Yakitori Japanese Grill at Vino Vino in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru

Johor Kaki was invited by Christian, manager at Vino Vino Bistro to try their Japanese grill or yakitori dishes.





Vino Vino Bistro in Taman Molek is a very well appointed restaurant with an impressive range of beers, whiskies, fine wines, and premium spirits.



Vino Vino has a private room for those special occasions.



Vino Vino has plenty of choices of fine sake and shochu, needless to say.





And, this is the charcoal fired yakitori station that churns out all the delicious Japanese grilled dishes to go with the fine spirits in Vino Vino. Heading Vino Vino's kitchen is Japanese Executive Chef Inose Kazuhiro who has many years of working experience in Japan and Singapore, and over 10 years in Malaysia.



Before we get down to the yakitori, Christian started us off with a couple of Japanese appetisers. This was the Ockura Mentaiko Ae (RM16), lady's fingers with cod roe.



I liked this Ockura Mentaiko Ae a lot. The tender, crunchy, slightly sweet lady fingers with slimy sap were mixed with savoury cod roe. Excellent, delicious combination that really whetted my appetite. 



The Gobo salad (RM16) made with very thin slices of fried fibrous root is a very popular appetiser among Japanese.

Our appetites nicely whetted, it's time for the main course. Yakitori literary means "grilled chicken". So central to any good yakitori menu are its grilled chicken parts.







Nankotsu (RM3), chicken cartilage from the breast bone. My family and friends know that I will always "reserve" this part of the chicken whenever we eat together. I like nankotsu for its crunchy bite.



Torikawa (RM4) or grilled chicken skin and ginan (RM3) or grilled ginko nuts. Crispy and savoury.



When I saw bishop's noses (bonjiri RM6) on the menu, I couldn't resist asking for it. Hey, the best blend of skin, fat, meat, and collagen in a chicken is right here, not anywhere else. They are always good when grilled till the skin is crisp.



Aburi Mentaiko (RM38), cod roe marinaded in red capsicum juices and then grilled.



Salty and savoury with very subtle tender, poppy mouth feel from the bursting eggs, Aburi Mentaiko goes well with drinks, in my opinion.



Tokusei Tsukune (RM6) or "Special Meat Ball" made with minced beef and chicken.



The "meat ball" is dipped in soft boiled eggs and sauce before eating.



Eringi, King Trumpet Mushroom (RM3).



The manager's recommendation, Ocatsuki (RM6) or "Rice Ball in Green Tea Soup".



The steamed rice is compacted into a ball and then grilled till a slightly burnt crust forms. The bits of burnt, crunchy crust matched well with the clear, lightly flavoured broth to create an interesting dish that goes well with yakitori.



We had a couple of wines to help us wash all that yakitori down.



Getting to Vino Vino Bistro is really easy. Just 15 minutes' drive from downtown Johor Bahru via the EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link). If you don't want to drive, Vino Vino even has a limo service (actually a SUV clearly painted Vino Vino) in which they will pick up diners from anywhere in town and bring you to the restaurant. After your dinner, Vino Vino's limo will send you to anywhere you want to go in Johor Bahru town. Just call Vino Vino at 607-357-6699. I think this is a really thoughtful and helpful service. I will use this service the next time I am going to Vino Vino, and perhaps, indulge myself a little bit more in the drinks :)

I would definitely like to come back to Vino Vino Bistro for the food, drinks and the ambiance.



Restaurant name: Vino Vino Bistro
Address: 12, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/BCkwD
GPS: 1.527851,103.789719
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight  /  Sunday 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight
Non Halal

Date visited: 1 Apr 2013

Johor Kaki was invited by Christian, manager at Vino Vino Bistro to try their Japanese grill or yakitori dishes.





Vino Vino Bistro in Taman Molek is a very well appointed restaurant with an impressive range of beers, whiskies, fine wines, and premium spirits.



Vino Vino has a private room for those special occasions.



Vino Vino has plenty of choices of fine sake and shochu, needless to say.





And, this is the charcoal fired yakitori station that churns out all the delicious Japanese grilled dishes to go with the fine spirits in Vino Vino. Heading Vino Vino's kitchen is Japanese Executive Chef Inose Kazuhiro who has many years of working experience in Japan and Singapore, and over 10 years in Malaysia.



Before we get down to the yakitori, Christian started us off with a couple of Japanese appetisers. This was the Ockura Mentaiko Ae (RM16), lady's fingers with cod roe.



I liked this Ockura Mentaiko Ae a lot. The tender, crunchy, slightly sweet lady fingers with slimy sap were mixed with savoury cod roe. Excellent, delicious combination that really whetted my appetite. 



The Gobo salad (RM16) made with very thin slices of fried fibrous root is a very popular appetiser among Japanese.

