Alex in NYC! - Ootoya

YAYAYAY!  Alex was back in NY for a weekend, and we all couldn't wait to see him!

Right after he landed, we whisked him away to dinner at Ootoya in Midtown.  Dave and Elim had been there before and absolutely raved about the traditional Japanese cuisine (way beyond just sushi).  Since they were better versed in the menu than the rest of us, we followed their suggestions for an ultimate yummy experience.

We started out with a couple of appetizers for the table: tofu salad (the fried bonita flakes on top tasted like bacon!)...

and Maguro Tartar and Mini Soba (blue fin tuna tartar with handmade soba noodles and soy sauce gelee).

 

Then came entrees of epic proportions!

Dave and Alex went for the Gyu Shiokoji (washu beef)...

Elim and Kathy went for the Salmon Saikyo...

DJ tried the Tonkatsu (fried pork, breaded in panko)...

and Mel opted for the Hokke Yuan (mackerel).

All of our proteins were prepared perfectly, and we really loved trying all the unique flavors of the side dishes.

Alex is only in town once in a blue moon, so we felt dessert was in order.  :)  Sadly, they were out of the cheesecake folks wanted to try, but the crepe with ice cream was tasty...

 

and the Earl Grey ice cream (often bland) was surprisingly rich in flavor!

The next day was also filled with family activity.  While a few of us went to check out Amie's art show, Alex, DJ, and Toto had a "Boys' Day Out" with a trip to the Guggenheim and Toloache for some yummy cocktails (though no grasshopper tacos!).  

Then we all met up at our apartment so that Amber could bring Ava and Luc by to see Uncle Alex.  Fun cousin reunion time!

So glad the East Coast could see Big Al for at least a couple of days.  Any chance all the fun we had will convince him to move back with Shannon?  Only time will tell.... (fingers crossed!).  

Love you, Alex!