Fukumoto: An Austin Haiku

Fukumoto is an unusual experience that makes you leave Texas on a cloud to Tokyo. East Sixth Street has that dreamy ability to discover corners of the world without leaving Austin. The first time you enter Fukumoto, the sensations are so intense that you can only close your eyes and enjoy that authentic gastronomic haiku that you are about to enjoy.

Fuku-Haiku # 1

Dream night of Austin,

Take me to tasty Japan,

Flowering cedars

Night poetry begins to emanate from this authentic Izakaya. Entering through the door, there is no turning back. The sounds of Austin move away to enter a landscape of cedars in bloom with the Fuji at your feet. None of these elements appear in the magnificent decoration of the Fukumoto but it does not matter, your imagination is already there. The maxims of an Izakaya are fulfilled to the maximum: the view of the kitchen, wood, comfort feeling, low tables and seats around the kitchen where the chefs shine their skills.

Among them stands Kazu Fukimoto. This Japanese chef was born in Fukuoka. As a young kid, he started as a dish washer at the Musashino Sushi Dokoro restaurant. In 1999. He discovered the sushi secrets of good Izakaya based on an elaborate Yakitori cuisine and a supreme respect for the traditions of Edomae Sushi in this temple

He demonstrated an amazing ability to express himself in the kitchen but after working at Murashino, he joined the Hiroti Yakitori in Tokyo as a preliminary step to dazzle Austin with his refined and traditional Izakaya version.

Fuku-Haiku # 2

Japan´s Kitchen view,

Dreamy delicious flavors,

It´s Yakitori.

The real poem begins when you contemplate the menu. There are tempting proposals for dozens on your table. It seems difficult to choose but it is easier than you think. The ideal thing is to choose one of the dishes of each of the Japanese styles presented at Fukumoto.

The entrees are a world of flavor. On the sidelines the edamanes or the miso but our devotion for the Takowasa, a spectacular marinated octopus, makes it a must of the place. On the side, an unexpected crayfish named Sawagani, can not be missed.

The following dish may come from its exquisite variety of tempura but if you want to discover an indomitable Japan, let yourself be seduced by the specialties of the house. Among them, the Karaage stands out. It’s a fried chicken battered in sweetness that will make you forget all you have known until that moment. Another culinary marvel that seems to come from a Japanese garden is the Kaki Furai, a precious oyster-flavored Hiroshima.

From its cuisine of Yakitori, delights of pork, salmon and chicken are combined with different degrees of spicy. All can be well marinated with local beers out of the ordinary and a spectacular sake menu. Do not forget to try some of their Yakitori proposals as prior to the most sublime pleasure of the menu. His menu of Makis and sushi summarizes Japanese cuisine: simplicity wrapped in bold flavors and great culinary expertise.

And after a sweet surprise, it’s time to make a Japanese-style reverence in the direction of the kitchen and resume the path that will lead you to those Austin streets full of good music. This will be a day that you will never forget. The day that you entered Fukomoto and saw the cedars in bloom at the foot of the Fuji and felt the taste of Japan on your lips without leaving the fabulous Sixth Street.

Fuku-Haiku # 3

Time to say goodbye

I will see you again soon

Sweet Fukumoto