Worst Restaurant and/or Dining Experience

[Isaak Brodsky]

The worst place I've ever had to force feed myself locally was at a place known as the Seaside Inn just inside the Kadena Marina. Five consecutive monumentally disappointing meals.

The service is absolutely fantastic, but it stands in stark contrast to the refuse they pass off as fine cuisine. I simply cannot understand how this place stays in business. I think perhaps the patrons are fooled by the truly fine atmosphere.

If you want to enjoy an over-priced and totally pretentious meal, and wonder, as you make your way home, why you shelled out some much money for so little quality, then I encourage you to visit the Seaside Inn.

[Muku]

Well there was this little Mom and Pop greasy spoon in Naha, on the backstreets near the market.......

Walk in the door and a few cockroaches ran across the greasy floor, not a good first impression that's for sure. My friend told me the place was cheap and served delicious food. Yeah right.

I ordered soba, and the grandma after hawking a loogie in the sink, and wiping her hand across her mouth to clear off the dribbles of snot that were running out of her nose, proceeded to slam the very same hand into a bowl of soba noodles, oh this is after she decided to flick the ash from her cigarette that was dangling from her mouth.

Her fingernails were all dirty and grimey, and she poured the soba soup over the noodles and with her still nasty fingers in "MY" soup dropped in on the counter in front of me.............

I got a phone call from my friend about 5 minutes later asking me where I was, he was in the bathroom as I was receiving my food. I walked or should I say nearly ran out of the place thinking WTF, the icing on the cake was thinking that the toilet water was connected to the sink because just before leaving after seeing all that crap by the old granny there, the water coming out of the faucet on the sink looked a few shades of yellow.

Oh and I have yet to describe the "atmosphere" of the place itself....:dead:

[Trail]

The worst place I've ever had to force feed myself locally was at a place known as the Seaside Inn just inside the Kadena Marina. Five consecutive monumentally disappointing meals.

The service is absolutely fantastic, but it stands in stark contrast to the refuse they pass off as fine cuisine. I simply cannot understand how this place stays in business. I think perhaps the patrons are fooled by the truly fine atmosphere.

If you want to enjoy an over-priced and totally pretentious meal, and wonder, as you make your way home, why you shelled out some much money for so little quality, then I encourage you to visit the Seaside Inn.

I absolutely agree Ian. Atmosphere, setting, and service are all well and good but the food is AWFUL! There is no way in heck shrimp should taste like a sandy eraser. :barf:

[dk]

Thanks Ian. Great timing. I was thinking about dropping by there for a meal since I haven't been there in eight years.

[Isaak Brodsky]

... like a sandy eraser. :barf:

LOL, so true. perfect description!!:star:

[Old guy]

Obbligato... i've had stuff out of a can that's better.

[Isaak Brodsky]

Thanks Ian. Great timing. I was thinking about dropping by there for a meal since I haven't been there in eight years.

Please save yourself the heartache/heartburn, unless you want a nice Jack-n-Coke. That's about the only thing they don't screw up.

[Isaak Brodsky]

Obbligato... i've had stuff out of a can that's better.

Yeah, Obbigato is another place that pretends to serve acceptable pseudo-Oki-Tex-Mex cuisine.

[L Boogie]

The only really bad place I've been here is Jai Thai. Some of the food was ok, some was downright nasty, and I was dying of thirst the entire time because the food was so spicy and the waiter apparently didn't realize that you should either keep the customers' water glass full, or give them a damn pitcher. Not to mention it was the same price as a Kobe Steak dinner for two at Four Seasons. BOOOO!

[Isaak Brodsky]

The curry joint inside Plaza House Mall is pathetic too.

The food is spectacularly delicious, but the proprietor treats the curries there as if they were some rare precious metals. The exorbitant costs for a simple dish, the unfriendly owner, and the long waiting time to be served make this place a toxic repellent.

On four occasions spread over six months, I visited the place for lunch and dinner and was exceedingly displeased. Each time, my order was screwed up, and two times I was over-charged. The owner or manager apologized one time by giving my friend and me a discount on our meal. When we went to pay, he paid first. Then, it was my turn. I reminded the owner of the discount he'd promised just an hour earlier, and then he started yelling at me, accusing me of trying to swindle him out of a garlic na'an.

Both lunch time meals, incidentally, literally took forty-five minutes to reach our table - with hardly anyone in the restaurant.

They say it takes four times before you begin to see a trend in something. Visiting that place was four times too many.

[Jazz]

Is that Krishna? I do love their curry and nan but definitely over-priced and slow!

[Isaak Brodsky]

Is that Krishna? I do love their curry and nan but definitely over-priced and slow!

yeah, that's it Krishna.

[Old guy]

The curry joint inside Plaza House Mall is pathetic too.

The food is spectacularly delicious, but the proprietor treats the curries there as if they were some rare precious metals. The exorbitant costs for a simple dish, the unfriendly owner, and the long waiting time to be served make this place a toxic repellent.

On four occasions spread over six months, I visited the place for lunch and dinner and was exceedingly displeased. Each time, my order was screwed up, and two times I was over-charged. The owner or manager apologized one time by giving my friend and me a discount on our meal. When we went to pay, he paid first. Then, it was my turn. I reminded the owner of the discount he'd promised just an hour earlier, and then he started yelling at me, accusing me of trying to swindle him out of a garlic na'an.

Both lunch time meals, incidentally, literally took forty-five minutes to reach our table - with hardly anyone in the restaurant.

They say it takes four times before you begin to see a trend in something. Visiting that place was four times too many.

This is crazy, they seem to love me there and give me great service... i'd say above & beyond. It must be what makes your food/service so slow :D

[Jazz]

I agree w/ Sea Side Inn, also:

A&W (on base only) horrible service and food!

Mac Grill - over-priced, over-rated

Surf Side on Kinser - couple bad experiences

[goonboy]

they need to bring a carrabbas over here

+1

I <3 carrabbas... I first had it when I was in tech school on a trip to Mobile, AL.

Mac grill is alright, but their menu over here is vastly diff from the Ramano's I remember growing up.

[Odie]

The Sea side Inn was some of the most vile food I've ever had. The only way I could see going back there is if it was to sit outside and sip a drink since the view and atmosphere are nice.

[DougP]

Jon jons :thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbdown::cursing:

Oh and Ian, I agree with you on Kadena Marina, absolutely the worst I've had here so far.:barf:

[Jazz]

COCO's

haha, I know, I know, you all love it.......

[Rossi46]

-Kenny's at plaza shopping mall :barf:
-Chinese place at plaza shopping mall (forget the name) :barf:
-A&W offbase by far the worst fast food I have ever choked down! :barf:

[Jazz]

IMO, A&W off base is pretty good at times. On base is horrible every time. Once in a while I do forget how bad my previous experiences were and I accidentally eat there. Never had to choke anything down off base at A&W though.

[IkoIko]

The curry joint inside Plaza House Mall is pathetic too.

The food is spectacularly delicious, but the proprietor treats the curries there as if they were some rare precious metals. The exorbitant costs for a simple dish, the unfriendly owner, and the long waiting time to be served make this place a toxic repellent.

On four occasions spread over six months, I visited the place for lunch and dinner and was exceedingly displeased. Each time, my order was screwed up, and two times I was over-charged. The owner or manager apologized one time by giving my friend and me a discount on our meal. When we went to pay, he paid first. Then, it was my turn. I reminded the owner of the discount he'd promised just an hour earlier, and then he started yelling at me, accusing me of trying to swindle him out of a garlic na'an.

Both lunch time meals, incidentally, literally took forty-five minutes to reach our table - with hardly anyone in the restaurant.

They say it takes four times before you begin to see a trend in something. Visiting that place was four times too many.

I usually don't wait too long there (with a recent exception) but the service is pretty awful, especially from the guy I take to be the owner or manager. And over-priced! Their menu is now sporting a bunch of new, higher, price stickers....the food is good, but not worth spending nearly 4000yen for two ppl on. Anyone been to the other Indian restaurant, above Obligatos?

Totally agree about the Kadena Marina restaurant, and I thought it was just me who thought that.

