We'd been to a gastro pub in Norwich to watch the (awesome) Arsenal destroy Everton on the first day of the 2009/2010 season. Annoyingly the pub refused us food as the kitchen was 'too busy' - how rubbish.

 

Anyway - we ended up walking round Norwich, and the only place we could get into was this Japanese place. I've been reading up a lot on Japanese recently (take a look at the superb Sushi and Beyond - Michael Booth's amusing and detailed account of three months of food exploration in Japan).

 

I have always been sceptical of Japanese restaurants in the UK - I think they are only just starting to deliver decent authentic food, and having read the above book - I do realise how much more sophistication there is out there.

 

So - didn't have much hope when we went in.….but actually turned out to have a very decent meal. As I'd been reading about both fresh Tofu, and also the unami packed Dashi stock - we decide on the Tofu in Broth to start. I would never have ordered this 6 months ago. It was total genius. Beautiful silken creamy Tofu - with a very light fried coating and sat in a deep Miso like broth (Dashi I believe). Excellent.…..

 

As I'd had a few pints watching Arsenal - the curry sounded good. I knew Japanese curry was based on a 'curry power' approach - as thus it was. A thick gloopy mild curry sauce covering the lovely breaded pork. Perfect.

 

Sorry Shiki for mis-judging you. When us Brits get round to understanding Japanese food properly you'll have a bonanza!