I first came across Takumen on social media, Instagram to be exact.
Conceived by a group of Japanese friends who forged their bonds in New York, their venture began as a Ramen project, but gradually developed into a family-friendly eatery that combines elements of Izakaya, a noodle shop and neighborhood cafe.
I was quickly drawn in by their beautiful and vibrantly styled dishes.
Later I learned that those dishes as well as everything on their menu was prepared in an Izakaya-style.
TakuMen is Kiyo Shinoki’s interpretation of Izakaya culture. The director of the much acclaimed speakeasy Bohemian explains the logic behind it. “Historically, Izakaya was where people gathered and bonded over drinks.
So New York City host restaurant week twice a year once in the Summer and Once in the Winter.
This is a great way to experience new restaurants in the city.
And since I already had Takumen on my list.
I decided to take advantage of this great deal.
The restaurant is a nice size with the bar being in the front and the kitchen and seating area in the back.
I decided to stop in for their restaurant week lunch menu instead of dinner.
Now let’s talk food.
First I started off by ordering a drink.
I decided to go with a craft Sake called the “Sake Matinee“.
1)The Masumi Shiro”Sake Matinee”,Junmai Ginjo -Nagano,Japan
A smooth and gentle drink with the illusion of sweetness. A wine-like 2% alcohol.(chilled or room temperature)
This was an excellent Sake due to the sweetness and wine like taste.
Undoubtedly I could have gone for another if I wasn’t driving.
2)The Yukari-Cucumber Salad
Yukari salt, fresh cucumber
What a delicious crunchy flavorful side dish.
Especially the way the Yukari Salt woke up the flavor in each bite.
3)The Takumen Potato Salad
Blanched potato,cucumber,carrot,kewpie mayonnaise
Now lets get into this very tasty Potato Salad.
It should be noted that this was very first time having Potato salad prepared Izakaya-style!
And let me just say I am now a fan!
Perhaps it is the kewpie mayonnaise but it was absolutely delightful!
4)The Hawaiian Tuna Poke Rice Bowl
Tuna sashimi, poke sauce, yukari cucumber, kombu cauliflower & broccoli, avocado salad, potato salad, nori-seaweed ,seaweed salad, shishito pepper
As for my Rice Poke Bowl the Tuna Sashimi was the star of the show.
All in all my dish was scrumptious.
However I would have liked a bit more sauce on my rice.
5)The Wafu Vanilla Ice Cream
Morgenstern’s Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream, Kuromitsu, sansho powder, kinako, monaka wafer
Obviously my dessert was delectable, creamy and full of flavor!
In conclusion I have to say that Takumen has one of the best restaurant week selection’s that I have experienced .
I would highly recommend hitting this spot up!
Also they have really nice and clean restrooms which we all know says a lot about an establishment .