I always get excited about the prospect of going to Arin Krin (the garlic restaurant), but once there realise its noisy, uncomfortable, service is terrible and the only really good thing on the menu is the pizza....

[Jazz]

Yeah Arin Krin is also over-rated from what I can remember.

[Isaak Brodsky]

This is crazy, they seem to love me there and give me great service... i'd say above & beyond. It must be what makes your food/service so slow :D

I'm very glad you've had some positive experiences there. I love their food but am utterly repelled by their track record in service. In fact, I wish I could have an IV curry drip set up from their restaurant, but I know that can't happen unless the planets are aligned in just the right way before I dare to return.

[thistle]

I had lunch there recently and found the service just fine.

My complaint though goes with the nan bread which was thin and too crispy and left me still hungry. Normally it is filling enough to have just nan and curry, without needing rice as well.

[Jazz]

I miss Fab Curry and need to go again soon. I never ordered the Nan at Fab though, any good? I always just dip the all-u-can-eat fries in the curry instead. I'd say price wise Fab is the best curry joint.

[Sex Wax]

COCO's

haha, I know, I know, you all love it.......

I dont love it. My wife likes it but I cant stand it. The times i've had it, it tasted like they didnt mix the curry enough and all that powder or whatever was in there. Like dirt. It also tasted like it was made a week before and then frozen, thawed, refrozen, thawed...etc. I like Curry, but not that tripe. Plus almost everytime I ate it, I had the anal squirts for like a day. I'll make my own Curry, or have some of my Indian buddies make me a batch. Thats the real deal. If you like Coco's...good for you and welcome to Okinawa.

[Bones]

Like many of you, I don't like the Seaside Inn either.

But in my humble opinion the worst place that we've ever eaten at is the Okinawa Soba place, located across from the Mc'Donald's, just down the hill from the Foster PX gate. The pork belly slices are paper thin, and I shudder to think about where they get their water from. Small serving sizes as well.:thumbdown:

I also do not recommend the Soba Soup at the Banyon Tree Club, or over at Camp Shields. Also, the NCO club over on Torrii Station, has the worst food of any club that I have ever visited. Stuffed potato skins with cheese, from a microwave??????:rolleyes:

Let's see, then there is that disaster on Kadena known as American Mainstreet. And Chili's2. The only thing that's good about Mainstreet, is Anthony's Pizza, and it's good that I can eat cold pizza, since every time I've stopped by there I get served either luke warm, or cold slices of Pizza. Chili's2 is just too damned expensive.

Well, that's my list for right now. I will post again, if other places come to mind.

Bones

[wenjam]

Agree with the Chilis 2 thing...limited amount of food for a rediculous price. Why did they ever take away the food bar at the USO, and replace it with a Chili's 2? I will never know.

[Alana]

of the handful of times my husband and i have been to the Globe and Anchor we have nearly always been sorely disappointed in the food.
SeaSide, i was disappointed in the appetizer but our dinners were good, though still not worth the money.
other than that i am yet to be to terribly disappointed in the food out in town.

oh wait i take it back i had a 'cheese burger' at the King Taco outside Hansen a few weeks ago and i think it was made from leftover ham, it certainly wasnt beef and it was quite repulsive.

[wenjam]

For me it was Captain D's guess the D stands for disappointing :-|
Had the fish,took a few bites felt like i was eating crisco.
never again!

That's what you get for fast food fried fish. Disappoining huh...especially for the price...you would think they were serving the real thing...I guess they have to get the money to replennish the grease that gets slopped on everyones plate from somewhere.

[Bones]

As posted by TacoRice:

of the handful of times my husband and i have been to the Globe and Anchor we have nearly always been sorely disappointed in the food.

Sorry to hear that TacoRice, we go to the G&A at least once a week for lunch, and I think the food isn't too bad. I like the fish sandwich they serve over there, and the onion rings, and the cute waitresses.:old:

Bones

[goonboy]

Where's the Globe and Anchor at? I've never heard of that place.

[Bones]

That would be on Camp Foster, goonboy.

Bones

[goonboy]

Oh, roger, thanks! I'll have to check it out sometime.

[OtisPMerriweather]

Wow, tough crowd in Okinawa. Most of the places you guys hate are places that I actually like to go...plus I see the same restaurants popping up in the "best restaurant threads."

I really honestly can't think of any place in Okinawa I've been where I didn't have a decent experience dining, and I'm not the type of person who can just eat anything. I guess I've gotten good over the years at finding something I like to eat most places I go.

As for service, I really don't bitch about service too much (unless you're talking about Foster IPAC) because I used to wait tables in college and I know how it is- especially when you're at a glorified wing or burger shack and people think you should just know what they want, or act like they are the only patrons in the place, etc., etc.

I liked waiting tables and I always got good tips but when I go out I always try to be a little understanding with waiters/waitresses unless they are just overly rude or nasty like Muku described.

Anyways, for the life of me, I can't understand the fascination with 4 seasons! If I had to pick a place I'd rather not go back it would be there. It's in Japan, but it's not even on par with the Japanese steak houses in America! (Benihana's, etc.) The meat isn't anything special- I could grill it myself if he gave me the knife, and it's staggered badly so that you get some veggies/potatoes, then a little meat, then a bunch more veggies that you have to eat alone because you're finished with the meat at that point.

[Alana]

As posted by TacoRice:



Sorry to hear that TacoRice, we go to the G&A at least once a week for lunch, and I think the food isn't too bad. I like the fish sandwich they serve over there, and the onion rings, and the cute waitresses.:old:

Bones

the first time we went it was great, unfortunately it has gone downhill since then, the last straw was a few months ago apparently they were out of regular buns so i had a philly cheese steak on a potato roll, also i strongly dislike their salad dressings,. but their fries are good. so are the cheese steaks when they are on the correct bread.

[Bones]

As posted by OtisPMerriweather:

The meat isn't anything special- I could grill it myself if he gave me the knife, and it's staggered badly so that you get some veggies/potatoes, then a little meat, then a bunch more veggies that you have to eat alone because you're finished with the meat at that point.

Yeah, Otis. I hear you you. But the Japanese don't indulge in meat like we do back in the states. They eat meat in much smaller portions than we do, with more emphasis on rice and other vegetables. Also, they tend to eat more pork and fish, and excercise a heck of a lot more than Americans do.

But, 4 Seasons isn't too bad every once in a while. Nice atmosphere, not too expensive.

But, I've got this big honking gas grill out back, and when we invite the family over for steak, they come a runnin.:thumbup1:

They also seem to love turkey.:D

Bones

[Sex Wax]

Where's the Globe and Anchor at? I've never heard of that place.

On Camp Foster. More commonly called the "Hook & Jab" or the "Sausage & Wiener". Does have decent lunch samiches though.

[dk]

It's hard for me to think of any restaurant on Okinawa that I just plain don't like. The closest thing I can think of are those cheap all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurants. I know some of you like them, but I just can't stand the lowest of the low quality beef they try to pass off as food...

But at least they've got beer.

[Isaak Brodsky]

King Taco on 330, really close to Okinawa International University, is utterly vile too. Over-cooked tangy taco meat heaped on over-cooked mushy rice with shredded Velveeta. Simply yuck. Keep an eye out for roaches too.

[Sex Wax]

King Taco on 330, really close to Okinawa International University, is utterly vile too. Over-cooked tangy taco meat heaped on over-cooked mushy rice with shredded Velveeta. Simply yuck. Keep an eye out for roaches too.

Why should i keep an eye out for them? Are they as tasty as the Taco Rice? Or Better?

[Bones]

As posted by Taco Rice:

the first time we went it was great, unfortunately it has gone downhill since then, the last straw was a few months ago apparently they were out of regular buns so i had a philly cheese steak on a potato roll, also i strongly dislike their salad dressings,. but their fries are good. so are the cheese steaks when they are on the correct bread.

I love your response.

You sound like me, when I was young. I complained about the quality of food that I was served back in Boot Camp. The "Chef" came out, apologized to me, and placed a box of cold C-Rats on my tray, and told me to enjoy.

