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Reviews
Glorifications & Executions of San Joaquin Eateries. |
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:: Reviews ::
My assignment is simple - breakfast, lunch or dinner for two, for no more than $20. This must include beverages (non-alcoholic), but not taxes or tip. I’m searching for true value for money in four categories:
Taste: 1(inedible) - 5 (finger-licking)
Fill Factor: 1 (feed me!) - 5 (shoot me!),
Service and Atmosphere: (+) good, (/) indifferent, (-) see comments
To keep things uncomplicated, the first two factors count for 50% of the total rating. Yes, you read it right. Service and ‘decor’ are pure fluff for this column, which makes sense if you think about it; if you’re not getting a decent portion of good food, does anything else matter? I will, however, subtract points if either adversely hinders one’s ability to enjoy said meal, whether rude, obnoxious behavior from service personnel, dubious (or worse!) standards of cleanliness, or something outrageous like fearing for one’s safety. |
Ginza Japanese Restaurant (Sacramento)
Reviewed by KLM
If you’re in the mood for teriyaki, sushi or tempura, it’s not hard to find, given the availability of Japanese fare these days. And while some will gladly shell out big bucks to have their batter, rice and meats, crusted, molded and sliced in fancy digs, you can eat wonderfully for a fraction of the price at a small, family run eatery like Ginza’s. One of a string of storefronts tucked in a grocery center straddling the Pocket and Greenhaven neighborhoods, Ginza’s small, intimate space reflects a confidence and authenticity well earned after 14 years in business. Owner Caroline Wong runs the kitchen, while her husband, Phillip, manages their second restaurant on Freeport.
At $6.50, Ginza’s daily lunch specials are a steal. Miso soup, a bowl of rice and hot tea accompany a wide range of options including, on any given day, sesame chicken, Gyoze (Japanese style pot stickers), shrimp and vegetable tempura and beef Kushiyaki (beef and vegetable skewers). The specials are rotated from the entrees, also served with the same sides and, topping out at $11.95 for eel teriyaki, still a great deal. Two signature dishes ($8.50) are Yosenabe (seafood, yam, noodles and fresh vegetables in a light chicken broth) and Yakizakana (salted and grilled mackerel).
The restaurant is also known for their well seasoned and fully stocked soup bowls ($6.50-$7.95). A variety of Udon (thick, flour noddles served hot), Somen (thin, usually served cold) and Soba (what noodles served cold or hot) are featured on the regular menu.
Appetizer portions ($3.25-6.95) are great if you’re looking to eat light, share or sample numerous items. My personal favorite is the fried tofu salad ($4.95). Large pockets of tofu are battered and deep fried until they puff up like marshmallows. More than a ½ dozen come served on lettuce with a slightly sweet dipping sauce. Light and airy, they’re deceptively filling. Of course, all the standards are also there so you can sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura till your hearts content.
Our total: $19.35 - Fried tofu ($4.95), Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura appetizer ($3.95), Chicken Teriyaki lunch special ($6.50), Crab Pot Pie Gyoze ($3.95)
T: 4.0 FF: 3.5 S(+) A(+)
Ginza
7485 Rush River Drive
(916) 427-5176
Lunch Mon-Fri. 11.30-2p.m. 5-9 p.m.
Dinner Sun-Thurs. 5-9, Fri-Sat. 6-10
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