Our appetites nicely whetted, it's time for the main course. Yakitori literary means "grilled chicken". So central to any good yakitori menu are its grilled chicken parts.







Nankotsu (RM3), chicken cartilage from the breast bone. My family and friends know that I will always "reserve" this part of the chicken whenever we eat together. I like nankotsu for its crunchy bite.



Torikawa (RM4) or grilled chicken skin and ginan (RM3) or grilled ginko nuts. Crispy and savoury.



When I saw bishop's noses (bonjiri RM6) on the menu, I couldn't resist asking for it. Hey, the best blend of skin, fat, meat, and collagen in a chicken is right here, not anywhere else. They are always good when grilled till the skin is crisp.



Aburi Mentaiko (RM38), cod roe marinaded in red capsicum juices and then grilled.



Salty and savoury with very subtle tender, poppy mouth feel from the bursting eggs, Aburi Mentaiko goes well with drinks, in my opinion.



Tokusei Tsukune (RM6) or "Special Meat Ball" made with minced beef and chicken.



The "meat ball" is dipped in soft boiled eggs and sauce before eating.



Eringi, King Trumpet Mushroom (RM3).



The manager's recommendation, Ocatsuki (RM6) or "Rice Ball in Green Tea Soup".



The steamed rice is compacted into a ball and then grilled till a slightly burnt crust forms. The bits of burnt, crunchy crust matched well with the clear, lightly flavoured broth to create an interesting dish that goes well with yakitori.



We had a couple of wines to help us wash all that yakitori down.



Getting to Vino Vino Bistro is really easy. Just 15 minutes' drive from downtown Johor Bahru via the EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link). If you don't want to drive, Vino Vino even has a limo service (actually a SUV clearly painted Vino Vino) in which they will pick up diners from anywhere in town and bring you to the restaurant. After your dinner, Vino Vino's limo will send you to anywhere you want to go in Johor Bahru town. Just call Vino Vino at 607-357-6699. I think this is a really thoughtful and helpful service. I will use this service the next time I am going to Vino Vino, and perhaps, indulge myself a little bit more in the drinks :)

I would definitely like to come back to Vino Vino Bistro for the food, drinks and the ambiance.



Restaurant name: Vino Vino Bistro
Address: 12, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/BCkwD
GPS: 1.527851,103.789719
Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight  /  Sunday 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight
Non Halal

Date visited: 1 Apr 2013

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Japanese Food at Dontaku in City Square Mall, Johor Bahru

 

My friend Kumes have been telling me about Dontaku Japanese restaurant in City Square, one of his favourite hangouts for some time and we finally visited it together last week. City Square has mushroomed with many new eateries since its recent major renovation and has become a mini food paradise. Dontaku is one of the established tenants in City Square and is now tucked at the southern end in a relatively small space. Dontaku is near the Sakae Sushi outlet. 

 

 

Inside Dontaku, the decor is not posh but certainly well appointed. I like this interesting feature wall with various quaint looking bottles and receptacles.

 

 

These green bamboo stands serve as partitions and privacy shields in the tight, small space.

 

 

We started our meal off with a couple of this sake. I'm not sure what brand this was, I only heard Kumes telling the waiter "the usual" :P And, I didn't really pay attention as I am not a big fan of sake. Taste wise, this sake was quite smooth and pleasant.

 

Dontaku serves pretty good Japanese fare at very reasonable prices (especially, if you skip the sake and deserts) at a convenient location with a comfortable ambiance. For foodies and shoppers coming to City Square from Singapore by SMRT bus, Dontaku is one place for a good pit stop for Japanese food.

 

 

First up was this "hamburger steak". There were no buns but it came with a large chunk of salmon and a thick beef patty, both blanketed by a cheesy creamy Japanese mayonnaise.

 

 

I liked the salmon as it was nicely done with the usual flavour of fresh salmon which I liked. The salmon was enhanced by the savoury creamy cheesy Japanese mayo.

 

I am not a big fan of the "hamburger steak" but I can see that Kumes enjoyed it very much. It was a minced beef patty cooked and served with a slightly tangy, savoury gravy with lots of chopped onions. Kumes said this "hamburger" reminded him of those in Japan. It was almost like what he had "over there", he said.

 

 

The ramen came next. I usually eat ramen just to go along with my companions as I always wondered why we have to pay so much for heavily MSG laden soup and flat tasting, "lifeless" noodles. I must confess that I have not tried ramen in "higher class" Japanese restaurants - having experienced only mid-range ramen shops. So, my expectations were not high for this ramen at the simple shopping mall cafe, that Dontaku is.

 

Dontaku's ramen turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The broth was not laced with MSG - the umami  savouriness came from boiling stock bones the old fashioned way. I slurped up the broth noisily and by holding up the bowl in a way that would please any Japanese food connoisseur.

