NAKAMEGURO: Lounge 440 "Teppan Yaki with Laurel in Hardy" at ShiShiMaru

Mari had her eye on Lounge 440 for quite some time so she was able to get an online coupon (from http://tokupo.jp/ I think) that got us A4 Ranked Beef, Veggies and a Drink of our choice.  Guys, this is the new fad... don't pay full price but prepay for a portion of your meal online!  Anyways....

Please meet or very own Japanese Laurel that moonlights as a Teppan Yaki Chef in Nakameguro.  His charm points are cooking beef on the very far end of the metal cooking surface so you get a nice spattering of oil on your hands all thru the meal... for free.  He's a bit goofy and its a pleasure to watch him fumble with the amazing selection of meat and seafood.

Now meet Hardy, he's on the far end of this picture but as plump as Santa Clause.  His charm points are the ever lasting goofy happy go lucky smile and his jolly ole belly hanging over the cooking surface.  

We started with the Salad with Zuwai Crab and Avocado 1,200yen ($14)... I think the main ingredient to rescue any salad is the dressing and Japan has some amazing selections.  This was ok but the portion was a bit small even by Japanese standards.

Next was the Sauteed Tsubugai and Potato Garlic Butter 1,200yen... the actual cost of this plate must have been 300yen... portions ridiculously small but the garlic sauce was tasty!

And so our A4 ranked (Not A5.. but one rank lower) Selected Wagyu Beef Filet arrived!  On our walk to the restaurant we could only imagine this requiring very few chews much like the wonderful selection of Kobe and Matsuzaka beef in Japan!  Meduim rare... ready to chew only a few times... chew chew chew chew chew I kept chewing... hmm this beef is 4,800 yen right ($55). 

We were so looking forward to ordering more food but Laurel and Hardy so lacked the skills to properly cook the ingredients... I think something is oddly wrong with this shop.  Perhaps management is harsh on its employees and just can't keep hold of great Chefs.  If you want a MEMORABLE meal then you MUST goto  Yamato Teppan-Yaki in Ginza.  

One bathroom is shared by both men and women... and as you can see it was falling apart.  I mean if you are charging these prices for your meal they could at least keep the facilities up to par.  Please don't waste your money here unless you are fans of Laurel and Hardy... they were entertaining.

I leave you with Laurel...

BYE!

SHOP: Lounge 440 (Shi Shi Maru). 

Location: NAKAMEGURO (Right next to Nakameguro River).
Shop Website: http://shishimaru-nakameguro.com/
Gnavi (with Coupon): http://r.gnavi.co.jp/e858700/
Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13022374/
J-Address: 東京都目黒区青葉台1-22-3
E-Address: Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Aobadai 1-22-3
MAP:

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GINZA: Yamato Seafood and Steak aka Teppan Yaki!!!

Yamato has been around since Mari's mother was still young?  Am I explaining this correctly... well, its been around for a very long time and a favorite among families in and around Ginza.

On the 7th floor.  Don't expect the fancy flair of Benihana's in the US with non-stop visual excitement but this is a more peaceful setting with the Chef perfectly preparing each item.

This is the seasonal dinner menu starting at 12,500yen course... but don't stop reading here!

The 4:00-10:00pm Menu... but keep going!

The greatest deal in Tokyo is lunch at up scale restaurants... dinner starting at 12,500yen!?  Why not hit up Teppan Yaki lunch startiing at 2,100yen!  The volume is more than enough.

The 6 older ladies/grandma's sitting across from us were glittering with diamonds and pearls... after a few glasses of wine one lady fell asleep... can't beat enjoying wine even as senior citizens.

First came the salad and soup... super tasty dressing... hint of onion and garlic.

Salmon, Shrimp and White Fish... 

Chef recommended Medium Rare for our beef.

The beef with some vegetables stir fried in the beef oils.

Great meal.. all smiles.

The little touches.

You can either choose bread OR Miso Soup, rice and pickles with your lunch set.  I'd recommend the the Miso soup set... so much more and compared to the bread its a way better value.

Choice of Coffee or Tea to close the meal.

Click to enlarge.. some info about Yamato on the business card.

Nice alcohol cabinet... guess the regulars keep their bottles here. 

Look at this interior... classy old school... Japan from the 70's?

I'd absolutely recommend this place if you visit GINZA.  Forgot to take a pic of the lunch menu but if you can read a little Japanese click here http://www.mikasakaikan.co.jp/restaurant/japanese/yamato/menu

I'd suggest the 2,300yen KIKU lunch set with a mix of beef and tasty seafood burger (they sold out of it this day) and Mari loves the 2,100yen NADESHIKO with its 150g of tasty beef.

SHOP: Yamato Seafood and Steak (MIKASA KAIKAN Building).

LOCATION: Ginza

Restaurant Website: http://www.mikasakaikan.co.jp/restaurant/japanese/yamato/index

Foodie Website:  http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13006512/

Address E: Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-5-17

Address J: 東京都中央区銀座5-5-17

MAP: 

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