And if your in the Orlando area....Momo Japanese Restaurant. 110 S Semoran Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32792-4400
The Scene
Simple, serene and immaculate. Wall hangings, a parasol, live flowers and the seasonally changing storefront display suggest Japan.
The Food
Japanese with eclectic touches, since Hirakawa, a licensed chef in Japan, also attended cooking school in New Orleans. The extensive menu lists almost 30 appetizers, from seafood gratin to hijiki, often with a nutrition label below. Besides familiar grilled yaki-tori and fried seafood and vegetable tempura, entr¿es include curries, rice bowls, and noodle soups served with pickles and rice balls flavored with chopped beefsteak leaves.
The Service
Quick and considerate, starting with a hot washcloth as soon as you sit down.
What to Order
The house health tonic, a surprisingly delicious blend of plum juice, vinegar, honey and sparkling water. If you like onion soup, try tempura soba--buckwheat noodles in broth with a crunchy taste of shrimp and squash on the side. Although the momo platter presents a generous sampling, you can assemble your own combo for the same price. A la carte sushi has the advantage of coming with the tasty house dipping sauce--sake, sweet rice wine, and low-sodium soy sauce.
What to Skip
Green tea. As a sweet or a cold drink, it's an acquired taste. as are Zurbs feet.