese restaurant, is glad that Joanne Weir is no longer associating herself with San Francisco
Favorite foods: nigiri sushi, sandwiches, potatoes, turkey dinners
Dislikes: cilantro, avocado, hominy, too much spice, salad with too much dressing
Favorite restaurants: Sushiya (Oakland), Favorite Indian (Hayward)
Picky about: tomato sauce on meatloaf, brown gravy instead of white, breading-to-meat ratio
Preferred beverage: scotch / whisk(e)y on the rocks, rootbeer, non-herbal teas
Soft spot for: appetizers, fresh Krispy Kreme donuts, fried ice cream, stuffed things
Miscellaneous info: does not cook, loves "America's Test Kitchen" (though the past few seasons have been too polished), parents own and operate a Chinese restaurant, is glad that Joanne Weir is no longer associating herself with San Francisco
Foodie Spotlight: Mo
- Blogger Profile
Favorite foods: cheese, sushi, cream-based sauces, chicken, pasta, cucumbers, gravy
Dislikes: microwaved/burnt chocolate, watery salads, iceberg lettuce, too much tomato sauce
Favorite restaurants: Favorite Indian (Hayward), Sushiya (Oakland), Le Soleil (San Leandro), Nick's (San Leandro), Lo Coco's (Oakland)
Picky about: The simple things, like: service, salads, clam chowder, pizza, dessert
Preferred beverage: water or tea
Soft spot for: "Greasy spoons"
Miscellaneous info: Cannot resist watching Alton Brown on Food Network. Owns too many cookbooks. Believes that ice cream can make almost anything better. Would rather make up a recipe than follow one. Would cry if ever became lactose intolerant.
Favorite foods: cheese, sushi, cream-based sauces, chicken, pasta, cucumbers, gravy
Dislikes: microwaved/burnt chocolate, watery salads, iceberg lettuce, too much tomato sauce
Favorite restaurants: Favorite Indian (Hayward), Sushiya (Oakland), Le Soleil (San Leandro), Nick's (San Leandro), Lo Coco's (Oakland)
Picky about: The simple things, like: service, salads, clam chowder, pizza, dessert
Preferred beverage: water or tea
Soft spot for: "Greasy spoons"
Miscellaneous info: Cannot resist watching Alton Brown on Food Network. Owns too many cookbooks. Believes that ice cream can make almost anything better. Would rather make up a recipe than follow one. Would cry if ever became lactose intolerant.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)