Roka Akor…RO means a place where people gather to eat and drink in a social setting. KA means "a burning fire, heat and warmth, projecting energy and creating a welcoming buzz."
This Hong Kong-London restaurant opened an outpost in the valley a while ago, however my first experience at this restaurant occurred this past week.
Robata grilling, is an ancient form of Japenese cooking. Very simple, yet beautiful cooking. Just heat and meat (or veg, but once you taste the ribs, you'll agree, just heat and meat). The heat source: Binchotan, an oak charcoal that runs around $5 per piece. Binchotan charcoal creates a heat that is steady and encompassing, yet it is almost smokeless.
I've worked in outposts of restaurants before. A lot of money is available to the projects, and while tasty, the food is often nothing exciting nor overly creative. I find Roka Akor to be quite different.
The decor is modern and sleek. Wood and clean lines. The food is simply prepared and plated, but oh, so refined in flavor.
I met up with some friends at Roka for their special $2 Izakaya menu that is running till November 25. (Izakaya is a Japanese watering hole that serves food that is typically more substantial than regular bar food. Sorry, no nachos or jalapeno poppers here!)
Favorites:
Butterfish with white asparagus and yuzu
Tenkatsu Fried Pork Belly with Shredded Cabbage
Chibi Burger (slightly overcooked, but none-the-less, tasty)
Good dishes:
Sweet Corn Tempura with Sea Salt
Braised Beef Short Ribs with Daikon
Robata Grilled Chicken Thigh Teriyaki with Pickled Cucumber
We also tried the Slightly Fried Tofu with Soy Dashi Broth. It was okay. I ate a few bites but didn't finish it and probably wouldn't order it again. The Roka Akor Hamachi Serrano Chili Roll, which was tasty but not as memorable as these other dishes.
The best part of the meal was when an extra order of Glazed Baby Pork Ribs were sent out to us. Oh, delicious porky goodness! Fresh zip of spring onions and crunch of cashews with tender meat, the exterior crisp…yes, it's divine.
Add $2 beers and $2 glasses of wine…excellent meal with great friends. I highly recommend you get over there before November 25th.
Song of the Day: "Chasing Pirates" by: Norah Jones
