Dining tales: Izakaya Nonbei

Karei kara

Hello flounder! Did you miss us? The server warns us tonight’s fish are bigger than usual, so the cost is $5 more. Bring it!

Whoops. The fillets are too thick to be fried crisply, and even twice-fried, the bones are too big to eat like chips. It’s a moment when we all look at each other: not a good sign.

The friendly new manager Roger Tasaka tells us this was the only week he’s had to choose between big fish or no fish. He’s an old-time customer, too, and knows what we’re talking about: He’s trying to stick with smaller fish.

Cost: $22 this night, $17 most nights
Verdict: Definitely try again