I've been meaning to share with you some pictures and impressions of a new Yakitori (skewered and grilled chicken) shop in San Jose, but work has kept me busy, busy, busy.
All I seem to find time to do is to work, sleep, swim (I recently renewed my love for exercise in the pool), and go eat yakitori at Sumiya. I've found myself there three days in the last week. Yup, you read that right. Three days in one week...
The menu there is small, but the tsukune meat balls are superb. And the best part? All you can eat cabbage. Many restaurants don't serve enough vegetables for me (besides Hot Pot City with their all you can eat greens), but not Sumiya. They've got all you can eat cabbage. I literally turn into a little rabbit and happily much on raw cabbage.
In addition to various chicken parts (i.e. gizzard, skin, heart, liver, thigh, breast), Sumiya also serves Yakiton (non-chicken skewered and grilled items). The duck is OK, but the Beef Kalbi is tender, juicy, and full of charcoaled goodness.
Although I usually prefer my grilled items salted, I find myself liking the sauce (ta-re) version at Sumiya. I think their salt is too bitter to bring out the sweetness of the grilled goodies. Their sauce has a nice balance of sweet and savory.
Their ocha-zuke is a big two-thumbs up, made with a grilled onigiri rice ball soaked in their chicken stock. Although there is no ocha in their ochazuke, I think it's a nice finishing dish here.
I got some pictures to share, but since I went all the way to San Jose today for dinner, I won't be able to get to them tonight... Soon, soon!
5160 Moorpark Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
(Lawrence Expwy & Moorpark Ave.)
Reservations: (408) 973-0604
Mon-Sat, 5pm - 11:30pm
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8 comments:
Thanks for reviewing this place. I'm glad to hear that it has potential. A shame they are only open for dinner (too far for me).
I wonder if they are as good as Saizo or better?
I forgot to mention in case you didn't know already, that the latest issue of Bayspo has 20% off coupon for Sumiya...
I forgot to mention in case you didn't know already, that the latest issue of Bayspo has 20% off coupon for Sumiya...
Oh, we should have checked BaySpo first...
I finally understood the difference between yakitori and izakaya shops now - a yakitori shop is much more specialized. No wonder I was surprised at the smaller menu when we first went there.
I think their food is great. I love the all-you-can-eat cabbage. My favorite dish there is the kalbi, but everything else is good too (except for the "eel guts").
I am looking forward to seeing the yakitori photos. I am sure your photos are going to look as great as the others you posted. I can't wait to try this place, as it is acutally not too far from my office.
Oh goodness, guys,
So sorry I haven't put up my pictures from Sumiya. I've been working super mega long hours at work!
Yamo, anytime you want to check out Sumiya, just send me an email!
KK,
Saizo and Sumiya are sort of two different genres, although close. Sumiya doesn't have the variety that Saizo has, since it's not an izakaya but rather a yakitori-ya. I like them both!
Pirorin,
We should go back there again soon!
Papa,
:D
Yuko-san,
Yes, I will definitely get those pictures up soon as soon as I can relax my brain for a night!
It may be six months later but we finally made it to Sumiya on your recommendation. LOVED IT. My first Yakitori and I plan on going back and taking all my friends. You mentioned in futher reviews that the skewers all came at once? Not tonight, the pacing was perfect. Perfect late night meal for us. I think we tried one of everything on the menu! (even several of the specials). Thanks again for the heads up on this place.
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