Shin Sen Gumi v. Izakaya Bincho v. Izayoi

[cbrundage]

Hi everyone!

We have never eaten izakaya or really great yakitori before and would like to try one of these restaurants tonight.

Now, this may not be a fair question, because it's not a true skewers to skewers comparison, but which of these restaurants is better than the other (in your opinion) and why? We have taken a break from alcohol since New Years so it'll be a food fest only if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

--C

Clarification: Shin Sen Gumi is the Yakitori one (Gardena, CA).

PS: If there are other places that top these feel free to let me know... but you'll only make our heads spin further with indecisiveness. :-)

[exilekiss]

Hi cbrundage,

Sorry I didn't see your post until this morning (Mon). It's too late now, but I would've said Izakaya Bincho or Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori. Both of those are can't miss places. Where did you end up going?

[cbrundage]

We went to Shin Sen Gumi. It was a lot of fun!

We tried: chicken meatballs, chicken w/ green onion, chicken skin, pork belly, pork sausages, bacon wrapped mushrooms, bacon wrapped leek, bacon wrapped quail egg, grilled garlic, gingko nuts, eel liver, potato salad, yellowtail sashimi, and more. The yellowtail was not as fresh as I'm used to... but I don't think people come to Shin Sen Gumi for the sushi!

The yakitori was terrific and the quality of the food was great although I wish there were more spices/sauces available to heat things up a bit and/or enhance the flavors (personal preference).

Anyway, after last night's experience I am really looking forward to Izakaya Bincho!

Thanks for all of your contributions around these restaurants exilekiss.

--cbrundage

[exilekiss]

Hi cbrundage,

Glad you enjoyed Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori. :) Definitely a solid choice. (Yes, you definitely don't go to SSG for their Sashimi :)

I hope you enjoy your visit to Izakaya Bincho. :)

[cbrundage]

Anyone? :-) It's dinner time!