Man About Town Ed from Tomatom was in Sydney this week and I had promised to take him to Plan B to try their famous Wagyu burger. However as good food bloggers do, when I asked him whether he was up for another meal at nearby Kushiyaki Azuma, he readily agreed. Allow me to briefly translate: Kushiyaki=delicious things on skewers. As much as Australians love sushi and sashimi, things such as Kushiyaki and other Izakaya (pub) food is more what the actual Japanese eat day to day. I had read about Kushiyaki Azuma on Herecomesthefood and Eatshowandtell and armed with a list of things to order in my trusty Moleskine, we were off!
We walk the short distance to Kushiyaki Azuma and past Bonta Vita (the scene of my infamous legal incident). It looks like they’re closed down judging by the notices from their landlord in the window…
Walking in, we take a seat at a table and Ed whispers “Did you notice Tetsuya on the table there?” and lo and behold, sitting only a few feet away is Tetsuya Wakuda. Now I don’t go gaga for many people but Tetsuya is one that has me recalling the line from Little Miss Sunshine “Everyone act normal!” which means that a bout of acting completely abnormal ensues on my part. I busy myself with the menu – there are sticks, sticks and more sticks. We share a few of them plus the platter. Sadly the Kurobuta Pork Jowl Kushiyaki isn’t available.
I look down at my chopstick holder. Oh my, what an unfortunate pattern!
In front, from left to right: Sansho pepper, Mandarin Salt and Curry salt. At back Chilli flakes and lemon wedges
Soon after we are given our trays of salt . All of the salts are made on the premises by the chefs. There are also two pieces of lemon and a chilli powder in a shaker.
Spatchcock Platter $16.80
Our Spatchcock platter arrives and it has three sticks with grilled white breast meat with a tangy light pink mayonnaise; two skewers with tender dark thigh meat; two grilled wings and two breaded and deep fried drumsticks. At first bite we find it bland until we squirt the lemon over it and dip it into the salt and as soon as we do, it comes alive. It’s fantastic, and I particularly like the mandarin salt which is strong and heady in mandarin scent and the curry salt which gives another dimension to the delicate, gamey quail. The grilled quail wings and drumsticks are incredibly tender and juicy.
From left to right Prawn with head $3, Wagyu Beef Tongue $4, Chicken skin with salt $3, Baby Beef Tenderloin with soy and butter (18 month natural Organic Grass fed beef from Cape Grim in Tasmania $4.50
The menu does say that some of them come with the salt on them although these seem to be unsalted so you can use the menu as a guide or just sample the salts to see which flavour combination you like the best. The whole prawn with head is delicious-if you’ve never eaten a prawn head you should when it’s fried crisp and the shell crunches easily without risk of sticking in the throat. The prawn is juicy and tender and again the shell gives it a nice crunch appeal.
The Wagyu Beef Tongue is divine. Tongue fearers, don’t let the idea put you off. It’s incredibly tender and soft and juicy and ends up being both of our favourite Kushiyaki of the day.
The chicken skin is interesting, Herecomesthefood reported it being overly salted but this time they’ve left the salt off entirely and it benefits from a definite sprinkling of salt and lemon otherwise it would be too bland.
The Baby Beef tenderloin is quite tender and I do love Cape Grim grass fed beef for a steak but somehow with Japanese food, I always prefer Wagyu.
From left to right: Wild Scallop $3, Duck Breast $4.50, Tsukune (chicken mince) $3 and Quail egg $3.00
I used to eat so many quail eggs when I lived in Tokyo and so I have a soft spot for a hard boiled quail’s egg. This is simmered in a soy sauce and is quite good. The Tsukune is not quite as moist as the ones I’ve had in Tokyo. The Duck Breast is juicy with an edge of fat and tender pink meat and the wild scallop is unusual-it is in a square shape and is well cooked so that it retains juiciness.
Tetsuya Wakuda (and yes I cropped myself out of the pic, bad hair day). Photo by Ed from Tomatom.
When Tetsuya’s dining companion leaves the table, Ed introduces us and Tetsuya is warm and lovely. Here is a man whose restaurant is ranked #17 in the world and he couldn’t be more approachable. His arm envelops my shoulder and he poses for a photo and we chat briefly about Azuma “It’s like comfort food to me” he says and recommends all the types of fish here (damn, we didn’t order any!) especially the mackerel.
