I am going to jump right into an explanation of what an izakaya is. An izakaya is a Japanese style fusion of a restaurant and a bar. It is known for serving food together with drinks and the other way around. Older times in Japan, an izakaya was a favourite watering hole for the salaryman after work and is well known for its cheap food that is served with a lot of alcohol. These days, that has changed, whereby you may find many independent women, youngters and families who frequent izakayas. A mark of an izakaya would be the distinctive double akachojin (literally, red lantern) that stands on both sides of the entrance to the establishment. From what I read, there will always be a few very close by to the train stations in Japan.
There is one izakaya styled restaurant that Crystal and I used to frequent up until recently. Izakaya Chuji has claimed to be the oldest of Izakayas across Aussie. These points do not pique my interest one bit if the establishment is just so-so.
Izakaya Chuji, on Lonsdale st.
At first look, this is as much as you can see from the outside. The bar and restaurant is completely separated by a wall and actually having the feel that it is two separate establishments all together.
The restaurant part of Izakaya Chuji
The lighting is extremely dim, especially in the late evening, because the entire dining area is lit only by the multiple akachojins strung up across the ceiling. I like the idea of having a very wide mirrior along the wall in a narrow establishment as it produces an illusion of space...and for others to be able to spy discreetly. *Cheeky smirk*
You will first notice that the paint is chipping off the walls and it is littered with home printed menus and advert posters for Japanese beer and whisky. The main menu itself has been better days and I'll just use my usual method of checking out the menu with my 2 fingers from each hand.
As for the general cleanliness, you might want to think twice before taking a seat on their chairs. It does look very old and weathered and around the table legs, it does look like it could use a little more general cleaning. The utensils are dodgy, but enough to be able to pick up some food after a thorough scrubbing with the napkin.
As usual, for lunch time, try to catch the lunch menu as it is vastly lower in cost relative to the other main entrees that may be on the regular menu. The homepage may be wrong, but if I am not mistaken, the lunch ends at 1500. For the lunch menu, a single strip of paper is served and you get to pick and choose whichever entrees and sides that you would like with your bento box.
Here are a couple of shots of the Bentos.
Main Entree, top left, Teriyaki Chicken.
Sides include Sushi Rolls, Garden Salad and Japanese styled Calamari Squid Rings.
I usually enjoy sesame seeds on Teriyaki chickens and the Calamari squid rings is definitely catered to my fondness for fried food. Overall, if you were to swallow everything, you will be full. The width of their bento box would be from my elbow to my fingertips.
The Tonkatsu is good, as in the crispiness is retained and it is not very dry as most subpar restaurants have made them otherwise. The slices of pork is NOT ultra thin with a heavy layer of flour instead, is just thin. =/ Although, judging from other pictures of other Tonkatsus, it is very common for restaurants to skim and offer a very thinly sliced piece of pork. Ripoff!
Sushi rolls pass as the rice is packed tightly and the potato salad seems fresh.
What I love most about this, is of course, the Korokke. It is a Japanese style Croquette. It is a helping of mashed potatoes batter together with the 3 popular mixed veggie (Corn, Peas and Carrots), and fried with an outer layer of flour. This is SO mouth watering for someone like me who loves fried food with strong tasting gravy. Crispy on the outside, very soft on the inside. The mixed veggies do offer many subtle differences in taste throughout eating it. YUM!
Price? 30AUD for lunch for 2. Honestly, it is a little over priced for an every day lunch. There are many other places that offer lunch at 10AUD per head, tops. Maybe it is time to renovate the restaurant. Being the oldest establishment of its kind does not mean that it has to look dingy in order to be authentic.
I am a huge Takoyaki fan. I have eaten here quite a few times before and I'd suggest to NEVER EVER order the Takoyaki. It is REALLY soggy with a pea-sized piece of octopus. Furthermore, the price to portion ratio = Major Ripoff! Finally, the batter may be questionable if ordered later in the evening.
Also, it is very important to not try to speak in Japanese as there are a couple of waitresses who are not Japanese. *hint for people who enjoy saying 'Arigatou!' to every Asian server* When it comes to the service here, it is usually leaning towards Speed over Haste. If you sit facing the wall, you will feel very claustrophobic as other people are moving back and forth very quickly in as much space similar to a little over in an aeroplane.
Would I return to Izakaya Chuji? Sure, though indefinitely. This isn't a restaurant to impress a date. *hint hint*
Photo info: Nikon D700, 17-35mm f/2.8. No flash, hand held. Very weak indoor lighting mixed with covered sunlight from the outside. Long exposures + steady hand ftw.
Photo info: Nikon D700, 17-35mm f/2.8. No flash, hand held. Very weak indoor lighting mixed with covered sunlight from the outside. Long exposures + steady hand ftw.
Stout out...
Hunting for better Takoyakis!
*Here tako tako tako*
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