Hatsu Japanese Restaurant: (Update) Yes, the cooked food is decent!

Shop Info:

Hatsu Japanese Restaurant
G/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central

6 August 2012, Lunch
$190 per head

Last week I had a rather disappointing lunch at Hatsu Japanese Restaurant, the new opening at BoA Tower.  The problem, of course, was partly due to my stupidity in going against my own advice of never eating sushi or sashimi at non-sushi-specialist restaurants.  Today, I mustered the courage to try Hatsu again, this time determined to stick to the cooked menu.  Having had a disappointing Cod Saikyo Yaki yesterday at Harakan-S Japanese Dining Room, I ordered the “Grilled Black Cod Fish” with the hope that this restaurant would serve a better version of the dish.

ENVIRONMENT

The earlier review has covered most I have to say about the venue.  Having sat at the innermost table this time, however, I can attest that the inner window-side tables are far better than the communal tables at the entrance.  Not only is the environment much brighter thanks to the full height curtain wall, the area feels more private.  There are occasionally smokers hot-pot-ing outside but other than that the path outside is scarcely used.

If one were to eat here I would definitely recommend to either arrive early and grab a table inside, or book one early on.  Where you seat could easily make the difference between a comfortable and relaxing lunch and a rather miserable one at a dim corner under the escalator!

SERVICE

Again, courteous with prompt response, never too intrusive.  The wait for food was reasonable.  And I like their teapots with matching cups!

Last time

This time

FOOD

Fortunately, Hatsu’s cooked food, the grilled black cod at least, is far better than its sushi and sashimi.  The saltiness and slight sweetness of the sauce cuts through the fattiness of the cod well and of course, also goes well with a bowl of rice.  The cod itself was cooked just right – very juicy and tender with the “pieces” separating easily.  Far better than the Harakan-S version I’d say!

"Grilled Black Cod Fish"

Separates nicely, moist and tender

Raw veggies

The salad that comes with the set lunch, however, was not very good.  The veggies were noticeably fresher than last time, but came un-seasoned.  I.e. that was a bowl of raw veg.  No dressing, no salt, nothing.  Hmm… maybe the chef forgot?

The chawanmushi wasn’t much different from last time’s, only that I probably erred by saying that there was a quarter of a piece of Jap fish ball in it.  No.  It was 1/8 of a piece… other than that it’s chicken and mushroom again.  Same weak-ish flavour but same smoothness.  Not bad!

Bought in ice-cream, stored in freezer with cup.  Not bad!

CONCLUSION

Whilst my first visit left me bad impressions of Hatsu, this second visit was much better.  The grilled cod was decent and chawanmushi not bad.  There are of course room for improvement, such as the salad or the raw items, but I can see this as the preferred Japanese diner in this small culinary desert between Central and Admiralty.  If you work in the area and would like a quick Japanese food fix, remember this place.  Also, remember to book or arrive early (i.e. before 12:00 noon!) so you can get a decent table towards the inside of the shop.  Also, it would be a safe bet to avoid those sushi / sashimi (unless you’re a salmon fan…)

I still think that at $190 this was by no means cheap… but in Central / Admiralty things does come at a premium…

Summary (rated 1-5):

FOOD:  (3.5/5)  Salad dragged it down.

SERVICE:  (4/5)  Friendly staff and proactive manager.

ENVIRONMENT:  (4/5)  Much better environment on the inside.

BIG LOCUST'S RECOMMENDATION:  (3.5/5)  Go for the cooked menu!  Still worth visiting in this area.