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2011-08-28
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On a warm Sunday afternoon, my friends and I went for some Japanese hotpot at the Nikko Hotel in East Tsim Sha Tsui. Many of you may or may not know of this gem of a hotel but it is definitely one of those classy places that one can overlook because it is in a hotel rather than a famous restaurant. Nevertheless, before I elaborate on the eating experience there, I would cut short of the chase and recommend 'Sagano' without hesitation.Once we got there, we did not have to wait. The staff is extre
Once we got there, we did not have to wait. The staff is extremely polite and helpful, always with a welcoming smile and ever so courteous. They are elegantly dressed in traditional Japanese Kimonos and are able to converse in Japanese, Cantonese and English, all at an advance level. As they guided us to the room, as per Japanese customs, we left our shoes outside to enter a simple yet beautifully decorated room where we sat down. The room has a very authentic Japanese feel and induces a very relaxing effect on its occupants. I must add that it had a very exhilarating feel, where my friends and I could quietly enjoy a meal - the music was not too loud and we could just enjoy our conversation in this pleasantly quiet room.
The food was brought in timely fashion and we started with vegetables and fish as our hors d'oeuvre:
The bean sprouts was lightly cooked and retained much of its crispiness and freshness - it would be suitable for any vegetarian as well as non vegetarian who would appreciate this simple starter. The Spanish Mackerel that followed is a real treat because the fish preserves its tenderness without being too dry - it is all just right as the fish is juicy and crispy, having lost some of its fatty oil without losing the flavour. It is accompanied with some grounded radish to accompany the fish, to complement this delightful dish.The main course is the much celebrated aspect of this meal. We were having Shabu Shabu and my! That ranks as one of the best hot pots I have ever tasted: the beef served was pretty much high in meat content with practically no fat and the assortment of vegetables (mushrooms, cabbage and mochi) made the perfect accompaniment to the meat! The soup used is simple, but the beef together with the vegetables brought much stock that in the end, the leftover soup had a very good taste:
As much as I am diverging from the description of this exquisite meal, the pleasant experience is priceless. Have you ever been in a hot pot place where the hot pot would take time to heat up and may sometimes overcook the meat? It never happened on the night because the clay hot pot used operates more efficiently and effectively and the meat and vegetables were cooked within minutes (less than 2 minutes actually). The beef and the vegetables tasted supremely delightful mainly because the beef was not too fatty and its freshness can be told immediately - they were not just out of the freezer but reached us at room temperature. Although I am not predominantly vegetarian, the mushrooms and cabbage were just right in the sense that they were also fresh, tasted better than the regular ones I can get my hands on in other hot pot places and blended fashionably with the beef.On a final note, I would recommend this place to anybody seeking a quiet but enjoyable time in a private setting, where they can expect great service and leave with the satisfaction of having a good meal as well as an enjoyable time - this place would suit couples, groups of friends, or family gatherings.
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