Hello Foodie Friends,

I recently attended a media/blogger luncheon for the newly reopened Yoko San, now under new ownership/management, in Downtown Boca. The event was organized by Yoko San’s PR firm, Transmedia Group and guests were escorted to the small room to the left of the entrance where we each took a seat around the two hibachi tables. Soon after the guests had arrived, Corey Simpson, Yoko San’s new owner was introduced. Corey, an affable gentleman from the Island of Jamaica, is a new restaurateur, who had started out as an investor in Yoko San who took over full time operations when the restaurant reopened the end of January under new management. One could easily tell that Corey’s main objective is to ensure that each and every guest that visits Yoko San has an exceptional experience.

Our first course was miso soup followed by salad with ginger dressing; not surprising, pretty traditional and served at just about every hibachi restaurant. I’m torn between yearning for a fresh new take on the traditional Japanese soup and salad- something completely unique from what every other restaurant of this kind serves and the feeling of keeping with tradition; knowing that people have come to expect and count on these staples when they come to a place like this. What’s your take on this? Are you a traditionalist or someone who prefers more modern twists?

Next, a couple of trays of sushi (spicy tuna roll and CA roll) were brought out. To me, they were pretty standard, nothing that really delivered a WOW factor. They do have quite an impressive list of sushi rolls on the menu however, so I will have to come back and try some of the more exotic offerings.

Finally the Hibachi Chefs came out and the show was about to begin! Chef Victor proceeded over the table where I sat, where he began to humor us with his funny takes on “Japanese Egg Roll” and “Butter Fly” (you’ll have to sit at one of the hibachi tables there to fully appreciate these jokes).  We each were given two shrimp, fried rice, hibachi vegetables and chicken & steak for our main course. There are lots of combos to choose from; just take a look at their menu to see what I mean.  Everything that we were served on the hibachi was terrific.  Midway through service, the Chefs switched tables and we now had the opportunity to experience Chef Billy’s charm. He’s quite the character and we’ll just leave it at that. I highly recommend you make a reservation for one of the hibachi tables, it’s quite the experience.

Corey had shared with us that they have quite the international collection of chefs back there in their kitchen. Vietnamese, Thai and somewhere else I cannot recall. He said that it’s both wonderful and challenging at the same time as sometimes he can’t understand a word that’s spoken when he goes back there, lol!

Yoko San is open for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays. They also have weekly special events such as Brazilian Nights every Friday night with Live Music and Drink Specials. Happy Hour drink specials every day from 5-8pm. Also every Monday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday from 8 – 10pm- buy 2 cocktails/beer or wine and receive a sushi roll for FREE! Ladies Nights Wednesdays- Ladies enjoy 1/2 off sushi from 7 – 9pm and Free drinks from 9 – 11pm. Finally, Latin Night Thursdays – for more information on these events, please visit their website or call them at 561-430-3565

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise