This was long overdue. I was browsing through my gallery deleting stuff while doing that when I came across these photos. This was my first time visiting Yasuragi. They used to be located at the city center but then moved to a new location where a former food establishment used to be and where I have been to many times.
This used to be Kamimura where they offer eat-all-you-can buffet. I think the color of the house changed. I can't remember because it has been a long time since the last I visited this when it was still Kamimura.
There used to be more trees to the right of the driveway. Now it's just bare.
There's a wash area and a menu placed at the entrance. Nice clay jar.
A fireplace is in the middle as you enter. To the right of the fireplace is where all the magic happens - the sushi bar, the kitchen, etc.
Tables and chairs are placed around the fireplace. The main dining area is in the next room. The doors have stained glass built into them. There are also stained glass windows. I think the main dining area can also be used as function room for private events. There's also a large mirror in the main dining area. That used to be the buffet area back when this was another food establishment.
There's not much of a major change done inside. The buffet area is gone and more tables and chairs were in its place.
A balcony can be accessed through the dining areas.
You can see a mall below to the right. I was told it was acquired by a different mall operator and renovations are underway. Construction of another establishment is also happening right across this mall (below my watermark) and across that (not captured in the photo) is yet another condominium on the rise.
You can also see in the distance Mirador Hill and retreat house. That's one of the newer tourist spots here in the city.
So on to the food.
We were craving for some ramen that time but we were also deciding grilled meat. A friend who went here told us it was good. One of the reasons why we haven't been here yet is the distance from our place.
We settled for ramen and sushi boat at first. We almost went for sushi platter where there are more sushi. The difference with the sushi boat is that the sushi boat has more varieties of sushi. Although the sushi platter has more sushi, but it's not as varied as the sushi boat.
We ordered tea for a start while waiting for our orders. Soon the noodles arrived. We were the only customers that time by the way so the waiting time is not that long.
I ordered for spicy miso ramen. My partner had Yasuragi ramen. I haven't tasted my partner's order but mine was okay. Everything is balanced though which I liked.
Then came the sushi boat.
It looks pretty and well-presented. Right away we tasted some of those. I don't know in particular how they call the individual sushi. I found out that I didn't like the fresh fish. I think it just takes time to get used to the texture of it. What I like about it though is that there is no fishy smell which is a huge help. I did dip it in the dip that came with it but it made no difference. Only the wasabi did the trick. The kick of the wasabi takes the focus away from the fish.
I do like that the wasabi was shaped like a rose. That's #alwaysaflower for you :)
We decided to have some mixed tempura halfway through our sushi boat just to have something else other than fish.
We didn't ask what's it in but there were shrimp, some veggies, but more fish.
Overall, we were whelmed. We are not overwhelmed nor underwhelmed, so we are just whelmed? Not sure if I used that correctly.
The place is nice and welcoming. It has a nice view. The ambiance is peaceful. The staff is courteous enough. The service is great. We didn't have to wait a long time. The food is a hit-and-miss.
Will I recommend it? Yes. The portion of ramen is fulfilling and satisfying enough. The sushi boat is enough to share with a group of five or more depending on the appetite. The price for both of those is sensible. It is my first time trying sushi boat and I think the price is okay. The mixed tempura is not to so much. I think it's a bit pricey.
I will go back there again and try some of their other stuff but not right away.
There goes my #MarketFriday share for this week. If you want to know more about this challenge, visit @dswigle's post When Irish Eyes are Smiling: Market Friday and check out the guidelines.