Saturday Night Family Dinner: Bubbly & Craft Beer @ Hanakazu

Saturday before last, the 9th February 2013, was back at Hanakazu (108 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque) with Catha & the kids sans the eldest who had schoolwork to attend to (or so he claimed).

Complimentary appetizers from the chef-proprietor.

I always order extra of the Baby Squid.

Toro Sashimi flown in fresh from Japan. Love this stuff. With it, some Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée Brut - from the same batch I brought home from Hong Kong early last month. My notes from last Saturday, naturally, still apply:

I've always loved Krug's aromas - alluring honey, ripe apricot, fresh bread, candied ginger, slight nuttiness, complexed with a breath of oxidation - all generously mirrored on the palate in a hefty, yet light-footed body. Not as complex as vintage Krug, of course, but, wonderful in itself nonetheless.

Excellent Hamachi Sashimi from Japan.

Also got a whole, fresh Saba - half as sashimi...

...the other half grilled (not very interesting grilled though).

Nigiri Sushi: Anago, Ikura, & Ama Ebi...

...with which I opened a Rogue Morimoto Imperial Pilsner - a sweetishly honeyed malted, moderately hoppy, luscious, full-bodied imperial pilsner to which an Iron Chef lent his name. Unless it is a good bubbly, I've pretty much given up having white wines with Japanese fare. I enjoy beer and saké with it so much more.

Of course, we also had the obligatory (for me, anyway) Ebi Tempura, which Hanakazu does very well. As far as this dish goes, to my mind, Hanakazu's is easily on par with that of Tsukiji, both of which I consider the best in the country (in the absence of the defunct Sushi Kappo Kobikicho).

Joaqi's Beef Yakimeshi, which he said was "Just ok".

Soft-Shell Crab - a bit too muddled for me. A big pass on this.

Nice, refreshing, complimentary Honeydew Melon for dessert.
Kampai! Until the next!