Still have that can opener on my key chain.:thumbup1:

Bones

[Jazz]

I dont love it. My wife likes it but I cant stand it. The times i've had it, it tasted like they didnt mix the curry enough and all that powder or whatever was in there. Like dirt. It also tasted like it was made a week before and then frozen, thawed, refrozen, thawed...etc. I like Curry, but not that tripe. Plus almost everytime I ate it, I had the anal squirts for like a day. I'll make my own Curry, or have some of my Indian buddies make me a batch. Thats the real deal. If you like Coco's...good for you and welcome to Okinawa.

No Sex, this is the worst restaurants thread and I was nominating COCO's as one of the worst. My wording was a little confusing. I was just laughing in my original post cause I knew the die hard COCO's fans were gonna attack me. LOL

BTW, I'm surprised you don't notice me on here. I don't need a welcome as it's been so long that I've lived here. Thanks though, keep up the good photo shop work and Fellow COCO's haters UNITE!

[Sex Wax]

No Sex, this is the worst restaurants thread and I was nominating COCO's as one of the worst. My wording was a little confusing. I was just laughing in my original post cause I knew the die hard COCO's fans were gonna attack me. LOL

BTW, I'm surprised you don't notice me on here. I don't need a welcome as it's been so long that I've lived here. Thanks though, keep up the good photo shop work and Fellow COCO's haters UNITE!

No no...that was a general welcome to all the new people.

[kombu_kid]

This wasn't in Okinawa, but once, me and a friend went to a Chinese restaurant and the menu was all in Chinese! So I just waved my finger around and around the menu, then randomly pointed to something and said "I'll take this". Big mistake. They brought out a bowl of what I can only describe as "esophogus soup". It looked like veins, arteries and esophogus "pipes" floating in a broth. I just pushed it away and told my friend "f**k it, I'll just pay for it and won't eat it".

Fortunately, a few minutes after pushing it away, I noticed there were 2 eyelashes floating in it. I pointed it out to the waitress and didn't have to pay........whew!

(BTW, Okinawan restaurants must have more cockroaches per sq in. that any other place!)

[Oxmix]

My worst dining experience was when I mustered out of the Army. My farewell steak diner was so tough I literally could not chew or cut it.

The Army was still screwing with me right up to the end.

Regards

Ox

[Isaak Brodsky]

Why should i keep an eye out for them? Are they as tasty as the Taco Rice? Or Better?

good question. maybe i shoulda concluded that they weren't pests, but appetizers.

[Jazz]

For me to eat a cockroach you'd have to knock me out and shove it down my throat. I truly have such a phobia of bugs and spiders that I don't think I'd eat one for $1,000,000. Well, maybe if it was battered and deep fried.

[Jazz]

but it's not even on par with the Japanese steak houses in America! (Benihana's, etc.) .

The one time I ate at Benihana's I ordered the Yaki Soba and a Mexican named Jose made it for me. It was pretty bad, I guess if I knew it was a steak joint that's what I'd of ordered. I was like "no way Jose".......

[Old guy]

I usually don't wait too long there (with a recent exception) but the service is pretty awful, especially from the guy I take to be the owner or manager. And over-priced! Their menu is now sporting a bunch of new, higher, price stickers....the food is good, but not worth spending nearly 4000yen for two ppl on. Anyone been to the other Indian restaurant, above Obligatos?

Totally agree about the Kadena Marina restaurant, and I thought it was just me who thought that.

I always get excited about the prospect of going to Arin Krin (the garlic restaurant), but once there realise its noisy, uncomfortable, service is terrible and the only really good thing on the menu is the pizza....

I forget the name of it but they had good naan & tandoorii chicken, the rest was fair at best. Oh the prices were cheaper than the other place.

[Old guy]

King Taco on 330, really close to Okinawa International University, is utterly vile too. Over-cooked tangy taco meat heaped on over-cooked mushy rice with shredded Velveeta. Simply yuck. Keep an eye out for roaches too.

We don't use velveeta here, it costs way too much. We use... well i better not tell you since you already ate it.

[kombu_kid]

For me to eat a cockroach you'd have to knock me out and shove it down my throat. I truly have such a phobia of bugs and spiders that I don't think I'd eat one for $1,000,000. Well, maybe if it was battered and deep fried.

I'll bet even a cockroach would taste good dipped in a little tonkatsu sauce......that stuff is so good it's scary!

BTW, it looks to me like Yaki Niku and Fajitas are almost the same, with the green peppers and onion all thinly sliced.

[OtisPMerriweather]

If you go to the crocodile bar, you can pay to eat a bug or a scorpion...you can also eat crocodile, if that's your thing. I tried it- wasn't bad, but definitely not something I would ever crave.

[P_chan]

I don't understand why someone would pay 100 yen to eat a bug or lick some hot sauce off a toothpick. Once you could go outside and eat some of those flying termites for free.

[Fire4Effect]

Worst place for me hands down is My House, just outside of Futenma. The best food for me is Hotto Motto ( hokka hokka tei). they have the best fried chicken baskets ever.

[dk]

Those chicken baskets do rock.

[Jazz]

Worst place for me hands down is My House, just outside of Futenma. The best food for me is Hotto Motto ( hokka hokka tei). they have the best fried chicken baskets ever.

Hotto Motto is like McDonalds compared to My House! IMO..... My House rules!

[Isaak Brodsky]

If you go to the crocodile bar ...

Where's the crocodile bar??

[Fire4Effect]

in American Village next to JUSCO

[Jazz]

I heard about an Izakaya in Awase that specializes in bugs and scorpions and swallowing live sea snakes and feeling it swim in your belly

[nipponliving]

[QUOTE=IkoIko;120101]I usually don't wait too long there (with a recent exception) but the service is pretty awful, especially from the guy I take to be the owner or manager. And over-priced! Their menu is now sporting a bunch of new, higher, price stickers....the food is good, but not worth spending nearly 4000yen for two ppl on. Anyone been to the other Indian restaurant, above Obligatos?

Just an FYI - The owner of Krishna's is a Okinawa woman. She is married to an man from India. The place above Obbligato's is crap (my opinion). The name is Kabaabs or something like that.

[nipponliving]

Like many of you, I don't like the Seaside Inn either.

But in my humble opinion the worst place that we've ever eaten at is the Okinawa Soba place, located across from the Mc'Donald's, just down the hill from the Foster PX gate. The pork belly slices are paper thin, and I shudder to think about where they get their water from. Small serving sizes as well.:thumbdown:

I also do not recommend the Soba Soup at the Banyon Tree Club, or over at Camp Shields. Also, the NCO club over on Torrii Station, has the worst food of any club that I have ever visited. Stuffed potato skins with cheese, from a microwave??????:rolleyes:

Let's see, then there is that disaster on Kadena known as American Mainstreet. And Chili's2. The only thing that's good about Mainstreet, is Anthony's Pizza, and it's good that I can eat cold pizza, since every time I've stopped by there I get served either luke warm, or cold slices of Pizza. Chili's2 is just too damned expensive.

Well, that's my list for right now. I will post again, if other places come to mind.

Bones


I won't even try to eat on-base. :barf:

[Trail]

Mike's Italian Garden on KAB. Uggh.... bad food and horrible service.

I was also not impressed when we went to Sam's by the Sea last. Totally, not worth the money IMO. I was very disappointed.

[Jazz]

The little place to right as soon as you leave the G&A gate. Only ate there once and wasn't satisfied. Maybe I'll try it again but it was pretty bad and I said I wouldn't.

[Jazz]

I think it's called Haru Peko Soba at the end of the little side street behind McD's and close to San-E. Not sure if it was a bad day but - worst Soba ever! NO meat on the Soki......

[Jazz]

IMO, Sea Side Jet City Burger is way over-priced and over-rated.

If we made this thread "Mediocre Resaurants in Okinawa" we could probably name 75% or more of them. My wife and I eat out allot and we always rate the place afterwards. I'd say 8 times out of 10 we give it a maa maa (so so). Once in a while a place is worthy to be dubbed great or even really good, IMO

[Jazz]

UH OH.. me thinks someone has watched too much food TV... lmao

Yeah food TV is the best TV and I'm obviously obsessed with talking about food but I don't know how you get that I watch allot of food TV from my posts on here.

