Musashi the Izakaya
Gyuu tan – sliced and grilled beef tongue, brightened up with a touch of lemon and raw daikon.
So I was going to write a really scathing review on this Joshu-Ya Brasserie place in Berkeley, but midway through the draft I went to Yelp to read my friend Kristen’s review for that same dinner by which we were both gravely disappointed. Not only is her review already detailed and scathing enough, but she’s also been to Joshu-Ya several times. Me? I don’t give restaurants second chances, even first chances are rare. So I figured no way I’d know and write about Joshu-Ya better than Kristen. Also as we immerse in this holiday spirit and on our way to a brand new year, I’d rather be all cheery about a restaurant that I love. 😉 It’s so close to me yet so secluded from the flock of eateries downtown that I hadn’t tried it until last month. Tried it once, then I went nuts and suggested Musashi the izakaya(*) to myself and everyone every time somebody says Japanese. Beware though, this is one of those places that you need to go with someone in the know to get the real things. There’s no fake thing per se (well truth be told I’ve only been here with someone in the know), but the real things will make you that much happier blowing your wad. Even better, your wad gets blown a lot less here than at other izakayas in the block: Musashi is cheap.
What are the real things? Please, no California rolls. (**)
Eggplant tossed with sesame and sweet soy sauce (goma ae). Healthy, no frills, and strangely addictive.
A fresh start is the 3-piece nigiri sampler (salmon, tuna and hamachi), but Musashi first blew me away with their simple green beans tossed with sesame, miso and sweet soy sauce (さやいんげんのごまあえ|saya ingen no goma ae|?). A similar eggplant dish started the next dinner we had there, good but I’m no eggplant fan. Of course we have no say in the free side dish, but if the stars all line up right you might just get the green bean. 😉
They have all of the common izakaya food like karaage (fried chicken), sunagimo (chicken gizzard, mmmmm), teba (chicken wing) and every other chicken thing, but my staple go-to has been the gyuu tan: a heap of sliced beef tongue, so lightly grilled that it doesn’t turn rubber, for a measly $6! (UPDATE: Musashi has the BEST gyutan in Berkeley!)
Hamachi nigiri – fresh and chewy as I like it
Clockwise from left: mune (chicken breast), tsukune (chicken meat ball) and karaage (fried chicken).
Although it’s possible to fill up on the skewers (I’ve done that at, of all places, Ippuku), it’s more economical and less confusing to fill up on something with rice. The nice thing about Musashi is they often have these few-day specials with ridiculous discount, such as this bowl of curry rice for $6 topped with a tonkatsu for another $1. The first time I had Japanese curry at a Korean-owned Japanese restaurant I was bored out of my mind, but Musashi’s sweet, slightly peppery curry works for me, with some tsukemono (pickled things). Unaju (rice with unagi) would also make a perfect choice any day.
That said, you can order all of these things without knowing Japanese, because they’re on the menu. The real deal isn’t, but somehow your Japanese friend knows it exist and asks the hostess, she nods welcomingly “hai! hai!” and you just enjoy the ride.
For example, buri daikon – fatty hamachi (yellowtail) and daikon simmered in soy sauce and mirin ($8.50), or saba no misoni – saba (makerel) simmered in miso sauce, which, to my surprise, tastes almost identical to the Vietnamese cá kho despite the different ingredients. The sauces are watery and great over rice. If you’re afraid of (fish) bones like me, then ask her for buta no kakuni (braised pork belly), same concept.
Finish with black sesame ice cream.
One Monday evening I planned to meet a friend here, only to find out that they’re closed on Sunday and Monday. I was very sad.
Address: Musashi Japanese Restaurant
2126 Dwight Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 843-2017
www.musashiofberkeley.com
(*) There’s Musashi (宮本 武蔵) the famous samurai whose life stories inspired several works of fiction, such as the historical manga Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. It’s bloody bloody, and bloody sad, nonetheless I’m at volume 34.
(**) I know. These American rolls can be good, and the place to get them would be Anzu.
Thanks for this tremendous post, I am glad I noticed this site on yahoo.
1It is actually a nice and useful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
2I don’t unremarkably comment but I gotta tell thankyou for the post on this great one :D.
3Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
4There is apparently a bunch to realize about this. I think you made certain good points in features also.
5Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
6It’s actually a cool and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
7경기도 구리출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 자택·호텔 방문 상담, 선입금 없는 예약 및 현장 결제 기준을 확인하세요. 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간은 주소와
8부산출장마사지 셀럽의 코스별 가격과 예약 방법을 확인하세요. 해운대·서면·광안리·동래 등 지역별 방문 가능 여부, 예상 도착 시간, 선입금 없는 현장 결제와 자택
9부산출장마사지 셀럽의 코스별 가격과 예약 방법을 확인하세요. 해운대·서면·광안리·동래 등 지역별 방문 가능 여부, 예상 도착 시간, 선입금 없는 현장 결제와 자택
10Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
11I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂
12I don’t normally comment but I gotta say appreciate it for the post on this amazing one :D.
13I have to express my respect for your generosity giving support to men who actually need help with that topic. Your real commitment to getting the message all around appears to be astonishingly practical and has always enabled associates just like me to get to their dreams. Your new useful tips and hints entails this much a person like me and especially to my office workers. Thanks a ton; from all of us.
14I’m not sure where you are getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful information I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
15With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.
16I intended to send you one little bit of observation so as to say thanks as before over the nice tactics you’ve contributed on this site. It has been certainly surprisingly generous of you to make openly what a few individuals would’ve marketed as an e-book to help with making some cash on their own, even more so considering the fact that you could have tried it in case you desired. These secrets in addition worked as a easy way to be aware that other individuals have similar interest just like mine to grasp a lot more in terms of this matter. I’m sure there are some more pleasant instances ahead for folks who go through your blog.
17When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any way you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!
18This website can be a walk-by means of for all the information you needed about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll undoubtedly uncover it.
19There are some interesting deadlines on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity but I’ll take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely
20Great weblog here! Additionally your site a lot up very fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink in your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
21Great blog right here! Also your site quite a bit up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your associate hyperlink on your host? I desire my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
22주소콘에서 필요한 사이트를 분야별로 살펴보세요. 뉴스, 커뮤니티, 영상, 웹툰, 쇼핑, 생활 정보와 온라인 도구를 찾는 방법부터 주소 확인, 즐겨찾기 관리, 접속 오류 해결까지 안내합니다. 목적에 맞는 링크를 고르고 더 편리하게 이용하세요.
23Many thanks for sharing such valuable information. I really like your web page. Many thanks for letting me share my thoughts on your blog post. I look forward to more informative publications from you in the future.
24Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal website.
25Keep functioning ,terrific job!
26With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d definitely appreciate it.
27주소콘에서 필요한 웹사이트 주소를 쉽고 빠르게 찾아보세요. 분야별 주소모음과 링크모음, 주소찾기 방법부터 변경된 주소 확인, 안전한 링크 확인 방법까지 한눈에 살펴볼 수 있습니다.
28주소콘에서 필요한 웹사이트 주소를 쉽고 빠르게 찾아보세요. 분야별 주소모음과 링크모음, 주소찾기 방법부터 변경된 주소 확인, 안전한 링크 확인 방법까지 한눈에 살펴볼 수 있습니다.
29Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
30I conceive this site has very wonderful written content material articles.
31Some genuinely nice and utilitarian info on this internet site, likewise I conceive the style and design has wonderful features.
32Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is wonderful, as well as the content!
33What i do not realize is actually how you are not really much more well-liked than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!
34Some truly superb articles on this internet site, regards for contribution.
35Appreciate it for helping out, excellent info .
36You have brought up a very excellent points, thankyou for the post.
37I’m extremely inspired together with your writing abilities and also with the format to your blog. Is that this a paid topic or did you modify it your self? Either way stay up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great blog like this one these days..
38Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
39F*ckin’ awesome things here. I’m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
40I have not checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
41I like this web blog very much, Its a real nice post to read and receive info . “There are two ways of spreading light to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” by Edith Newbold Jones Wharton.
42I see something genuinely special in this site.
43Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a great website.
44Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really recognize what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally discuss with my site =). We may have a hyperlink alternate arrangement between us!
45Outstanding post, I believe website owners should larn a lot from this blog its very user genial.
46It’s actually a great and useful piece of info. I’m happy that you just shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
47I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
48I simply couldn’t leave your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information an individual supply to your visitors? Is going to be again regularly in order to investigate cross-check new posts
49When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any means you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
50