 

 

The ramen noodle had a certain firmness and springiness. It's not quite like the whole egg wanton noodle type of spring but the bounce was definitely there and was quite likable.

 

 

That thin slice of pork was nice too - a good balance of fat and meat. If you are a ramen fan, Dontaku's ramen range is worth a try. Good ramen and reasonable prices. 

 

 

We tried this Dontaku Bento set.  At RM18.00, this was really good value.

 

 

The three big shrimps encrusted in light crackly batter were very fresh, plump and sweet with natural juices. Yummy!

 

 

 

 

 

Everything else in the bento set was pretty good too.

 

 

Before our dessert, we added an order for a simple grilled salmon head to help us finish off our second bottle of sake. I am so glad that we did.

 

The palm sized fresh salmon head was nicely grilled. I ate up everything - all the skin, meat and gelatinous parts including the eyes, leaving only the bones. Kumes is queasy about anything gelatinous, so I got to eat most of the head :) Fish head lovers, remember to try Dontaku's grilled salmon head :)) At RM14, I think this is a very good deal.

 

 

 

We rounded up our meal with a couple of ice creams. This  was the first time that I tried Kuro Goma Black. I liked it for its subtle sesame flavour. RM8 a scoop, which is rather pricey.

 

Give Dontaku a try, if you are in City Square Mall. Nice Japanese fare at reasonable prices sans the sake and ice cream.

 

Restaurant name: Dontaku Japanese Restaurant

Address: Level 3, Johor Bahru City Square (near the Sakae Sushi outlet)

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/dJvah

GPS: 1.461870,103.763401

Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm

Non Halal

 

Date visited: 22 Jan 2013

 

My friend Kumes have been telling me about Dontaku Japanese restaurant in City Square, one of his favourite hangouts for some time and we finally visited it together last week. City Square has mushroomed with many new eateries since its recent major renovation and has become a mini food paradise. Dontaku is one of the established tenants in City Square and is now tucked at the southern end in a relatively small space. Dontaku is near the Sakae Sushi outlet. 

 

 

Inside Dontaku, the decor is not posh but certainly well appointed. I like this interesting feature wall with various quaint looking bottles and receptacles.

 

 

These green bamboo stands serve as partitions and privacy shields in the tight, small space.

 

 

We started our meal off with a couple of this sake. I'm not sure what brand this was, I only heard Kumes telling the waiter "the usual" :P And, I didn't really pay attention as I am not a big fan of sake. Taste wise, this sake was quite smooth and pleasant.

 

Dontaku serves pretty good Japanese fare at very reasonable prices (especially, if you skip the sake and deserts) at a convenient location with a comfortable ambiance. For foodies and shoppers coming to City Square from Singapore by SMRT bus, Dontaku is one place for a good pit stop for Japanese food.

 

 

First up was this "hamburger steak". There were no buns but it came with a large chunk of salmon and a thick beef patty, both blanketed by a cheesy creamy Japanese mayonnaise.

 

 

I liked the salmon as it was nicely done with the usual flavour of fresh salmon which I liked. The salmon was enhanced by the savoury creamy cheesy Japanese mayo.

 

I am not a big fan of the "hamburger steak" but I can see that Kumes enjoyed it very much. It was a minced beef patty cooked and served with a slightly tangy, savoury gravy with lots of chopped onions. Kumes said this "hamburger" reminded him of those in Japan. It was almost like what he had "over there", he said.

 

 

The ramen came next. I usually eat ramen just to go along with my companions as I always wondered why we have to pay so much for heavily MSG laden soup and flat tasting, "lifeless" noodles. I must confess that I have not tried ramen in "higher class" Japanese restaurants - having experienced only mid-range ramen shops. So, my expectations were not high for this ramen at the simple shopping mall cafe, that Dontaku is.

 

Dontaku's ramen turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The broth was not laced with MSG - the umami  savouriness came from boiling stock bones the old fashioned way. I slurped up the broth noisily and by holding up the bowl in a way that would please any Japanese food connoisseur.

 

 

The ramen noodle had a certain firmness and springiness. It's not quite like the whole egg wanton noodle type of spring but the bounce was definitely there and was quite likable.

 

 

That thin slice of pork was nice too - a good balance of fat and meat. If you are a ramen fan, Dontaku's ramen range is worth a try. Good ramen and reasonable prices. 

 

 

We tried this Dontaku Bento set.  At RM18.00, this was really good value.

 

 

The three big shrimps encrusted in light crackly batter were very fresh, plump and sweet with natural juices. Yummy!

 

 

 

 

 

Everything else in the bento set was pretty good too.

 

 

Before our dessert, we added an order for a simple grilled salmon head to help us finish off our second bottle of sake. I am so glad that we did.

