momopi
Well-known member
(If he's so cultured, maybe he should consider using spell-check before posting)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistro-anju-laguna-niguel?dfp_ex=1
?So, I'm actually surprised to see any mixed reviews here for Bistro Anju, which just tells me that people have extremely limited exposure to really fine Japanese food (or that I live among a very small minority of local cultured people). Nevertheless, my wife and I have eaten at Anju at least a dozen times now - Moreover, with have had some wonderful conversations with Saito-san and his wife (purely in Japanese).
The short answer is; there are very few restaurants anywhere in Southern California that can measure up to Anju for a superior Japanese culinary experience - and this is coming from a guy that has routinely traveled back and forth to Japan over the past 12 years.
To start, you need to get a frame of reference: Saito-san is a former Executive Chef for Crustacean in San Francisco and also an experienced successful restauranteer. So, if you're out on the town looking for that 100% authentic Japanese traditional Izakaya or Sushi experience - this isn't my first choice - and probably shouldn't be yours.
Bistro Anju reminds me of many welcomed 'up-and-coming restaurants' in the Ginza prefecture of Tokyo that are expanding their wings through "Fusion" - And that's precisely what you should wrap your mind around. Taking the finest of the Japanese culinary potential and melding it further with French influences to result in unique, nowhere-else-to-be-found concoctions, that will literally make your culinary synapses explode with elation.
If you are the typical American self-proclaimed "sushi" expert that reviews from a criterium of stupid Western style rolls like "dragon rolls, crunchy rolls, etc." Please move on, from a foodie standpoint that is simply as moronic as it gets - you would be better off commenting on the quality of toiletpaper in the restaurant's bathroom. For clarity: Western style rolls are not Sushi - And no, you don't order "Omakase" if it is your first time at a Japanese restaurant. Ask for recommendations, but don't try to show off. If you don't understand, Google what Omakase actually means and how it is used.
Now, in terms of what you should order at Anju: If available, you need to try Saito-san's Fois Gras - it's absolutely mind-blowing. In addition, I remember having a rice-encrusted Sea Bass that was lightly fried to achieve a uniquely crusty casing around a delicate - yet perfectly cooked fish. Presentation is amazing, the fusion of flavors are insanely fabulous. If you are ordering like a pro... don't be surprised if you end up with a little amuse bouche that in itself will feel nothing less than a triumph. Definitely enjoy the sushi as well, just order real sushi!
Aliso Viejo is finally blessed with one amazing restaurant and a chef that far exceeded the culinary elitist 'soap box" that both my wife and I tend to stand upon.?
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistro-anju-laguna-niguel?dfp_ex=1
?So, I'm actually surprised to see any mixed reviews here for Bistro Anju, which just tells me that people have extremely limited exposure to really fine Japanese food (or that I live among a very small minority of local cultured people). Nevertheless, my wife and I have eaten at Anju at least a dozen times now - Moreover, with have had some wonderful conversations with Saito-san and his wife (purely in Japanese).
The short answer is; there are very few restaurants anywhere in Southern California that can measure up to Anju for a superior Japanese culinary experience - and this is coming from a guy that has routinely traveled back and forth to Japan over the past 12 years.
To start, you need to get a frame of reference: Saito-san is a former Executive Chef for Crustacean in San Francisco and also an experienced successful restauranteer. So, if you're out on the town looking for that 100% authentic Japanese traditional Izakaya or Sushi experience - this isn't my first choice - and probably shouldn't be yours.
Bistro Anju reminds me of many welcomed 'up-and-coming restaurants' in the Ginza prefecture of Tokyo that are expanding their wings through "Fusion" - And that's precisely what you should wrap your mind around. Taking the finest of the Japanese culinary potential and melding it further with French influences to result in unique, nowhere-else-to-be-found concoctions, that will literally make your culinary synapses explode with elation.
If you are the typical American self-proclaimed "sushi" expert that reviews from a criterium of stupid Western style rolls like "dragon rolls, crunchy rolls, etc." Please move on, from a foodie standpoint that is simply as moronic as it gets - you would be better off commenting on the quality of toiletpaper in the restaurant's bathroom. For clarity: Western style rolls are not Sushi - And no, you don't order "Omakase" if it is your first time at a Japanese restaurant. Ask for recommendations, but don't try to show off. If you don't understand, Google what Omakase actually means and how it is used.
Now, in terms of what you should order at Anju: If available, you need to try Saito-san's Fois Gras - it's absolutely mind-blowing. In addition, I remember having a rice-encrusted Sea Bass that was lightly fried to achieve a uniquely crusty casing around a delicate - yet perfectly cooked fish. Presentation is amazing, the fusion of flavors are insanely fabulous. If you are ordering like a pro... don't be surprised if you end up with a little amuse bouche that in itself will feel nothing less than a triumph. Definitely enjoy the sushi as well, just order real sushi!
Aliso Viejo is finally blessed with one amazing restaurant and a chef that far exceeded the culinary elitist 'soap box" that both my wife and I tend to stand upon.?