Mont Blanc $9.80
Ed begs off dessert (understandable given he has had a burger too) but I am tempted by the Mont Blanc dessert. I adore chestnut anything and it’s a spectacular looking dessert with a Mont Blanc tart with ribbons of chestnut puree, raspberry sorbet and perfectly cut pieces of fruit to the side.
The lovely Yas from Hungry Digital Elf and his peeps always get their birthday cakes from Azuma so if that’s not a recommendation for their desserts I don’t know what is! The Mont Blanc tart is a mound of plain, lightly sweetened whipped cream surrounded by coils of a beautifully flavoured chestnut puree. If you’ve ever made Marron glaces or chesnut puree (as I’ve done in several moments of madness) you’ll know how good sweetened roasted chestnuts are and the puree is strongly chestnut flavoured (some purees are not as strong in chestnut). The raspberry sorbet is good and very strong in raspberry. I admit I didn’t partake of the fruit though.
We pay and get up and leave and who is sitting in the chairs at the door but Tetsuya who is talking to someone else. He gets up and warmly shakes our hands grasping our hands with two hands. A class act he is indeed.
And before I leave, the amazing Chantelle from fatmumslim (I love Mummy bloggers, they’re so friendly and lovely!) asked me about what I thought the Secret of a Happy Marriage was for her series. I can’t say that we know anything earth shatteringly new but it was a fun thing to do and the photo I gave her is my favourite photo from our wedding.
So tell me Dear Reader, what do you think are the secrets of a happy marrriage?
Kushiyaki Azuma
Ground Floor, Regent Place
501 George Street, Sydney, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9267 7775
Open: Monday to Friday Noon-2:30pm
Dinner: Monday to Sunday 6pm-10pm
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55 Comments | Add your own
Happy belated 2nd b-day! And that is an unfortunate holder–but I think that chocolate swirl dessert makes up for it.
Meat on a stick is always good in the Pond.
Oh oh oh ooohhh I would get so starstrucked too if I see Tetsuya dining next to me! Alot of people ask me what would be the ultimate dining experience for me, and I would always answer “TETSUYA!!!”.
Love the various salts. Sounds fantastic! And, what a fun chance meeting!
Over the thirteen years that I have been married I have found that it is really important, no matter how busy and stressful daily life gets, to spend time doing something you both enjoy. Making sure you enjoy each other’s company regularly keeps you going strong.
The Chopsticks holder is so funny. I love Japanese pub food. Oh its so morish. When I was in Japan we went to this pub near Ueno Station and Oh the food was amazing.
Oh dear… what unfortunate chopstick holders… Lucky the food looks and sounds beautiful
Looks like an interesting meal. I do have to say I love meat on a stick!!
Tetsuya sounds like an absolute gentleman.
My secret to a happy marriage= a well fed husband!!! Plus lots of talking and snuggling
Hehe although there does seem to be an abundance of brown-coloured swirl shaped things in the restaurant, the skewers look very tasty! And I love how they make their own salt. Ahh so cool that you met Tetsuya, I would totally be going “Everyone act normal!!” too!
Oh, boy you gave me a fright when I saw my name then. My heart jumped into my throat. Thank you so much for the mention. It was really unexpected!
My husband would happily gobble up that chicken skin skewer to his hearts delight.
We {hubby and I} once had sushi at the fish markets and Tetsuya was sitting next to us. It just confirmed for us that we were eating at the right place, and like you I got a little bit excited.
I loved that most of the other diners had no idea that were sitting among celebrity. Hubby and I were beside ourselves! x
Hi L,
The chestnut tart is good wasn’t it?!! but i think the best one is in Hurstville, where they will only piped out the pureer when you make an order!! Very very nice and yummy! You should try it if you like chestnut!
Tetsuya, what a magnificent restaurant he has. We had a night there 4 of us, 3 boys and 1 female, lots to drink together with the wonderful food we ate. As ususal the female had to go to the Ladies and whilst there Tetsuya came to the table to speak to the boys, who were all well under with the drink. They could not talk for laughing as I was the one who wanted to meet Tetsuya. It is a standing joke with us now. But little did they know I actually met him in the corridor on the way to the Ladies. My favourite restaurant of all time.