[Jazz]

i guess between knowing you personally and seeing your posts on here... you should become an okinawan food critic.. lol.. get paid for what you do.. you seem to have the palette..

LOL thanks. Yeah, I would love to one day be like the Anthony Bourdain of Asia or something. I live vicariously through him.

[okisteve]

IMO, Sea Side Jet City Burger is way over-priced and over-rated.

If we made this thread "Mediocre Resaurants in Okinawa" we could probably name 75% or more of them. My wife and I eat out allot and we always rate the place afterwards. I'd say 8 times out of 10 we give it a maa maa (so so). Once in a while a place is worthy to be dubbed great or even really good, IMO

I'm guessing that you're visiting the restaurants around the central part of the island, and ones that mainly cater to American personnel. The owners probably figured out long ago that Americans don't much care what their food tastes like as long as it fills the ever-growing space in their bellies and fat cells.

My experience in Naha and nearby towns is exactly opposite. Maybe 20% "maa-maa", and I think the reason is that owners know that if even simple food isn't well-prepared and presented they will not get any steady customers (unless they just come to drink). Half the time when we don't enjoy a restaurant it is because it is too noisy with happy customers.

It's funny that even big chain restaurants like Skylark and Joyfull are consistently good, if not great. They (the big corporations) must take staff training seriously and employ professional chefs.

[Jazz]

Good point Oki. My wife and I used to live on Kinser and spend most of our time in Naha Oroku, and Urasoe and it was better, I forgot. I've just been around this God forsaken Chatan for too long now. My above comment definitely applies mostly to Chatan, Ginowan, Okinawa City and Kadena. Guess I'll have to start spending the extra dough to head south. That reminds me of the awesome little NikuMan cafe that we used to go to in Urasoe.

[Jazz]

I heard the place in the big tree out by the airport isn't very good. Anybody been? I just want to go up there cause it looks cool.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

I've been. It's changed names (perhaps ownership) several times in the last few years. I found the prices and portions reasonable, atmosphere good, and food average. While I don't think I'd make a special effort to go again, I certainly don't regret going, and don't think you would either.

[Isaak Brodsky]

in American Village next to JUSCO


thanks, i'll try to find it.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

That's funny. My Turkish friends go their specifically for the food. "Antonio" is Turkish, as are the chefs he brings in from the old country.

[okisteve]

And you know if bigmonsta hates it it has to be good.

[P_chan]

Wife and I are about to head up to cafe curacuma (sp). I've had a taste for some thai food for a while and the view is nice so I hope it's good.

And you know if bigmonsta hates it it has to be good.

Wait nevermind, now I had my laugh for the day:w00t:

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Great view, cool garden, big portions, average food. Cheap, for what you get.

[OtisPMerriweather]

I have eaten at most of the places you guys hate here and I can't understand what's so bad about them. Let me ask a couple of questions:

1. What do you guys consider "horrible service"? What do you consider great servive? I ask because a small specialty restaurant is not going to have the same kind of spot-on waiter attention as a place that has 40-50 people on staff. I haven't ever come across a Japanese waiter who was unfriendly and wouldn't come when called...maybe it's just me.

2. I hear a lot of people saying things are overpriced...what do you all consider to be a good price for a meal? Again, if I'm going out, I just automatically figure about 20 bucks a person for food, more or less depending on how "fancy" a place is supposed to be. I don't mind paying 50 bucks each for me and my wife at a place that I enjoy (Anzuya, Myondon- sp?). Drinks of course, not included. I mean I love cooking, but I'd much rather pay sometimes than have to deal with preparation, cleanup, etc., and the cost includes all of that.

3. For a place that you don't like, could you recommend a place that sells similar food (locally) that is better? I have to agree with ryukyuchina/okisteve though. When I used to live in Omoromachi, there were so many excellent restaurants down there, and they didn't give you a big pile of food for 10 bucks, but what you hot was very good and reasonably priced for the quality. Even things that I normally wouldn't eat (tofu, sea grapes) were prepared and presented very well and I found some new dishes that I like.

I guess it's all a matter of personal opinion, but I really just can't think of a place that has outright nasty food. Except for the American yakiniku places (Goen, Try, etc.) where the meat quality is not very good at all.

[Trail]

Otis, as far as question #1 goes, I been a waitress before and I do sympathize with much of the service hang-ups a place may have. However, the service we had at Mike's was awful. It took 65 minutes for us total to eat there. I'm not going to go into ALL the details but waitress and cook had to have been new. I did still tip but I am choosing to stay away for a long while.

[OtisPMerriweather]

I heard the place in the big tree out by the airport isn't very good. Anybody been? I just want to go up there cause it looks cool.

It used to be one of a chain of izakayas, Anzuya, and it was excellent then, becasue the chain was good. Most of the Anzuyas are gone now, I think there still may be one on 58 near Kinser across from the Mercedes dealer, but I haven't been down that way in a while, so I don't know. Another izakaya is there now (the tree), and I went once about 6 months ago. It was still cool, but not as good as when it was Anzuya, maybe I'm partial.

[OtisPMerriweather]

Otis, as far as question #1 goes, I been a waitress before and I do sympathize with much of the service hang-ups a place may have. However, the service we had at Mike's was awful. It took 65 minutes for us total to eat there. I'm not going to go into ALL the details but waitress and cook had to have been new. I did still tip but I am choosing to stay away for a long while.

Yeah, Mike's is on base too, so that's really not surprising. I kinda meant like at the out in town joints.

It's almost expected for stuff to be substandard on base.

[P_chan]

@ Otis:

#1 I consider the waitress leaving me alone to be great service. As long as once I need he/she that they do come in a timely manner. Which is why I love the pin pon on the table at japanese restaurants.

As far as tips go, it all depends on the service for me. I worked for tips once, but I don't believe they should be mandatory. If the service sucks, but the food was good, then I'll leave a normal tip. If the service was great and the food was great then I might leave a little more, but I highly doubt it. But if the service and food was poor, don't expect to get anything.

#2 Depends on what I'm eating. I'll gladly pay almost 50 bucks for my wife and I to eat at a place like karubi daiho.

#3 Once again, depends on what I'm eating. I've eaten at soba places where the soba was so-so but I know I can go to one of the soba places I like and get better soba. But then again there are some foods that I just don't like no matter where I get them from.

And yes I agree. It is all a matter of personal opinion.

[P_chan]

Oh and as far as mike's goes, that place sucks. Never have I seen a restaurant make something simple like meat sauce spaghetti taste like crap.

It used to be one of a chain of izakayas, Anzuya, and it was excellent then, becasue the chain was good. Most of the Anzuyas are gone now, I think there still may be one on 58 near Kinser across from the Mercedes dealer, but I haven't been down that way in a while, so I don't know. Another izakaya is there now (the tree), and I went once about 6 months ago. It was still cool, but not as good as when it was Anzuya, maybe I'm partial.

I had my birthday two years ago at the anzuya on 330 near the ginowan city office. It closed down, but the izakaya that opened up in it's place has very similar food.

[okiromero]

Yeah Arin Krin is also over-rated from what I can remember.

Over rated b/c of the seating..but other than that i have to disagree...i love everything i've ever ate there!:thumbup1::thumbup1::thumbup1:

[sktmfy]

Wow, tough crowd in Okinawa. Most of the places you guys hate are places that I actually like to go...plus I see the same restaurants popping up in the "best restaurant threads."

I really honestly can't think of any place in Okinawa I've been where I didn't have a decent experience dining, and I'm not the type of person who can just eat anything. I guess I've gotten good over the years at finding something I like to eat most places I go.

As for service, I really don't bitch about service too much (unless you're talking about Foster IPAC) because I used to wait tables in college and I know how it is- especially when you're at a glorified wing or burger shack and people think you should just know what they want, or act like they are the only patrons in the place, etc., etc.

I liked waiting tables and I always got good tips but when I go out I always try to be a little understanding with waiters/waitresses unless they are just overly rude or nasty like Muku described.

