AUTHENTICALLY ORIENTAL
THREE JAPANESE
63 Degrees Espresso & Bar 38 Waterloo Cresent, Battery Point Brunch Fri-Sun 8am-3pm, Traditional Japanese Tues-Sun 5.30pm-9pm
One of the things I have noticed about getting older is that spontaneous catch-ups with friends happen less and less. With varying work schedules and busy family lives it often feels like dinner dates have to be scheduled months in advance.
Gone are the days of texting a mate at 5pm to see if they are free for a post-work wine and then meeting them at the bar half an hour later.
But it seems that on this particular Tuesday afternoon the stars have aligned, and my offer of an impromptu dinner date has been promptly taken up by a close girlfriend.
The toddler is in bed, husband planted in front of the TV, and I can’t help but do a little fist pump as I walk out the door solo, in anticipation for a good old girls’ catch-up.
I’ve walked past Three Japanese in Battery Point a few times, and have had it on my list for a while to try.
As I walk through the door, I’m greeted by a smiling staff member and shown to my table where my friend is already waiting for me, fresh cup of Japanese tea just poured.
The panic around COVID-19 has just started to kick off and, as a result, the restaurant is pretty quiet with just two other tables seated.
My friend and I refrain from giving each other a hug and instead settle on an awkward wave from across the table.
Strange times indeed, but also a time when staying connected to those we care about and continuing to support local businesses is more important than ever.
By night, Three Japanese serves traditional Japanese food with a few modern additions like the Umami Fries, which are basically standard fries sprinkled with shredded nori and an umami seasoning making them more addictive than regular fries.
Along with the fries we also order the Nasu Dengaku, or miso-glazed roast eggplant from the Tapas section of the menu.
There is a note on the menu advising that 20 minutes should be allowed for the preparation of this dish, the amount of time needed for the miso to caramelise and the eggplant flesh to become soft and syrupy. It is 1000 per cent worth the wait and a must order in my opinion.
Next up is Niku Udon from the Don, Rice and Udon section of the menu, a generous serving of hot beef broth, udon noodles and sliced beef. I personally find udon noodles to be one of the most satisfying dishes to eat, and this is no exception.
The noodles are perfectly cooked with that slightly slippery texture that makes them perfect for slurping, and the broth is light and nourishing. The thinly sliced beef has been lightly cooked by the broth, making it perfectly tender.
Our Yuzu Miso Salmon arrives presented ceremoniously on a colourful platter with considerable height to it, adorned with faux flowers and other decorations. It is quite a spectacle.
While a tad sweet for my personal taste, the salmon flesh has a lovely texture to it and the skin is beautifully crisp.
Our grilled assorted vegies have also arrived, featuring grilled mushrooms, corn, asparagus and zucchini.
Such a simple way to enjoy vegies with that delightful, slightly charred smoky flavour, served on wooden skewers.
There are quite a few other things on the menu that capture my attention but, as the servings are generous, we make a note to come back and try them another time.
There is an entire section of the menu dedicated to sashimi (see you in 12-weeks, post-baby) and the Tempura ice-cream with caramel sauce and fruit ($16.50) sounds like a dream.
I’d definitely like to come back for brunch at some stage too, with many of the options reminding me of some of the cafes we ate at on our trip to Japan last year.
There are eggs on toast (choose from 63 degree, poached fried or scrambled), decadent sweet options like the Gold Block (flame grilled ciabatta, meringue and seasonal fruit, $16.50), and Japanese-style options like shredded chicken congee, buckwheat noodles with pork and a sashimi rice bowl.
Drinks-wise there is quality coffee, an assortment of Japanese tea options, milkshakes and juice for brunchers. For dinner dates there is a predominantly Australian wine-list, Japanese beers and sake.
There is also a selection of fruity Japanese liqueur as well as the option to BYO for a corkage rate of $15 per bottle.