Ippuku, Berkeley (first time)

[sundeck sue]

we would have done well to do a little research before-hand (what was I thinking, not to have looked on chowhound???). the server, who was really sweet and attentive, was not as much help as we could have used, as we tried to navigate a menu that was pretty foreign (we asked her for help, explaining it was our first time, but weren't maybe communicating as well as we might have). we stumbled around a little and got some good stuff, some less so. and not maybe the best sequenced meal (always a challenge w/ small plates).

the place has a great ambience--hard to believe you're on center st. in berkeley. but the door was open, w/ just a curtain; and the temperatures were in the low 40's outside; and we were close to the front, though there were some kind of heaters in the booths (again, loved booth). (speaking of heat--i really loved--underscored-- the high-tech japanese toilet in the women's room w/ the heated seat!)

i mistakenly (again would have liked more help from the server) got an $18 big thing of sake just for me. the complimentary starter of cabbage and miso mayo was nice.

grilled squid was A+. potstickers--delicate, not heavy like pot-stickers can be, though probably not the most exciting choice. mandolined pear w/ wasabi was lovely--one of those unexpected and simple combos that are really pleasing--even pear-averse spouse ate and enjoyed a few pieces. a chicken skewer was nice, not brilliant (again, we weren't sure which skewers to get--I'm sure some are more interesting than other). got a creamy fish-y thing (can't remember what it was called), served tempura style (liked creamy texture, nicely fried-- needed a dipping sauce, which we tried to make w/ table condiments--soy sauce + ground pepper).

and for dessert, strauss frozen yogurt for dessert w/ a miso powder topping--which was...powder-y.

we will definitely go back!

[Tripeler]

The "miso powder topping" on the yogurt might have been powdered roasted soybeans? ("kinako") This is tan and very powdery... how did it taste? I have never heard of miso powder being used for anything except instant miso soup.

[sundeck sue]

Hmmm. Now I really have to go back to find out what it was. I thought she said miso powder. As for the taste. It tasted.....powder-y--which is to say, the main thing I experience was texture and not in an entirely pleasant way.

[edgrimley]

I am a big fan of the tsukune ground chicken served with egg.

[jaiko]

If you liked the shirako, Oliveto was serving some in their fritto misto just last week. Very tasty, especially with that amazing saffron aioli of theirs!

[chickenluv]

That delicious tempura you had is one of my favorite things..... I particularly love sharing it with people who don't know what it is, wait for them to love it and then reveal..... it is cod milt:

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/20...

[sundeck sue]

no wonder if couldn't remember what it was in my post--a victorian reflex! :)

[vincentlo]

Their yakitori aka chicken skewers are exceptional, especially if you are an adventurous eater that enjoys skin, cartilage, and liver. And don't be afraid to order their chicken tartare. ;-)