Maru Global turns Tokio Global

Remember my post on takoyaki from Maru Global?
If not, you can check it out here: 1st Takoyaki Place in Philly: Maru Global

For those that don't know what takoyaki is, here's a quick explanation: 
It's a popular ball-shaped dumpling that's typically filled with octopus. It originated in Japan as a street food sold by vendors, and now it can be found in Philadelphia! 

Maru Global started out at on 10th Street between Spruce and Pine, but now they've moved to Front and Lombard Street. It's not in Center City anymore, so it might be a bit harder for you to access. But there are some perks to the area! I went last night for dinner with the boyfriend and we had a great time! ;] 

Sadly, due to my low quality camera on the Ipod, I couldn't take any good pictures at night. But I'll take some next time I go when the lights are still out, and I'll post it up here.

A Day Trip to New York

Hello everyone! It's been quite hectic after co-op started for me, but I finally found some time to post!

Last month (September 2011), I had the chance to go to New York for a day trip, and here's what I was introduced to while I visited St. Marks in East Village. This particular area has lots of Japanese shops, so I was super excited to go and explore :]

1) Otafuku
236 E. 9th Street, New York, NY 10003
This place is famous for their takoyaki! They also sell yakisoba, okinomoyaki and edamane. There is no seating in the shop because it's basically a whole in the wall. The prices range from $5-8. In my opinion, it's as close as takoyaki can get in terms of street food. To learn more about what takoyaki is and how you can find it here in Philly, check out my previous blog here.

Noboru - Japanese & Korean Buffet Restaurant

Sushi and sashimi taste the best when it's fresh and made right in front of you! But, if you want cheap sushi in Philly, I guarantee you that it's not going to be fresh at all.

So, where should you go for fresh sushi and sashimi that's made in front of you, plus it's worth the price?

I suggest going to Noboru, a contemporary Asian cuisine sushi buffet. It's located outside of Philadelphia, but it is definitely worth your time to go there for all-you-can-eat sushi! I know, the words "all-you-can-eat" and "buffet" doesn't always bring out the best thoughts all the time. But based on my experienced with Chinese buffets around the city where they serve food altered to suit the taste of "Americans," Noboru gives you a different and better buffet experience.

Even though there are many Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia, I have yet to find one that serves fresh sushi and worth the price. I would hate to spend $30 on a plate of frozen sushi! However, Noboru gave me a different experience! The food is fresh, and they give you a variety of other Japanese, Korean, etc dishes to try! I was introduced to Noboru by a good friend of mine and have been going there for my sushi cravings ever since!

1st Takoyaki Place in Philly: Maru Global

Takoyaki...what in the world is that?
It's a popular ball-shaped dumpling that's typically filled with octopus. It originated in Japan as a street food sold by vendors, and now it can be found in Philadelphia!

Chef Ryo Igarashi, the owner and head chef at Maru Global is the first to bring takoyaki to Philly. He is a Tokyo native, and came to America with the dream of opening up a family restaurant to share the wonderful homemade Japanese food he grew up eating. He took his dream and turned it into what Maru Global is today! A relaxed atmosphere with nice soothing jazz music playing in the background, and where the food  is made with a modern twist.

A twist? Does that mean its not traditional food?
Yes, Chef Igarashi gives his food a "twist", but he still serves the authentic version of these dishes. For example, the original takoyaki with the octopus filling (the #1 customer favorite!) is still served, but he takes the basic takoyaki recipe and apply it to new ingredients to create new unique dishes such as his popular chocolate dessert takoyaki!

So...where did he get this idea to make a non-traditional takoyaki that's a dessert?!?
Well, in Japan, people can purchase their own personal takoyaki grill (Want to purchase yours? Click here.). They bring it out during parties and create their own takoyaki by putting anything in there, such as cheese, chocolate, chicken, and whatever their heart desires. So, Chef Igarashi thought: If you can make it, why not? The concept is the same, the grill is the same, it's just the batter and fillings are different! So, why not?