Biff has just recently started to appreciate Japanese food. I have tried sushi several times over the years and had come to the conclusion I just didn’t like it. Too fishy. Then came Tensuke Express where I started with the curry rice and worked my way up to some more “Japanesey” dishes like Ramen Noodles and California Rolls! Sarcasm aside, over the last year Japanese food has really grown on me.
Akai Hana, on Old Henderson, used to be called Restaurant Japan. I had a beef hot pot something or another there years ago. My mind was not yet ready for Japan. I was but a padawan.
Akai Hana looks like your cliche Asian joint but with a little class. It’s decorated in bamboo, weird art, and had an “Asian” dude sitting waiting for a take-out order to make it look “authentic”. Speaking of authentic… while we were eating, there was a big noise from the kitchen and it went on for several seconds. I was like “what that a tsunami? wow, they go to great lengths to make this an authentic experience!” Too soon? Shut up.
It really is a step above most places we frequent. They actually give you warm towels to wipe your face and hands before you eat. Sure, they are just individually wrapped and heated baby wipes, but being from BFE, I had never experienced such a thing. Not bad at all! It took my lunch to a whole new level.
I had the daily special lunch box. It seemed a little steep at 1.25 Jones’ (766.25 Yen or 10 green backs) but it actually turned out to be a good value, I think. It started with a salad and a bowl of miso soup.
- Salad and Miso Soup
The salad was a spring mix with some Caesar/ginger like dressing on it. Have you ever tried to eat some spring mix, from a plate, with sticks? That last little leaf is a beeotch! Much like Whenny, I’m no chop stick ninja, but I “got’er done”. The miso soup was very tasty with the occassional bite of seaweed and tofu.
The lunchbox itself was like a tour of Japan:
Lunch Box
a side of cooked squid and hijiki (black seaweed) that was quite delectible, two giant prawn coated in panko and fried, a square of some sort of tofu/scrambled egg like stuff covered in a pork(ish) gravy, two pieces of sushi roll, and a salmon filet. All that and a bowl of rice! That, my friend, is a decent amount of food for a ten spot.
Luckily I had a Chinese (by way of Taiwan) friend with me to help identify what I was chewing on and school me in Asian culture.
I am really looking forward to going back. Whenny couldn’t make this trip so we have an excuse to go back soon to get his take on the place.
1173 Old Henderson Street
Columbus, OH 43220-3607
(614) 451-5411