Akasaka: My $80 Lunch

Ah... Japanese food. One of my favorite foods of all time. The fresh fish, the starchy rice, the nice service. It's everything I want in a meal. Akasaka in Hacienda Heights has been on my list of to go places for awhile now because of my mom. My mom has a bunch of friends that do insurance so they get to know their clients (many of which are restaurant owners) so they get to try the best food in town. My mom's friend spoke so highly of the place we knew we had to go. Funny thing is... we've actually been to Akasaka before over 10 years ago. My mom was actually able to find the original business card for the place. I have a family of hoarders. Back in the day, Akasaka was actually part of the (818) area code. Old school.... Well I went online and checked the place out. The reviewers said I had to call in advanced and make a reservation. What? Thursday afternoon? Yes, really. It's that popular. I made the reservation at 1:15-1:30 since traffic is a bitch for us. When we got there at 1:10, the waiter argued with me and told me I only said 1:30 so I'd have to wait till then. Uh... worst service ever. Onto the food...

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Salad that came with your order.

The dirty menus they had filled with oil and grease. 

Their very mediocre miso soup.

But their soft shell crab was amazing!

And look at their massive chirashi. Every type of sashimi was in there. The fish was fresh and the rice was seasoned really well. It had a really nice sugary sweet taste to it. BUT it was $30! Ouch! I mean this  baby could have fed 2 people but still!

So not only did it take forever to get seated because they were rude and slow, they were also super understaffed. The tables were left dirty and customers were not being served at all. Biggest offense is they tried to give us the bill and not give us the free dessert! Oh hell no! I want my free stuff! So I walked up the table and made it known. Here came my strawberry mochi with vanilla ice-cream. 

Then I also bought sushi rolls for dinner that night. I'm always scared the world is going to end so I never leave a restaurant without buying boxes of to go. I actually have a box in my car just for carrying take out containers. Fabulous.... I know. 

Here was the massive rainbow roll that I wanted to get. Next time maybe...in 10 years. 

The food was good but I think the service blowed so badly and ruined my happy thoughts about kind, Japanese people that I'm going to boycott this place for awhile. If I wanted shitty service, I would have gone to a Chinese restaurant and chilled with my peeps. P.S. my bill came out to over $80. Would you pay $80 for crappy service and good food? Choices, choices, choices...

Happy Eatings!

Try if you dare at 14926 Clark Ave. Hacienda Heights, CA 91745