Saturday, February 4, 2012

Fridays in January Part One

I made two Friday visits to the Izakaya Meiji company in January, both great visits, both in and of themselves unique, both in the company, the atmosphere, and the food and conversation. The first was with my younger brother, Alex. His original plan was to go to Mapleton to visit a friend, but it got rained out by the terrible weather we were having that was flooding parts of the state in mid-January. I had missed Dick Dale in Corvallis earlier that week because I was not sure I wanted to test the weather.



We showed up a bit late and the place was jumping, well, as much as a Japanese Restaurant Whiskey Bar in the middle of the Whiteaker would be jumping on a Friday night. Actually, I can only imagine how this will grow as it still seems to be one of Eugene's best kept secrets. But, when we arrived, we were looking at a 30 to 40 minute wait for a table, but we were able to sneak in and get a seat at the bar within only a couple minutes, which offered a different vantage point -- I was thrilled as this was only second time sitting at the bar & I was afraid we might have to go somewhere else to pick up a late dinner.

We both ordered the burger and fries, to get things going, and I Had the Old Charter 8 year, which was their bourbon of the week on the rocks. Not a bad offering, it did get better, once the ice began melting into it. We did the typical family catching up. Talked about our jobs, the holidays, etc. Friends, women, just the general Mejia boy chit chat while waiting for our food. I also sampled the 17 year, based on recommendation from a friend, and also a choice that made my bartender very excited as it is one of his personal favorite spirits. It is bottled by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. Bardstown,KY. Started off smooth. Nice hint of caramel, possibly some vanilla, then moved to a bitter leather, some burn. As I continued to sip, less subtle hints of the oak flavor from the barrel. This is a true whiskey. Not as smooth as some, definitely lingers more than most. A great sip on its own. Not sure, how I would recommend with food.


It may have been the bourbon, but my brother seconded the emotion, the burgers are amongst the best within Eugene city limits. 1/3 pound grass fed beef patty seared to medium rare and served on English muffin. Garnished with Izakaya's house-made teriyaki coleslaw (the best) lettuce and onion and side of french fries. The fries come with the Wasabi mayo, which I am not a big fan of mayo with my friends, but the Wasabi gives it just enough kick, and with the whiskey, I do not mind the mayo whatsoever. We added cheese and avocado for a little extra. Next time, I will take a picture of the tiny beast. I was too hungry and maybe a little inebriated when it came, but the presentation is as wonderful as the food. Photo promised soon, I swear.

Finished the night with my brother with a Highland Park 12 year, my first Scotch of the year. It was a nice mix of fruit with the smoked flavor of Peat. This is the youngest Highland Park has to offer, but a very nice Scotch. I think I might have to order a rusty nail with it somewhere -- as I will not allow myself mixed drinks in my whiskey Izakaya venture, but I think it definitely has nice Nail potential.

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