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ur friends, Darin and Amy had given us some gift certificates for Le Nakamura Japanese Restaurant for cat sitting while they were vacationing down east. Beth called, stating she wasn't wanting to
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| ©Sea Breeze Media—Le Nakamura Japanese restaurant, Steveston, BC. |
It was Friday night, and we, Beth, mom and I, arrived to an almost full house of diners seemingly enjoying their meals and conversation. The decor consisted of mostly white walls with mirrors, cherry-stained tables and chairs, and dark red, almost burgundy carpet and contemporary lighting fixtures. The open, inline kitchen overlooked the dining area, separated by a low wall and Japanese banner hanging from the ceiling. Nothing ornate here, just understated Japanese simplicity.
We were quickly seated at the last remaining table by a friendly Japanese host. Green tea was served along with the menus. Took us a while perusing the extensive menu to decide on what we wanted, but decide we did, with me ordering Shrimp and Scallop Cream Croquette at $12.50, and mom going for the Chicken Teri Don at $7.95, and Beth for small servings of local tuna sashimi and California roll sushi for $6.95 and $3.95 respectively, followed later with a chaser of Tako (octopus) sashimi, $6.95.
Although the service was friendly and attentive, it just wasn't working well the night we dined there. Granted, they were packed and had opened only recently, but delivery problems, whether the fault of the kitchen staff or the front staff needs to be worked on for better service. Our entrees arrived all over the place, with Beth's, who ordered mostly uncooked food (sashimi), both from her first order to her last, turning up much later than necessary. Having owned a restaurant myself, I can tell you that front staff anarchy doesn't work. Everyone on the floor that night—about five servers, I think—had served us at one time or another. With various servers taking and delivering orders, then others checking up, mistakes are bound to happen. Can't say with any certainty that it was entirely the servers' fault, but having one dedicated server to take our orders, and then do further follow up would have help tremendously, IMHO.
Now back to the food, when it did arrive, it arrived hot, or cold, as the dish dictated. My shrimp and scallop croquette was well presented and piping hot, with a fresh green salad with a light and tangy dressing. The creamy scallop croquettes offered a whole, just-right shrimp with every delicious mouthful. A side bowl of rice was also delivered, but these "Large Plates," as they are called on the menu, are supposed to come with miso soup. Beth may have pulled a switch for me, knowing I don't much care for miso soup. Mom's chicken teri don was teriyaki chicken and tempura shrimp on a bowl of rice. This was also well presented and delicious. Beth enjoyed her California rolls, then, when her tuna sashimi finally arrived, she downed that in short order, as well. Then along came her favorite, tako sashimi, presented on rice vermicelli and some greens. I was told they were good, as I was sticking to hot food that evening, and to be honest, was too full, anyway.
All-in-all, a pleasant, though not perfect dining experience. I still have some gift certificates left over, so will give Le Nakamura time to get their house in order then give them another go, as I truly enjoyed the meal, and I don't even like Japanese food as much as others. We all left contented—read, full—and for under $40, not bad value for a Japanese feast for three. And here's a bonus... They have a take-out menu, to boot. So, just call, or fax in your order for pick-up to eat at home. Closed Monday.
We'll be back, and I recommend you give them a try, too. The food is fresh, tasty, and surprisingly filling for reasonable coin. Le Nakamura is next to Starbucks, which is on the corner of No. 1 Road and Bayview, at #130 - 12480 No. 1 Road, Steveston (Richmond), BC V7E 0A2 Canada, or call 604-204-0023 or fax: 604-204-0026. Wheelchair accessible.
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