Anyways, for the life of me, I can't understand the fascination with 4 seasons! If I had to pick a place I'd rather not go back it would be there. It's in Japan, but it's not even on par with the Japanese steak houses in America! (Benihana's, etc.) The meat isn't anything special- I could grill it myself if he gave me the knife, and it's staggered badly so that you get some veggies/potatoes, then a little meat, then a bunch more veggies that you have to eat alone because you're finished with the meat at that point.


im in total agreement....4 seasons....awesome restaruant, great food, great service....too damn expensive, after me, my ole lady and my daughter eat there and ive spent $150, i be like WTF!!! im still freakin hungry, i could of hit the commisary and grilled a whole aluminum pan full of steaks for that amount....I guess you pay for all the acrobatics with the knives and salt shakers and shii that the chef performs,

Good Restaraunt, Too expensive and overated.... a steak is a steak no matter where you go....

[Isaak Brodsky]

didn't four seasons recently close down?? the one near ETWS in chatan??? maybe there's another four seasons i'm not aware of?

[P_chan]

didn't four seasons recently close down?? the one near ETWS in chatan??? maybe there's another four seasons i'm not aware of?

They moved that one. It's where cowdy used to be in chatan near jusco.

[DougP]

didn't four seasons recently close down?? the one near ETWS in chatan??? maybe there's another four seasons i'm not aware of?

As P chan just mentioned that one moved to Chatan/Mihama area. There's also a Four Seasons located in Koza and one in Awase :thumbup1:

[Icecold]

Mike's Italian is terrible, I would rather eat the stouffers heat and eat stuff.
Ate about 7-8 bites and quit, felt like asking for it free, should have...Drinks sucked too

[P_chan]

Mike's Italian is terrible, I would rather eat the stouffers heat and eat stuff.
Ate about 7-8 bites and quit, felt like asking for it free, should have...Drinks sucked too


Agree with you there. Mike's tastes like crap! How do they mess up meat sauce pasta? Didn't they win best in pacaf one year? How did they pull that one off?

[Jazz]

I ate Marino's for my first and last time tonight. It was me and a friend and on a tip from him that the set for two wasn't enough food, we shared the set for three which was plenty for two hungry guys. Thing is it was mediocre tasting at best and cost �7,000 yen! I could have got better for less at Romano's barfaroni grill, or even Olive Garden (I know you all love Olive Garden). I've never been impressed or saw the attraction - it's horrible "Italian" food IMO, but I'd take it over Marino's any day.

Bottom line, next time I'll stick with my tried and true favorite, Capricciosa (sp?), which is ten times better and half the price. Of course the best Italian food on island comes out of my kitchen at home! Rant over.

[日本 りより]

I also had a horrible and over-priced meal my first time at Marinos and haven't been back.

[sktmfy]

Bottom line, next time I'll stick with my tried and true favorite, Capricciosa (sp?), which is ten times better and half the price. Of course the best Italian food on island comes out of my kitchen at home! Rant over.


Capricciosa's=the best

[Raptor]

A&W off base - good. What do you expect it's fast food.

Four Season's - lame. I ordered a steak and got a plate of what looked like stew meat. Go to big heart nothing to exclaim over but they have STEAK.

Sam's by the Sea - Very nice atmosphere but feels like I'm on base and expensive.

Macaroni Grill - I actually like it.

I have the skinny on the best Okinawa Soba joint on island not sharing though.

Worst experience drinking on Kokusai St My wife, a couple of friends, and I walk into this place the waitress takes one look at us(the Americans) and asks my wife in Japanese if we have any money. O.O

[okisteve]

I have the skinny on the best Okinawa Soba joint on island not sharing though.

Worst experience drinking on Kokusai St My wife, a couple of friends, and I walk into this place the waitress takes one look at us(the Americans) and asks my wife in Japanese if we have any money. O.O

Is it possible that she was asking if you had any Japanese yen???

Best soba restaurant - I just had lunch there and it is near Camp Naha, but I will keep your secret :mir31:. Incredibly good, and lots of interesting variations.

[Gecko Slayer]

Worst experience drinking on Kokusai St My wife, a couple of friends, and I walk into this place the waitress takes one look at us(the Americans) and asks my wife in Japanese if we have any money. O.O


man, if i was one of those friends, i would have paid for that beer in all 10 yen coins....

[Old Timer]

http://www.superfilehosting.com/download.php?file=125no1.jpg

Hot . No a/c, in Henoko. :cursing:

[eodmatt]

I've never been to Japan, it's one of the few places I haven't been to, but I have hopes! My worst dining experience was in Somalia in '91. After a night of the local rebels firing arty over our house we went out and about gathering information about landmines and stuff. Late afternoon and some 30 miles or so from our base we called in at the only "restaurant" in a large village. They had no food, but told us that if we gave them some money they would get some. We gave them 20 dollars (US) and a boy departed to fetch food. About 20 minutes later the boy appeared leading a goat on a piece of string, which he led into the kitchen. There were a few muffled bumping noises and a bit of bleating which was abruptly silenced. Half an hour later I was handed a dirty plate with a handful of spaghetti and a gristly bone on it. There was no aircon in the restaurant either.

[macker]

Kadena Bowling alley!!! Worst food ever.....

DOn't know if they use meat or scraped dog skin for burgers/taco meat.

[okisteve]

I've never been to Japan, it's one of the few places I haven't been to, but I have hopes! .

Drop in on your way back from Vietnam!

[Jazz]

After 6 years on Okinawa I finally went to Kitakaisen last night, only to find out why I'd never been in the first place.

I wasn't in the mood for Sushi and don't like trying sushi at Izakayas (this is hardly an Izakaya BTW) w/ out knowing that they do good sushi. I noticed allot of people ordering the makizushi though. Do they have good sushi? I'd be surprised if they did.

I tried several dishes (Gyoza, Soki in a karai sauce, and Shrimp Tempura to name a few) and they were all the worst of that particular dish that I've ever had.

Other than that, it was full of ALL Americans, which strangely felt weird. I guess I'm just not used to hearing English when I go out to eat off-base.

Anyways, I was very disappointed and won't be back. If you like the food there, you're sadly mistaken of what Japanese food is IMO. More power to you and enjoy but in my book it should be called Kitanai sen(pasento), not Kitakaisen.

[P_chan]

After 6 years on Okinawa I finally went to Kitakaisen last night, only to find out why I'd never been in the first place.

I wasn't in the mood for Sushi and don't like trying sushi at Izakayas (this is hardly an Izakaya BTW) w/ out knowing that they do good sushi. I noticed allot of people ordering the makizushi though. Do they have good sushi? I'd be surprised if they did.

I tried several dishes (Gyoza, Soki in a karai sauce, and Shrimp Tempura to name a few) and they were all the worst of that particular dish that I've ever had.

Other than that, it was full of ALL Americans, which strangely felt weird. I guess I'm just not used to hearing English when I go out to eat off-base.

Anyways, I was very disappointed and won't be back. If you like the food there, you're sadly mistaken of what Japanese food is. More power to you and enjoy but in my book it should be called Kitanai sen(pasento), not Kitakaisen.

W00T someone else who see's kitakisen for what it is! A BS izakaya that caters to americans and who's food sucks! I'd rather go to anzuya (or the izakaya that took it's place) and get me some chicken namban with all the beer I can drink!

[Asshat]

at what point does americans being in an establishment have anything to do with the quality of food there..?

Big, that is the truth. If they serve crappy food to Americans, the chances of them getting called for it are almost nil. The American simply thinks he/she doesn't like "Japanese" food.

Serve that shit to a Japanese who knows what raw fresh fish is supposed to taste and feel like, and you'll go broke.

I had that exact experience recently in a place frequented by Americans. Everyone was commenting on how great the "California Rolls" were. I could hardly choke it down. I know what old fish tastes like, and how to renew it when it gets old. (Copius amounts of rice wine vinegar was the key)

Unless you hang with locals, you probably have not ate Okinawan or Japanese food.

Yakiniku by the way is simply BBQ beef. You say you aint eating that anymore? lol. You can get the sauce at the commissary. Get some and do some kebabs on your own grill at home with a nice beer. It's awesome. You can get that at eateries....but not the ones the Americans go to.

[CaptainMcLusty]

The only bad experiences I've ever had were on base, or places whose primary customer base is Americans.....

