My absolute favorite snack - A SPAM ROLL!

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When judging whether an ethnic restaurant  is the best of its kind, how do you decide if it’s worth the visit?. Is it where people of that same ethnicity also eat or one that has clientele with different backgrounds?

Usually, in most cases, the more of that demographic, the more likely the food is to be authentic and good. This isn’t to say that places which transcend culture aren’t complimentary towards cuisine but usually “insiders” know what’s best. If you find someone of that background, culture, or cuisine experience patronizing an establishment, it is pretty safe to say it’s delish.

But those places are  like the last piece of a large puzzle.  As much as it’s a team effort to complete the puzzle, there is something special, sinister, and selfishly good about holding onto that last piece. It’s not about the action of putting it in as the last piece to complete the puzzle picture but rather it’s the power that knowing you have somethings someone else doesn’t have. This is  what I call “Insider Eating”. Everyone who knows about a special eating spot, a new place they call their own are just like the person with the last piece of the puzzle. They do their best to hide it because they find join in that unique experience of holding back the “last piece” or their own special eating spot. How often have you said you no longer like something because it’s now trendy or popular and that takes away from it’s charm?

As is the norm with these new spots I discover, I’ve driven by Koko’s Kitchen numerous times but never had the desire to stop by. Its rag tag random exterior doesn’t seem inviting to passerbys and with a name like Koko, Japanese food is not what jumps out at you. I have a different stereotype in mind. But alas, after speaking to a friend who spent most of his life living in Japan, he filled me on the secret: Koko’s is where those who want real good Japanese food go. In fact, when I asked him where to get good Japanese food, he strayed away from the sushi craze that comes to mind when people say “Japanese Cuisine.” Instead he told me that when the Japanese delegation was in town for the Winter Olympics, Koko’s was the place. I thought, authentic? I gotta try it! Thanks to my friend for not holding back that last piece of the puzzle for real Japanese treats!

My first visit got me hooked.  Walking into any popular eatery with high expectations always leads me nervous and anxious filled because I literally don’t know what to expect. Furthermore, eating alone usually is a bit awkward, especially as I take pictures of each thing I have. When I walked into Koko’s I was immediately overwhelmed by the huge, and that is an understatement, huge whiteboard listing their entire menu, both sushi, sashimi,  as well as udon, ramen, bento boxes, and more! At the suggestion of my friend

The Full Meal : Round 1

I had Tonkatsu but while deciding upon that I glanced on their special Tako Roll and decided upon that too. Tonkatsu is basically a breaded breast or pork loin that’s fried to a nice crispy texture, sealing in the flavor of the meat portion inside. If you like fried food, you’ll love the Tonkatsu. The dish comes with potato salad, stir fried vegetable, pickles and a heaping portion of rice. It fits the basic of what I call a man’s meal, carbs, meats, various vegetables and fried goodness. Be advised that Tonkatsu isn’t anything that will blow your mind. Koko’s is about comfort food from a cuisine that seems to often only be showcased for sushi.

I wish I could wrap my arms arms arms arms arms arms arms arms around this hand roll

A Grab Bag

The Full Tonkatsu

Friend Meter: Preston,