My first visit to the new Hasu. It was a tiny and intimate place before a rebuild renovation turned it into something more. The decor is lovely, minimalist-chic and beautifully sleek, but the prices reflect the state of the economy and the inevitably increased overhead.
But the food is still as beautiful, and even a simple plate of Pickles is exquisite. Daikon, cucumber, radish, carrots, and burdock with varying levels of brine will cover all the bases.
Alternate your sour with your savory, cold veggies with the hot, thin slices of Gizzard Simmered in Miso in this gravy-broth.
The outside crisp of Fried Tofu gives way to an impossibly soft interior for a steamy standout.
Skewers are the main event, little bits of tender, delicate meat. Gizzard is a firm favorite, Quail Eggs are soft and savory when they roast, and Meat Balls are juicy and plump.
Grilled Corn is an unsung hero, popping-bubble kernels of salty and sweet. Skin is chewy and crunchy and melts in your mouth as it crackles. Pork Belly is fatty and savory but honestly a little bland. Chicken Hearts are never dull, and these don't disappoint.
Nubs of Fried Octopus Legs are lovely, though the portion is a little small.
Oyster Mushroom with Truffle Oil just might be their best. The mushroom is just dripping juice, and the truffle is just a hint, not too overpowering.
Grilled Rice Balls bring everything to a satisfying end, and as much as I enjoyed the one with baby sardines, I think the regular with crispy, soy-sauced rice will suffice.
I don't know how I feel about Hasu anymore. Their food is exquisite, but it's too easy to eat forever. The skewers are small and not very filling, and unless you're eating multiples of the same thing, it's too easy to order more and more to munch forever. It's a lovely place for a classy meal, but it's not one where you can pig out with generous portions over beer like at Torihei. I wouldn't need much convincing to come back, but now there is equivalent food for this price.
My first visit here was magical, but I feel like they lost that magic when they tore it down.
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