[Jazz]

well to each his own... i happen to like the gyoza and the fried rice... i dont think that wether you like or dislike the food there has any bearing on your grasp of what japanese food really is... truth be told the vast majority of japanese food i dont care for but i do know what it is....

i guess i am the only person here who doesnt get weirded out when being around english speaking americans.. if anything it makes me more comfortable... it says hey maybe there is something good to eat here for the average american palette...

at what point does americans being in an establishment have anything to do with the quality of food there..?

Big, I think you answered your own question - "truth be told the vast majority of japanese food i dont care for", and this coming from the guy who claims to eat out only at CoCo's and McDonalds.

I was basically saying IF you're American and Kitanai sen is your idea of going out for a Japanese meal then I feel bad for you.

AH, basically covered it, if you don't hang w/ or have family that is local, there's a good chance you haven't had the real deal.

If you like their Gyoza, then you've never had good Gyoza (not that Gyoza is Japanese)........IMO!

I'll say this, I LOVE Japanese food and I've become a bit of a food snob. Once you've had the good fresh stuff, it's hard to go to places like Kitakaisen. BTW, why are you arguing w/ me about a food that you admittedly don't like and won't even try? You're just F'n w/ me aren't you? Don't make me come down stairs and school you!

As far as the "average American palette" - LOL, that's all I'll say. There's people who eat to live and those who live to eat. If you live to eat you'll get sick of the average American diet real quick, or you should, IMO.

BTW, anyone who's thinking "wait, I read a post by this guy where he said he prefers Chinese and Korean food to Japanese" - yes, at times I do. But overall I love all cuisine at different times.

And, I'll end by "bidding you all good eats"...

[Jazz]

oops, double post....

[Jazz]

the "meat" and i use that term loosely at the yakiniku was basically bbq fat.. nasty as hell...

..

Sometimes, the fatty parts are the best! You ever try Sanmainiku?

[Asshat]

Taco Rice is my favorite Japanese food!

[Asshat]

you know good and damn well i have no idea what that is... we have had this convo in person... a meat cutlet is a meat cutlet to me.. not katsuo... unless you are gonna use the english terminology there is not point in asking me...

Katsuo is a fish. :P Seriously Big, you can't go on and on saying you don't like Japanese food when you really haven't had the opportunity to try it yet.

As far as not liking raw fish, many people don't including Japanese. Japanese food (not Okinawan food, nor what is now called Asian Fussion) is actually quite boring to me.

[Oki0619]

I love CoCos but there is way more great food to be had, there are tons of izikayas (sp) that have great food. The new Yakitori place on 58 across from Foster is great.

[CaptainMcLusty]

You're just F'n w/ me aren't you? Don't make me come down stairs and school you!

Do it Ryukuchina!!!! Do it!!!! Go Downstairs!!!!

http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/f/fork.gif

[CaptainMcLusty]

Monsta-

I don't think you're a bad person for not trying certain foods, or not liking certain foods, its just that there is, IMHO, SO MUCH good food to be had here. And when you like something, you want other people to try it too so they can enjoy it with you....

BTW--the Ebi-McWrap from McDonalds is DELISH. You should try it!

[Jazz]

you know good and damn well i have no idea what that is... we have had this convo in person... a meat cutlet is a meat cutlet to me.. not katsuo... unless you are gonna use the english terminology there is not point in asking me...

As AH pointed out Katsuo is a fish and Katsu is "Cutlet"......

I use the Japanese terminology cause that's how I learned it. I mean I don't understand, I came here the first time with no interest in Japan or the culture at all, but it was like natural for me to go out and try things. I first had and learned of Katsu (what you call cutlet) as Katsu. I said OK, that's Katsu. If you want the English term - have you ever tried "three layers of meat" (sanmainiku)? - there you go but good luck asking the lady out in town for some "three layers of meat".

LOL, this is fun, and you say I'm full of BS Big........

[Asshat]

Franchized eateries go out of their way to ensure a Whopper here tastes exactly like a Whopper there.

What would you tell a Japanese person who told you American food sucked because they ate at Chillis on Kadena, then Macaroni Grill on Foster? They sure as hell didn't eat my mother's meat loaf, nor your mother's fried chicken and home made biscuits!

That's the point.

Other than that, I don't give a flying fark what you eat Big. Eat what you want. Shit, I do. :)

[Trail]

Now.... I am not standing up for anyone but having a japanese spouse/friend makes eating off base a tad easier. There is no excuse for people NOT to go off base but I know I would be much more confident walking into an eatery that has no english menus nor pictures on the menus, if I had some one japanese in tow. Sorry but I am not going to blindly order something and then have to pay money for it if I do not like it.

*Note: I am working on my japanese. Hopefully a pocket translator will help a bit for these secluded trips.

[Jazz]

well first off.. let me get one thing straight.. i go mostly to mcdonalds and coco's.. that does not mean i have not tried other stuff.. i have been to several other places.. one bad experience for me is all it takes.. and the majority of places i have been that serve Japanese food have not impressed me...

i personally dont need to hang with locals or marry one to feel as though i can enjoy the food of a particular country...

while stationed in germany for 5 yrs i did not marry a local and did not need to befriend a german to find out and experience true german cuisine... it just so happened that i loved many if not most of the foods i experienced over there...

here i dont care for much of it.. soba... everyone raves about soba.. i have tried about 5 different sobas and i have yet to like any one of them.. so it is safe for me to say that there is no soba on this island that i would like to eat because NEWSFLASH.. i dont like soba... i dont see how that is hard to understand...

when i talk about sushi and sashimi... i know i dont like the shit because the thought of eating raw fish makes my stomach turn... the thought of eating seaweed makes my stomach turn... so it is safe for me to say that there is no sushi or sashimi or form of raw fish that i like or want to even put in my mouth on this island.. unless i feel like throwing up and i generally dont feel like doing that...

again... i have tried gyoza at quite a few places... i happen to like the gyoza at kitakaizen...

this bullshit about this and that place not being japanese food is all bullshit to me...

if a foreigner goes to the states and eats at a restaurant that is pretty much new to them and in the USA.. guess what.. its american food to them.. so that is not to say that mcdonalds or hooters or TGIF or any other establishment is more "American" than another...

is a mom and pop eaterie or a burger from a backyard cookout in the states more or less american.. its all ******* american...

the mcdonalds over here is the japanese version of an american fast food franchise...

in short.. when you are a foreigner in another country the food found in that country that is that countries friggin food..

so i dont care how you slice it and dice it.. soba is soba.. gyoza is gyoza.. i dont care what esteblishment over here it is from.. as an american it is all japanese food to me...

you know to be totally honest the thing that is the most annoying to me and my biggest complaint about okinawa..

is the americans who put them selves on a pedestal because they take in more of the culture here than most of us who pass through and look down on others... it is inevitible that i must deal with these people as i come across them everyday... just becaused you embraced it here more than some of us does not mean you are any better than anyone else.. the condescending snide ass comments get old real quick..

i would be an ass if i just start spouting generalizations about people who do stay over here or marry the local women and all that jazz right?

so why do you people do it to those who dont share your views and opinions?

i accept you all for what and who you are.. i dont deride or make smart ass comments and generalizations about you or the choices that you guys made in regards to okinawa or japan.. hwo about you stop doing that in regards to people who choose not to embrace what you have embraced....

BULLSHIT

Big, I truly don't see the point in arguing with you over this. I don't even understand where you took any of my comments as snide. Check the thread title "Worst restaurants and/or dining experience", I thought this was the place to comment on that.

Damn, Big, you need to calm down. You seem to be stressed and/or frustrated about being here. No one ever said you have to eat the food or embrace the culture. People are just making comments on their OPINIONS here.

[okisteve]

Now.... I am not standing up for anyone but having a japanese spouse/friend makes eating off base a tad easier. There is no excuse for people NOT to go off base but I know I would be much more confident walking into an eatery that has no english menus nor pictures on the menus, if I had some one japanese in tow. Sorry but I am not going to blindly order something and then have to pay money for it if I do not like it.

*Note: I am working on my japaense. Hopefully a pocket translator will help a bit for these secluded trips.