What great food – the Mont Blanc wins my heart though. Not so sure about the turd chopstick holder though.
I love Izakaya…Mmm. That dessert looks fab too. And meeting Tetsuya! Amazing!
As for marriage – well I am not married…but been with my partner for 3 years now. I guess my tip is ‘dont sweat the small stuff’.
Wow Lorraine, how lucky for you to be dining there at the same time as Tetsuya,he seems so nice. My all time favourite meal and dining experience was at his signature restaurant, such divine food! You should have left yourself in the pic!
The skewers look great and I will definitely try to get there one day.
Secret to a happy marriage is a whole lot of things, work at it everyday and don’t get blase’, share a laugh together, respect for one another , make time to enjoy each other’s company but still keep your own sense of individuality.
Adding this one to my favourites!
Mmmmm….had a very memorable dinner at Azuma a few weeks back as well, its hard to go past good kushiyaki, and I can swear, vow and affirm that they have marvellous sashimi. The sake list is also awesome – is so hard to get GOOD sake in Sydney!
Good Marriage – to be able to enjoy the silence, share laughs, and mock each other when applicable. And to convert my beloved Hussyband into a foodie – if only I coould get him to cook!
2 weeks 1 day until we leave for our adventure in Japan…bring on the izakayas!
Secret to a happy life together; be his best friend first, a little give and take goes a long way, share everything. We have been together since high school and still going 32 years later.
So funny. Sorry to comment twice. I had to share.
I just sat down to pass some time at work and grabbed an old Gourmet Traveller. It was Feb ‘09. The restaurant being reviewed was this very one.
Cue spooky music!
OHMYGOODNESS! You met Mr.Tetsuya! How very awesome!!! He seems so lovely and approachable – what a guy! Sorry.. now that I had my outburst of excitement… this place looks very cosy and I love grilled/skewers Japanese food! This is going in my ‘must try’ too! Thanks Lorraine on reporting! xxx
Gosh I’d love to try all those different skewers of meat..yum yum! Though I’d be a little put off by the chopstick holder hahaha!
P.S. That’s a really lovely photo from your wedding. The photographer really captured the moment
Nice work on seeings Tetsuya there, I hear that he is quite a regular! Azuma is pretty good, I like the private booths, well not so private but atleast you get the table to yourself.
I have no secrets to marriage but there seems to be a lot here for me to consider when it does happen one day
Oh…sorry got distracted and didn’t even answer your question… Well, being married for just under 3 years to my husband, who is just the supreme blessing to me… I would say is to: Love in ways which is ‘patient and kind and always be ready to forgive and not quick to be angry’ To honor each other as you would want to be honored and respect as you would want to be respected. Oh and kisses before bed each night and morning
x
Oh yum! The food looks amazing and so does the dessert.
I saw Tetsuya once walking down to Kushiyaki Azuma from his restaurant and I was too awe struck to ask for a picture although I had the camera in my hand and we just had a conversation that went like “imagine if we saw Tetsuya walking down the … ” (lost for words as we saw him walking towards us) hahah
I had to laugh out loud when I read what you wrote about the chopstick holder…so funny! Gorgeous wedding photo! Hmmm, that’s a good question you ask. I agree with you that one of the main components of a happy marriage is compromise. And of course separate rooms in the house where we can both be doing what we want, but still be in the same general proximity so we’re still close enough that we don’t miss each other.
Wow! you got to meet The Man – lucky you. And umm..that copstick holder is quite scary! (My husband says the secret to a happy marriage is to agree with everything I say – smart man)
Lorraine, I have met the great man himself too. So lovely. And yes very affectionate. Posed for a photo with our group with his arms around us, and sent us free frangelicos and lime and a couple of extra courses. It was such a foodie highlight. I have the photo on my desk at work.
Aww your wedding pic is beautiful! Hmm.. You’ll have to wait a few more years before I can put my 2 cents in on the marriage advice
Omg, you met Tetsuya! So cool! He seems like such a lovely person. I’m definitely going to try the fish dishes here
being a relative newcomer to NQN, I feel left out. Legal incident?
