Robataya - The Coolest Japanese Restaurant in New York City


When you hear the phrase "Japanese food", what do you think of? Sushi? Teriyaki? Tempura? What about "Robatayaki"? No? Me neither.

According to Wikipedia: In Japanese cuisine, robatayaki (炉端焼き?, literally "fireside-cooking"), often shortened to just robata (ろばた in hiragana), refers to a method of cooking, similar to barbecue, in which items of food on skewers are slow-grilled over hot charcoal. Many Japanese restaurants, both in Japan and abroad, specialize in this style of food preparation. Traditionally, the food consists of a combination of morsels of seafood and vegetables, but other kinds of food that are suitable for grilling may also be offered.

 Sounds good, right? It was! So freaking delicious. How did I never try this before??? So glad my mom decided to make a reservation at this East Village gem: Robataya.
The restaurant is very low key from the outside. When you walk in, it's like you've been transported to Japan. Like an old-timey part of Japan. It was awesome. Not to mention, the amazing smells emanating from the giant robataya grill. 
We sat at the counter, so I'm not sure about the rest of the restaurant, but I gotta tell you, if you have never been here before, try to sit at the counter! It is dinner theater. You have two young chefs who have an amazing selection of ingredients and you can pick and choose what you like. Once you order something, the chefs jump up from behind their grills, onto the table in front of them, and pick your ingredients right there, in front of you!

Once your food is cooked and ready, the chefs load your dish(es) onto a wooden peel and serve you directly. It is pretty awesome. 
We may have gone a little order crazy, since we ordered a lot of food, as per usual. Luckily, everything is tapas style, so smaller portions that can be shared. Huzzah!
grilled yams
grilled gluten(?) --- can't quite remember
grilled uni topped with shoyu marinated crispy konbu
grilled eryngi mushrooms
grilled asparagus
lots of seafood being grilled
grilled scallop
grilled oysters
grilled fish of sorts (can't remember...sorry!)
grilled chicken thighs
grilled duck
grilled squid
grilled BBQ spareribs
grilled eggplant
yaki onigiri
(grilled shoyu rice balls)

Overall, the food was tasty, but not mind blowing. It's definately stuff that my parents can make at home, but to be honest, I don't know that Robataya's popularity is based on its food. The atmosphere and method of cooking/service is what makes Robataya unique and so much fun. It's got the same thrill of hibachi, but without being corny. (And Robataya is actually Japanese...) Watching the chefs leap onto the counter to select their ingredients, watching them cook it, and then having them serve you right there...it's like dinner entertainment! So much fun! I can't wait to go back. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gordon Ramsay's Cheesy Potato Dauphinoise

Image
I am fairly impressionable --- at least when it comes to cooking. When I see a recipe or a dish that intrigues me, I become obsessed and determine to give it a go. I have been obsessively watching Come Dine With Me  for at least one month and a dish that keeps popping up is: Potato Dauphionoise. I've eaten this side dish a couple times in my life, but not recently. It looked so delicious and easy to make, and I was determined to try my hand at this posh looking side. As per usual, I consulted the internet to look for recipes. As most of you know, I am obsessed with Gordon Ramsay. He is always my go to. If he doesn't have a recipe for something I want to make, I'm always feel a little lost, but luckily, that wasn't the case this time. I was delighted to have stumbled upon Gordon Ramsay's "Gratin Dauphonoise." He has yet to let me down and you know what, this dish was a winner! Something that I am adding to my repertoire.  This dish was incredibly e
Read more

Truffle Cream Cheese & Chive Spread

Image
So, I realize that this post is rather late…but I figure, better late than never, right? Over New Years, I was searching for recipes online, when I stumbled upon a new Gordon Ramsay recipe. As we all know, I LOVE Gordon Ramsay, in fact, I should probably just change my username to that.  Chef Ramsay has a recipe for a deliciously decadent, but oh so easy truffle cream cheese spread, and I couldn't resist. The ingredients are simple, you may even have most of them, and it takes no more than ten minutes to make. Oh, and it's delicious.  Whether you are entertaining guests or spending time alone, this spread is perfect for all occasions. It's great with bread and crackers, it's also delicious with grapes. The fluffiness of the cream cheese/sour cream, coupled with the decadence and amazing aroma of the truffle oil makes this a really luxurious spread that everyone will love! For Gordon Ramsay's video, please click this link .  Ingredients: - small con
Read more

Tawaraya - One of Kyoto's Most Famous and Oldest Ryokans

Image
On this visit to Kyoto, rather than stay at a hotel, my parents and I were fortunate enough two spend two nights at the very famous and exclusive Tawaraya ryokan . Tawaraya is considered one of the most famous and posh ryokans in Japan. Past guests have included Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, and even Marlon Brando! (Many famous Japanese people have stayed here as well, but these three just popped into my head). We made our reservation one year in advance, but even then, we had difficulty getting a room!  To quote Wikipedia: "A ryokan ( 旅館 ) is a type of traditional Japanese inn that originated in the Edo Period (1603 ~ 1868), when such inns served travelers along Japan's highways. They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner…Most ryokans offer dinner and breakfast, which are often included in the price of the room. Most visitors take their meals at the ryokan, which usuall
Read more