 

The palm sized fresh salmon head was nicely grilled. I ate up everything - all the skin, meat and gelatinous parts including the eyes, leaving only the bones. Kumes is queasy about anything gelatinous, so I got to eat most of the head :) Fish head lovers, remember to try Dontaku's grilled salmon head :)) At RM14, I think this is a very good deal.

 

 

 

We rounded up our meal with a couple of ice creams. This  was the first time that I tried Kuro Goma Black. I liked it for its subtle sesame flavour. RM8 a scoop, which is rather pricey.

 

Give Dontaku a try, if you are in City Square Mall. Nice Japanese fare at reasonable prices sans the sake and ice cream.

 

Restaurant name: Dontaku Japanese Restaurant

Address: Level 3, Johor Bahru City Square (near the Sakae Sushi outlet)

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/dJvah

GPS: 1.461870,103.763401

Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm

Non Halal

 

Date visited: 22 Jan 2013

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Japanese Buffet Restaurant Ayukawa near Sutera Mall, Johor Bahru (This Restaurant is Closed.)

  

Where in the world can we find a "not big" restaurant that serves for one price over 700 plus Japanese dishes in an "all you can eat" a la carte buffet?

Where else? But, in Johor Bahru.

I really take my hat off to Ayukawa Japanese Buffet Restaurant's enterprising owners Ray and Rebbecca for the ingenuous system that delivers the customers' orders from such a massive menu even during full house, especially on weekends.



To make it even more amazing, the food are freshly cooked to order and not pre-cooked and then merely distributed.



For customers who are spoilt for choice, ordering from this massive menu is easy. Just look at the pictures of the food in the menu book, write your choice on the order chits provided and send it off to the staff.



The chits are then sorted in this "nerve centre" and what happens here is nothing short of a minor miracle, especially on full house days. How the right orders go the right tables in good time is, of course, a trade secret.



Fortunately, we just leave all that complicated stuff to the staff and we just enjoy our food in a casual and informal, yet comfortable setting.

As usual, while I fussed over food photo taking, my impatient (or long suffering) companions indulge in the ordering. These were what appeared at the table - so I am not responsible for making your mouth water :P





























Still, I made sure that I have my favourites like this salmon head and grilled sanwa.

We enjoyed our sumptuous lunch at Ayukawa.

Seriously, if I have to organise an eat out for a large group and don't want to think about what to order while having plenty to eat within a reasonable fixed budget, Ayukawa at Sutera is one of my top picks. While the food may not be exquisite like those in expensive exclusive Japanese restaurants, it was definitely more than competent and a few of the dishes were actually very good, in my opinion.

Little wonder then that Ayukawa is a favourite hangout for high school and uni students, and shoppers at Sutera Mall and the Johor Premium Outlets once they found out about the deal here.







Restaurant name: Ayukawa Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Address: 101-103, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utrama, Skudai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/fOM2S
GPS: 1.516215,103.670366
Hours: See photo above
Non Halal

Date visited: 24 Jan 2013

  

Where in the world can we find a "not big" restaurant that serves for one price over 700 plus Japanese dishes in an "all you can eat" a la carte buffet?

Where else? But, in Johor Bahru.

I really take my hat off to Ayukawa Japanese Buffet Restaurant's enterprising owners Ray and Rebbecca for the ingenuous system that delivers the customers' orders from such a massive menu even during full house, especially on weekends.



To make it even more amazing, the food are freshly cooked to order and not pre-cooked and then merely distributed.



For customers who are spoilt for choice, ordering from this massive menu is easy. Just look at the pictures of the food in the menu book, write your choice on the order chits provided and send it off to the staff.



The chits are then sorted in this "nerve centre" and what happens here is nothing short of a minor miracle, especially on full house days. How the right orders go the right tables in good time is, of course, a trade secret.



Fortunately, we just leave all that complicated stuff to the staff and we just enjoy our food in a casual and informal, yet comfortable setting.

As usual, while I fussed over food photo taking, my impatient (or long suffering) companions indulge in the ordering. These were what appeared at the table - so I am not responsible for making your mouth water :P





























Still, I made sure that I have my favourites like this salmon head and grilled sanwa.

We enjoyed our sumptuous lunch at Ayukawa.

Seriously, if I have to organise an eat out for a large group and don't want to think about what to order while having plenty to eat within a reasonable fixed budget, Ayukawa at Sutera is one of my top picks. While the food may not be exquisite like those in expensive exclusive Japanese restaurants, it was definitely more than competent and a few of the dishes were actually very good, in my opinion.

Little wonder then that Ayukawa is a favourite hangout for high school and uni students, and shoppers at Sutera Mall and the Johor Premium Outlets once they found out about the deal here.







Restaurant name: Ayukawa Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Address: 101-103, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utrama, Skudai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/fOM2S
GPS: 1.516215,103.670366
Hours: See photo above
Non Halal

Date visited: 24 Jan 2013

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