Entries in Restaurants (3)
Yona Williams
Whether you already have a weakness for California Rolls or want to try something new during a vacation – try considering some of the Japanese restaurants scattered about the United States. Before getting down to the nitty gritty of hot spots for Japanese cuisine, beginners should first know that Japanese food goes beyond the sushi and raw fish typically associated with the culture.
About Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine often blends staple foods (like rice and noodles) with soup and other dishes made with fish, vegetables, meat, and tofu. When adding flavor, cooks typically use soy sauce, dashi (soup and cooking stocks), and miso (thick paste used for sauces and spreads). Generally, Japanese dishes are low in fat, but also high in sodium. A standard Japanese meal may have been prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, such as steaming, grilling, using heavy amounts of vinegar, and deep-frying. Sometimes, dishes are served raw (called sashimi).
Japanese cooking embraces the use of beans, rice, seaweed, shellfish, crab, eggs, flour, and mushrooms. A vital component also includes noodles. Popular selections include soba (thin and made with buckwheat flour) and udon (wheat noodles with a thick consistency). Served hot or cold, soy and cooking stocks are often used to add flavor to the noodles. 
Common Dishes
It is not uncommon to find the following dishes listed on a Japanese menu:
- Ochazuke: Hot green tea or dashi poured over cooked white rice.
- Onigiri: Balls of rice with a filling (like fish, pickles, seafood, or miso).
- Zosui: Soup containing rice stewed in stock and flavored with miso or soy (often containing egg, meat, seafood, vegetables or mushroom).
- Sushi: Vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients (oftentimes fish or seafood).
- Anpan: Sweet buns filled with red bean paste.
- Tempura: Deep-fried vegetables or seafood in a light, tasty batter.
- Teriyaki: Grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables with a sweetened soy sauce glaze.
- Nikujaga: Beef and potato stew with sweet soy flavoring.
Popular Japanese Restaurants
Sakagura (New York, New York) – Known as one of the top sake bars in the United States, Sakagura is located in the basement of a Midtown East office building, serving up lunch and dinner. Address: 211E 43rd Street B1F
Sushi House (Atlanta, Georgia) – Interested in Japanese Fusion Sushi? This is the place to seek out when you wish to dine on tantalizing beef, chicken, and shrimp entrees. Specialty rolls, like the "Happy Sumo" are quite popular. This restaurant is also found in Orlando, Florida. Address: 2221 Peachtree Rd NE #E
Ichiza (Las Vegas, Nevada) – From stir-fried Pork n Nappa to Fire Roasted Eggplant appetizers, Ichiza also provides a satisfying menu filled with fried rice bowls, egg tofu, and unforgettable noodles. Address: 4335 Spring Mountain R. Suite 205.
Matsuri (Baltimore, Maryland) – With seasonal and daily specials, guests can savor the taste of Sashimi, Robata, and Japanese Noodles all in one place. The SushiBar Combos of the restaurant are also a hit. Address: 1105 S Charles St
Sushi O Sushi (Chicago, Illinois) – Guests not even interested in fish can't resist the Playboy Roll. On Friday and Saturday, nights are reserved for "Sake Bombs," where guests wine and dine until 2 in the morning. Also, keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Mondays. Address: 346 W Armitage Ave
Thanks to Morguefile members, reverendb (top) and sideshowmom (mid) for the use of their photos for this article.
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As mentioned in my previous post regarding e-club and birthday specials and freebies, signing up for restaurant newsletters and clubs can help you save money when celebrating your birthday on-the-go or right in your neck of the woods. I've come across a few other selections to consider, which are listed below.
Other Restaurant Birthday E-Club Freebies:
Damon's Grill – grilled chicken, seafood and ribs
Locations: Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin Freebies: Buy 1, Get 1 Free Entrée for Birthday; $5 off any Dinner Entrée on Anniversary of Sign-up Date
Bennigan's – grill and tavern
Try the Turkey O'Toole with the Bennigan's Pretzel Roll – hmmm. They also send monthly Member Perks – like free desserts and appetizers. Locations Freebie: Buy 1, Get 1 Free Entrée for Birthday
Houlihan's – Exotic and creative dishes; fun drinks
Receive coupons on the anniversary of your sign-up date. Locations Freebies: Free Birthday Entrée; Three's Company Mini Dessert Trio or Large Dessert on Sign-up Date Anniversary
BD's Mongolian Barbeque – Create your own stir fry
It is truly a delicious experience! They also recently opened a restaurant in Louisville. Locations Freebie: Free Stir-Fry Meal
Ruby Tuesday's – Free Dessert
It is rather customary for restaurants to offer free food and drinks when patrons have signed up for their e-club or join their 'birthday' club. Usually, a welcome gift is received (like a free appetizer or dessert), as well as an incentive to pay a visit to their establishment on your special day.
However, while living in Michigan – I'd have to say that nothing beats Finley's – an assortment of chicken, pasta, seafood, and steak – where you can get a satisfying full birthday meal for free (Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, Steak and Potato, and Scrod Dinner to name a few). Birthday gals and fellows can also opt to take $10 off of their meal if the scrod dinner isn't their cup of tea.
In Michigan, Finley's is found in Battle Creek, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Portage, and Muskegon.
Other Restaurant Birthday Club Freebies:
· Free Scoop of Ice Cream – Baskin Robbins
· Free Burger and Fries – Red Robin's
· Free Appetizer (or Sidekick of Ribs) – Texas Roadhouse
· $10 Off $25 or More – Uno Chicago Grill
· Free Dessert – Fazoli's
· $5 off of a signature Friendly’s Decorated Ice Cream Cakes
· $5 off any two adult dinner entrées – Red Lobster
If you're looking for a few coupons for inexpensive edibles while traveling out-of-town – a little legwork goes a long way. Do a bit of Internet research on your intended destination. Sniff out the local restaurants and apply to their e-clubs. A welcome coupon usually follows within 24 to 48 hours. You never know when you'll save $$ on your total bill or receive a freebie.