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Fluid Eating's Review of Miyako
This weekend my flatmate is leaving our humble Camden abode and moving back home to her parents. Money troubles, you see. Sure, she's a nefarious miser who does an extremely convincing line in nagging shrew, but I'd hate to see her destitute or homeless or whatever. On reflection there is one thing that I will not exactly miss, but will certainly be aware of in her absence, and that's the balance in our household. For every one of her manicured 3 hour cleaning sprees there was my 5 day pile of washing up; for each dash around the flat with a hoover and duster there was an equal red wine spill and soiled cooker top. Balance is an important element to maintain in life and without it I'll probably worry about being consumed by the endless amount of cleaning to be done and the ever growing pile of washing up in the kitchen. Best to find some balance elsewhere, methinks.
One particular culture I could take inspiration from and that understands the importance of balance and the subsequent harmony it can bring, is that of the Japanese. Natively, it's known as 'Kinkou' and is present in everything Japanese from architecture, to music and food. It is also evident in the chic Japanese restaurant Miyako; a sushi and sashimi eatery where the food reflects the atmosphere which reflects the service which reflects the decor which reflects the clientele. It just works so harmoniously and seamlessly you simply can't argue - the place has a perfect balance.
Miyako is compact in the intimate sense of the word. Whilst eating I was able to knock knees with my dinner companion opposite and rub shoulders with stranger sat next to me simultaneously. I'm sure that if I had stretched out my arms I could have brushed past our waitress and tickled the chefs with little effort. Perhaps the miniature proportions of the restaurant are true to Japanese dining, the country is famed for it's lack of space and it's consequent love of all things small. Being in close confines with the restaurants other patrons meant dining was an enjoyably rowdy affair.
Seasoned pros and fans of Japanese food will be delighted with the menu selection. Sashimi, Sushi (both nigiri and maki) Tempura and various Teriyaki dishes feature on the menu along with soups and traditional salads. If that means absolutely nothing to you then fear not, the waitresses are very well informed and will happily describe what each dish entails, in quite animated fashion. If you're the kind of person who doesn't like asking for directions then you're probably the kind of person who won't like asking waitresses about the food. But rest assured there's also a menu option for you: The chef's selections take the pressure of having to choose out of the equation and if you wanted to try a little of everything then opt for one Miyako's Bento Boxes.
The food here is clean, fresh and feels very healthy, and being located in tandem with one of London's finest hotels (the Andaz) the service, as you would expect, is impeccable. The manager was in fact happy for us to order off menu when my dinner companion asked for an Irish coffee. Not very Japanese I know, and let me assure you I did not approve. No, I chose to drink thoroughly more authentic beverage in the form of Sake. It was my first time sampling the rice wine and I have to say it's seemingly chameleon savoury vodka flavours went down a treat.
If you're in east london and are looking for tasty break away from the usual pub food that is available by the bucket load, then you should definitely head to Miyako. A word of warning though, the individual prices of the rolls and pieces of sushi on average hit the £4 mark. Not entirely extortionate, but it's very easy to get carried away and upset the balance. That is to say, your bank balance.
Reviewed by Paul Wells
Description: Such a sushi fan you think you're turning Japanese? Or just in need of a little clean living? Well at Miyako, the key ingredient is healthy Japanese cuisine, specialising in sushi, sashimi and tempura. Ideal for quick light lunches and evening meals with a Japanese beer, wine or sake on the side, people also love the take-away bento boxes, which can be ordered from the take-away menu or by fax, phone. Alternatively, just stop by.
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm & dinner Mon-Fri 6pm-10.30pm (last orders 10.30pm). Dinner Sat 6pm-10pm (Updated 16/11/2009)
Miyako Food & Drink Menus
Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at
Miyako. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's
offerings and assciated prices.
Miyako Food menu
Miyako specialises in sushi, sahimi and tempura. Miyako also offers take-away bento boxes, which can be ordered from the take-away menu.
Miyako Drink menu
Miyako's drink list carries a choice of sakes, Japanese beers and a carefully edited wine list.
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