GION Japanese Restaurant

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:16 +0000

Gion is an award winner of the best Japanese restaurant 2007 by Metro Magazine. The metro Magazine said “There was no clear winner in this category last year but this time we can confidently name Gion as the best Japanese restaurant in this city.” Gion Japanese Restaurant is opened at May 2006 by Akira Kugue. Akira is already a well-know Sushi Chef in Auckland having worked at Sea mart for the past 10 years. Referred to as a Sushi Master, He taught and still teaches Japanese Cuisines course in the Seafood School in Auckland Fish Market.

The design of Gion Japanese Restaurant blends in unique elements of Kyoto in Japan, which creates a unique dining environment unveiling the relationship between food and nature. Dining here will definitely bring you an original taste and visual experience of the old Japan. Being the forerunner of the quality Japanese foods, Gion Japanese Restaurant will bring in the freshest and tastiest sushi, sashimi and other different kinds of fine Japanese delicacies to customer.

Taisho Yakitori Bar

go — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:06:12 +0000

“Taisho” means “commander”, or “admiral” and, from the glassed-in grill stand, the chef of this yakitori bar keeps a close eye on his charges and their appetites.Chic and elegant, yet simple and no-frills; there is Sapporo beer on tap to go with the tasty morsels you are encouraged to eat direct from the skewer. Get in the swing of things immediately by shouting your order as you come through the door (not at all uncommon in Japan, believe me); something like, “Nama to negima” (nama is draft beer, and negima is yakitori chicken skewered with pieces of roasted spring onion).

A personal recommendation is the nankotsu; this soft-boned part of the chicken is particularly toothsome, and comes served with a sliver of lemon to enhance the flavour. If you are unfamiliar with the arcane side of yakitori, note the following :

(1) this is like a Japanese form of tapas – lots of little dishes, so, if you’re hungry, just keep’em coming,

(2) the secret is in the sauce !

(3) the flavour of the chicken is enhanced by a form of traditional Japanese charcoal, binchotan, which burns at a low temperature and is smokeless. Just follow the aroma of succulent roast chicken and you’ll know you’re there once you sight the big, red akachochin lantern – the centre feature of the restaurant.

New Zealand Japanese Restaurants Guide » Gion Parnell

GION Japanese Restaurant

Taisho Yakitori Bar