I must agree with Trail. Unless the menu is in English I still find it very hard to figure out what is offered, even when the names are in katakana. Even if a waiter explains, a dish often contains some ingredients that don't have familiar translations.

If you can't go out to eat with a local, you can try to find some restaurants where the owner or someone else can explain the menu to you.

The effort might be worth it. I was never a big fan of Japanese food from the maybe 5 times I ate in J. restaurants in the states. But since I was introduced to Japan and the real stuff about 10 years ago I really prefer it to anything else (natto excepted).

[Asshat]

if a japanese person told me american food sucked because they didnt like what they ate at the 2 places you mentioned.. i honestly wouldnt care.. it wouldnt affect me in anyway.. it is there opinion and i have no inclination to attemp to sway there opinion either way...

so just how many japanese places do i have to eat before i can safely so i am not a big fan of the food here...


on the franchised thing.. yeah the whoppers on base taste like whoppers back home.. but mcdonalds fails in the taste category as far as comparison to mcdonalds back home.. it is still good here but it definitely tastes different..


LMAO! You are right about the Whoppers and Mikey D's!

I wouldn't have said shit about what you like/don't like, except you have made it a point on many occassions to mention you hate Japanese food.

Maybe you are pissed off that people keep saying shit like "try it, you'll like it.." that shit pisses me off too.

In reality, I don't care either. But I guarenfukingtee you I can cook some yakiniku you would absolutely love!

[Trail]

question...

does a person have to have an excuse to not go and explore off base.. what if that person is completely happy with the on base atmosphere and eateries and such... just because that is not your preference doesnt mean that they need an excuse.... to each his own right..

i go off base i try new things.. but it seems that the more i try the more i find i dont like when it comes to food here..

I think people that outwardly refuse to go off base are a tad dense but if you have said you've tried going off base and it just doesn't do anything for you, fine. However, you can't complain then how your choices of food are extremely limited then. You've pretty much have done that to yourself. It's also just another facet of military life to chop up and take. You aren't always going to like where you are at nor enjoy every aspect of your surroundings. My thoughts are, try to make the best of it.

[Jazz]

but mcdonalds fails in the taste category as far as comparison to mcdonalds back home.. it is still good here but it definitely tastes different..

That difference is called freshness :)

[Trail]

Sorry, but MY gyoza is the the best... hate to break the bad news to you all that you are all misinformed. ;)

Seriously though, I like my own gyoza better than any restaurants.

[sktmfy]

damn...all big is saying is that, he has put himself out there and tried the food...tried it...tried it again..didnt like it...so in turn he's not gonna try it no more...im the same way...my ole lady loves eating soba and soup and all that...i hate soba...i love ramen...when i first got here i couldnt fathom eating sushi either...now i feen for it...its delicious, sometimes i just go and me and my family eat about 80 bucks worth of it at the sushi bars... food is food, i love to eat everything, if i dont like the service, the atmosphere, or the food at a particular place, i wont visit again...for my real satisfaction i just cook...home cook meals taste like love....

chicken,beef,pork,fish, vegetables....unless you are eating dogs and cats, what else is there...how many different ways can you enjoy an entree....

put hotsauce on chicken...its chicken, put teriyaki sauce an chicken, its chicken...it being japanese style or american style cooking shouldnt really be a factor... everyone has there thing, but i do think those guys that say...hell nah, i dont eat of base, or i dont eat that japanese shii...i do think that is being a little closed minded, yes we all love america...you will go back there soon, but believe me you probably will have this lingering thought or worry irritating the hell out of you saying...damn i should of tried more stuff when i was in japan...

you cant blame someone for not liking something, or blame a person for knowing what they like and dont. but just totally refusing to try...thats...i dont know..."When in Rome do what the Romans Do" I guess.

Try some of the yakiniku places...Gohen/Bambohe... or some of the Izakayas...the ones closer to where americans hang out, the have a more western variety of foods...me personally, i look for the mom and pop spots....im on hansen, i be way down in itoman finding places to eat...the shii is good to me. McDonalds is not the only thing here to eat....okay im done, hope you get my point tho'

[okisteve]

one specific example is how you said if someone likes kitakaizens gyoza they dont know what good gyoza is....

that alone comes off as know it all elitist BS... who are you to tell anyone what their opinion of the gyoza should be.. if they like it they like it..

Now you are speaking from ignorance, because bad gyoza tastes like ground cardboard wrapped in overcooked noodles and good gyoza wakes your taste buds up and makes them sing.

[sktmfy]

That difference is called freshness :)

yes indeed....and they actually change the big ass vats of grease!!! lol

[socalheart]

I grew up here and am Asian, but I'll be darned that I prefer a good ribeye steak and a loaded baked potato to a bowl of soba or sashimi/sushi. I like the basics like yakitori/niku, tonkatsu/sasami and rice, but typically stick to Western foods. I don't feel bad about it either, because I don't even eat Vietnamese food and am allergic to shell/fish food. So... there! :p Now, I think I'll make me a steak and eggs.

[sktmfy]

im making a generalization here, but its also one of my personal thoughts/observations. To me it seems that those who dont really venture off base to try different foods are they people from the southern states. I've noticed that with alot of my friends, all of us from the east coast and up north, dont seem to have a problem with eating out in town or hanging with some japanese people or what have you, but when trying to make plans with or when some of my southern buddies are around, they are never down for it... anyone agree/disagree or noticed the same???

maybe being from up north, I know we have alot of chinese carryouts and restaraunts and what not...Im not talking panda express or the wok or none of that crap, im talking some chinese dude that live in the hood and his restaraunt is downstairs and apt is upstairs with his whole family...beef and brocoli...beef lo mein, shrimp fried rice, egg foo young...all that....do they have those places down south???

[Jazz]

believe me i am far from stressed or frustrated.. actually i am having a good morning and this has caused me a fair amount of merriment..

i find it amusing how people post things and they dont even see how what they type is snide and condescending..

one specific example is how you said if someone likes kitakaizens gyoza they dont know what good gyoza is....

that alone comes off as know it all elitist BS... who are you to tell anyone what their opinion of the gyoza should be.. if they like it they like it..

i can understand if you said in your opinion that you think there are better gyozas out there.. but you didnt..

many of yours and other peoples posts on here are worded in exactly this manner.. you guys generalize all americans.. constantly state how you avoid them and blah blah blah.. how do you figure that yoru wordage and tone in these matters is not snide and condescending..

if i said i avoid the japanese people as much as possible.. i gaurantee many on here would take issue with that statement..

you guys do the same thing just towards americans..

and people like this are the single biggest thing i dislike about being here.. even more so than the food.. the lack of clothes that fit in my style and all that....

but i love the weather.. i love the beaches and the people are friendly.. so ill enjoy my next 3 yrs here and steer clear of the self righteous condescending assholes who know it all simply because they either retired here or married into okinawa.. lol

Sorry to make you consider me a self righteous condescending asshole cause I missed placing a "IMO" (I usually include that with those sorts of comments), I went back and fixed it just for you Big! Anyways, IMO that F'n Gyoza was horrible, my friend who joined me said it was awesome.

Big - you're obviously bored and enjoy picking fights with people over things as trivial as GYOZA - HAHA damn, you're a funny dude. And also the only one to tell me I've ofended them in this way on here, LOL

[Asshat]

I grew up here and am Asian, but I'll be darned that I prefer a good ribeye steak and a loaded baked potato to a bowl of soba or sashimi/sushi. I like the basics like yakitori/niku, tonkatsu/sasami and rice, but typically stick to Western foods. I don't feel bad about it either, because I don't even eat Vietnamese food and am allergic to shell/fish food. So... there! :p Now, I think I'll make me a steak and eggs.

You don't count. You grew up as an American. Heck, there's all those adopted Chinese babies living in Heartland now. They'll grow up eating grits and listening to country music and living in trailors.

[Asshat]

well the kitakaizen gyoza made MY tastebuds sing...

so i guess i am ignorant huh... LMAO

Well,,,,you can get the frozen ones at the commissary and fry them up at home. tastes ok.

[okisteve]

well the kitakaizen gyoza made MY tastebuds sing...

so i guess i am ignorant huh... LMAO

Maybe... I have never eaten there.

[Jazz]

i didnt say you offended me.. i said the attitude that you display at times and others display more often bug the shit out of me... live your life dont look down on others because their tastes are different than yours...

if you think i am picking a fight you are a little lost.. just voicing my opinion on various subjects without caring if it is a popular position or not.. but i do make it a point not to generalize or be condescending to those who make different choices in life than i do..

Good on you Big, and as do I, I actually make a conscious effort about that. I even double read post's before posting. If you see something different from me please let me know. But since you are the only one who ever told me that I came off that way, I won't sweat it.

Man could I go for some Sashimi and Tempura right now(don't worry Big, you don't have to join me). This thread is getting me hungry.

[socalheart]

I think the commissary frozen gyoza tastes disgusting. The better frozen gyoza (not from China) is found at Japanese grocery stores. We prefer them for our parties. The gyoza from Kitakaisen isn't great, but is definitely stuffed.

[vvloc]

Maybe... I have never eaten there.

Have you tried Panda on the street the Prefectural immigration office is located on - real Chinese (Chinese owner and total Chinese staff), really GREAT gyoza (Chinese style - steamed or fried)?

[socalheart]

Do you mean Rte 81 a.k.a. Legion gate road? Do they have good Chinese food? We've been looking for a new Chinese food place for a while.
Have you tried Panda on the street the Prefectural immigration office is located on - real Chinese (Chinese owner and total Chinese staff), really GREAT gyoza (Chinese style - steamed or fried)?

[Jazz]

IMO, Myeungdong (sp?) Gyoza in the Myeungdong area of Seoul is the BEST! You all should go if you ever visit Korea. We went three times and there was a line out the door every time.

[okisteve]

Have you tried Panda on the street the Prefectural immigration office is located on - real Chinese (Chinese owner and total Chinese staff), really GREAT gyoza


I'll look for it. Another famous place is in Sakaemachi market.

As for the supermarket gyoza (refrigerated, not frozen), I've found some that taste pretty good but lots are so-so. My problem is that I always forget to save the package from the good ones. In general, if it has lots of garlic, I like them. But I buy them for my kids - quick meal in a pinch.

[vvloc]

Thanks, I'll look for the Sakaemachi place - tried to make my own - TOTAL disaster - dem things ain't easy to make!!!

[DoctorP]

Thanks, I'll look for the Sakaemachi place - tried to make my own - TOTAL disaster - dem things ain't easy to make!!!

Not that hard to make...just have to be careful when sealing the wrappers. Too much water=no good, too little water=no good. Trial and error=perfect!

I make my own, and I make my own fried cheese as well, using the same wrappers.

[sktmfy]

Not that hard to make...just have to be careful when sealing the wrappers. Too much water=no good, too little water=no good. Trial and error=perfect!

I make my own, and I make my own fried cheese as well, using the same wrappers.

you ever make the cream cheese and strimp wontons...i think its a filipino style but you can use the same wrappers...its good

[socalheart]

I make cream cheese wontons, but I always thought it was a Chinese-American thing. I've never known any Filipinos who made it.

[sktmfy]

I make cream cheese wontons, but I always thought it was a Chinese-American thing. I've never known any Filipinos who made it.

maybe you're right, I just said that because a filipina that i used to date in hawaii, her and her family would always make them, i would eat like 100 of them...along with lumpia.....

[vvloc]

Not that hard to make...just have to be careful when sealing the wrappers. Too much water=no good, too little water=no good. Trial and error=perfect!

I make my own, and I make my own fried cheese as well, using the same wrappers.

Docp, thanks for the advice - I cook all sorts of things, but EVERYTIME I try to make them it's either too little or too much water, and the kitchen looks like it's been hit by an IED!

BUT, wow, Socalheart's mention of cream cheese filled ones makes me want run, not walk to WHEREVER they can be found!

[socalheart]

Cream cheese wontons with sweet and sour sauce. yummies! I usually make them with onion cream cheese, but plain cream cheese works also. I'm going to try a dessert version next using a fruit cream cheese next. I don't know about off base, but the commissary usually carries the ingredients for it.

[okisteve]

Cream cheese wontons with sweet and sour sauce. yummies! I usually make them with onion cream cheese, but plain cream cheese works also. I'm going to try a dessert version next using a fruit cream cheese next. I don't know about off base, but the commissary usually carries the ingredients for it.

There's an old-time restaurant in my hometown that has had those on the menu for decades, and almost everyone orders them as appetizers. It's not an Asian restaurant, actually started out as a "sorta" Italian place.

[sktmfy]

Cream cheese wontons with sweet and sour sauce. yummies! I usually make them with onion cream cheese, but plain cream cheese works also. I'm going to try a dessert version next using a fruit cream cheese next. I don't know about off base, but the commissary usually carries the ingredients for it.

sounds good....what about crab rangoon, can you make that

[socalheart]

sounds good....what about crab rangoon, can you make that

No, I'm allergic to shellfish. I doubt I'd get a rash just handling the food, but why chance it? Besides, why make something you can't eat? :p

[Trail]

see... i agree with part of what you say but most of it i just dont understand...

how does a personal preference make anyone DENSE... so i can say if you dont like hip hop music you are DENSE... doesnt make sense to me.. but whatever..

i also dont understand how you figure that someone has no right to complain about the food available here when they have tried to sample the local food but have only found a few things that agree with them... hell i dont even like macaroni grill.. so that means i cant complain about it...

but people can complain about what other people wear and if they use bottled water to wash sand off them... and etc...

at least i only complain about what affects me...

i have found places i like off base.. and i do eat out often.. but because some people dont think kitakaizen or coco's is japanese enough or in line with their particular tastes i am not willing to try the food. here.. i have..

and i am well versed in all aspect of military life.. being an air force brat and living in england 10 yrs.. spending 6 yrs in the army and stationed in germany and deploying everywhere else in the world.. working as a civilian stateside with the military and now being employed by the military as a civilian in an overseas location.. i am well aware of the ups and downs of military life.. i am well aware of all the opportunities and limitations, the good and the bad.. i have lived with this pretty much my whole life and i am far from new to "trying to make the best of it"

Big-
Please reread my post. I said the people who outwardly refuse to eat off base without trying anything are dense. Take your hip hop music for instance.... It's a like a person saying they hate hip hop without even listening to music and they are bored of what musical choices they do have. :scratchchin:

You asked a question and I answered. If you want to argue with my opinion fine. See if your questions are answered by anyone else. You take everything answered personally as well.

Dude, you can't be serious bring up this old BS :rolleyes:

but people can complain about what other people wear and if they use bottled water to wash sand off them... and etc...

[Jazz]

Big, how was Futenma?

[Trail]

but believe me if it bothers you i will never address you on here again.. i am sure neither of us would lose any sleep..

All this imaginary "bad blood" between us is all in your head. :rolleyes:

[Jazz]

MMMM, Gyros!

[P_chan]

and even if someone outwardly refuses to eat off base it doesnt make them DENSE.. it makes them a free person who chooses not to venture out.. they may have a million reasons why they dont go out.. it doesnt make it dense..

It only makes them dense once they complain that the food sucks once they've never really tried it.

[Trail]

Tell them "no means no." Then claim they are molesting you with sushi....

Sorry being a smart ass

[Sex Wax]

Tell them "no means no." Then claim they are molesting you with sushi....

Sorry being a smart ass

You know there are these "Adult Sashimi Bars" where you eat sashimi (raw fish, no rice) off of a NAKED GIRL !! That would be a cool place to eat at !

:thumbup1:

[Jazz]

Yeah, I've seen those places on TV. I'd have to be drunk - too much of a germaphobe!

[okisteve]

You know there are these "Adult Sashihi Bars" where you eat sashimi (raw fish, no rice) off of a NAKED GIRL !! That would be a cool place to eat at !

:thumbup1:

The lighting was very dim, but it defiantly smelled and tasted like sashimi.

[Jazz]

Whiskey or Awamori should do the trick clearing up anything seeping from her pores

[CryssH]

I'm always dissapointed in the service at MacGrill.

[comrad85]

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7609

Posted there!