WRITING CULTURE 2012: Film, Food & Beyond

Pulling a pork dumpling out of boiling Miso Broth Credit:Juliya Madorsky

Tired of your old Chinese take out spot? Looking for something new and exciting? Emperor Japanese is the place you need to be then.  This kind of eatery specializes in “shabu shabu” or “hot pot” in English.  Its a style of eating where each patron receives a pot of boiling broth and types of raw meats, vegetables, and a variety of other delicacies to cook right in front of you. And to top it all off, its ALL YOU CAN EAT! What more can you ask for??

Winter is prime time for hot pot in Chinese culture so I was surprised we were seated so quickly. The decor of the restaurant was spacious while still offering an intimate seating arrangement.  Upon entering, you could smell the heavenly scents of different broths and simmering meats all rolled into one tantalizing aroma.

As we sat down, a waiter handed us a menu with boxes next to them and a pen. Simply check off how many orders of which dish you would like and you’re one step closer to food heaven.  I was a kid in a candy store as I rapidly checked off anything I had even the slightest inkling for.  Good thing I had my fellow classmates to keep me in check!

Raw Beef strips Credit: Elizabeth Griffin

I ordered the Szechuan broth (Soup choice is CRITICAL) and several orders of beef and chicken strips, fish balls, tofu, pork dumplings, prawns, bean sprouts, and (it wouldn’t be a Chinese meal without) bokchoy.  The dishes came out and they were immediately immersed in their steamy baths.  The meats are not previously marinated so once they are cooked they take on the flavors of the soup, not overwhelmingly so which was a pleasant surprise.  The meats were juicy, the vegetables delectable, and the tofu…tofuey! (its a good thing)

Emperor Japanese also provides a sauce station if you desire a fuller flavor for your dishes.   There are a medley of sauces to choose from such as hoisin sauce, chili paste, and garlic sauce to name a few.  Needless to say, I took full advantage of the dipping plates we were provided and loaded up on every sauce they had!

The night wasn’t as perfect as it could be however. The place got real crowded real quick which made it almost impossible to hail a waiter for more food or even the check. Larger tables would have been welcomed as our table filled with dishes rather quickly as well.  Despite these minor hindrances, Emperor Japanese is a place to behold and is worthy of its royal namesake.