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| Photo courtesy of Yuka Y. |
Update 2/27/17: I just noticed that Shiro's Facebook page is gone and both Yelp and Google have them marked as closed. I never heard anything about what happened.
Oh no, I just heard that another Japanese restaurant has closed. According to their Facebook, "We will be closed for renovations until further notice." Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for restaurants to say they're closing for renovations and then never reopen, as happened recently with Yakitori Zai. It's too bad, I had been thinking about going out there but the reviews were so mixed I hesitated to go that far. I see that since then they've gotten some stellar reviews from people who seem like they know what they're talking about. I hope they'll actually reopen!
Update 1/11/14: After months with no word they posted something on their Facebook page on December 24th. "Hello everyone! We are working on some renovations and the cooks have been on vacation. Not sure when everything will be in order but all of us from Shiro wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
I was so sorry to hear that Yakitori Zai closed. It was as close to the real thing as Boston has ever had. What a shame; the reviewers didn't get it. Ah, well, off to NYC.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's definitely a shame. I guess Boston just wasn't ready for really good yakitori. Perhaps in a few years after the ramen craze dies down. :/
DeleteI wish I'd made it for their ramen. As for whether Boston or the reviewers "got" yakitori or not, I'd also suggest that price was an issue. I read many accounts on Chowhound and elsewhere that it was simply too expensive. It may have been that it simply could not be made cheaper without, say, lowering the quality of meats and such. But it seems to have been a big factor in turning people away. If someone else can provide yakitori at a more reasonable price point - enough to draw people in who'd like a few skewers and a drink without breaking the bank - then I think there's a market here.
ReplyDeleteIttoku in Brighton (which hasn't opened yet) will have all kinds of yakitori on the menu starting at $1.75. I'm looking forward to trying the bacon & enoki mushrooms ($3.50). Given their prices I doubt they'll be using organic food but it should be good since Zai's yakitori chef will be working there.
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