I was thinking that Tets is also the share holder of the Azuma company? haha…cuz I always see him there… last time he was sitting in the Azuma cafe ( but i didn’t ask for photo..i should , yeah?) haha
Your photo with Tets is on Eds’ website and you look great! Nice necklace.
Hi lorraine ,
thanks to share your experience !!!
and if you like new falvors come tom y blog to see a desert with figs mascarpone rapsberries and …poppy jelly !! Not very french but delicious !
Pierre
Wow, Tetsuya! That’s like culinary god time. I hope you’ve got a little card or something you can slip people on these occasions. And what a recommendation for a Japanese restaurant (aside from yours of course which is always worth having!).
pierced quail eggs and a tower of chestnut puree, eh? that makes the unfortunate-looking chopstick holder a distant memory.
Met up with Ed the next day & he showed us the photo. I will be just as star struck! And what a weird chopstick holder…. hahahaaa!
That dessert is divine…not sure about the chopstick holder though!!!
They seem to have managed to thread every kind of protein on a stick! The eggs are particularly cute.
Nice to hear Tetsuya was friendly too.
Looks like a wonderful meal. The dessert looks amazing
Thanks for introducing me to a new way of eating Japanese food, I’ve never heard of this before, must go down on the to do list – everything looks so delicious!
oh wow! every time i read about the places you go in Sydney. I get more and more tempted to make a trip to Sydney!
What Infamous Legal action from Bona Vita were you talking about?
I have an idea, but i forget mostly.
As for the food, it looks absolutely amazing!
Yay Azuma! As you might remember seeing from my post, me and my japanese gangs always order birthday cakes from Azuma
Funny thing is, almost 50% of chance I see Azuma san the owner wondering around between Azuma and TonTon every time I went down to Regent LOL And Tetsuya san seems to drop by there quite often for lunch too.
I’ll never understand how you manage to take such incredible pics inside a restaurant. But back to the actual food – looks incredibly mouthwatering! I’m salivating for all the courses … wish I could partake!
That dessert plate took my breath away, but I was taken aback by that chopstick holder. It is rather less than appetizing, no?
If Tetsuya says it’s good, that’s good enough for me. Looks like a good meal, but no traditional Japanese desserts?
ooohhh.. that Mont Blanc dessert looking really gooood
also the question you asked is really interesting!! from my point of view, for a happy marriage understanding, TRUST, and good communication without any hesitation is very important for a marriage to be strong and happy 
also spending time together and having fun is the part i like 
hehe
cheers!!
I have to say Tetsuya is an awesome man. I have been fortunate enough to dine at his restaurant a few times and would love to go again soon. He is truely a star, humble and unassuming brilliance
The chopsticks holder cracked me up. A fun post all the way down to bad hair day and then what makes a happy marriage. I am blessed to have one. It just keeps getting better….well, if you’ve read my tag line, it’s the food:) He’ll never leave.
That chopstick holder is hilarious! Nothing like a fake poo to liven up your table setting. Also, as an offal-disliker, I was surprised to enjoy tongue when lucky enough to fine-dine in NYC earlier this year. I guess anything can taste nice if there is enough marinade involved
Don’t have any helpful marriage tips I’m afraid! My ring finger remains naked
Mmm looks delicious. LOL at the chopstick holder! As for a happy marriage? Honesty respect, not freaking out if you have an argument, making up afterwards, acceptance, compromise …knowing there are ups and downs, peaks and troughs, but together, you’ll make it through. I think too many people take off at the first sign of trouble, not realising that life is like that and the point of marriage is having someone you love and respect by your side to get through it. And when you are through that, you are even closer and stronger than ever!
I went there for for lunch last week. The most memorable dish for me was their chawan mushi infused with mandarin zest. Secret to a happy marriage? We celebrated our 10th years anniversary few month ago. Our secret is simply to love and respect.
haha an unfortunate design indeed! nearly ruined the rest of the post for me.
Hi Blond Duck-Thankyou so much!
Haha yes it makes up for the strange chopstick holder 
Hi Trisha-It was quite amazing to see him right there I have to say
Yes I agree! 
Hi lisa-They were great-I really wanted to make my own! Yes so serendipitous
Hi Amy-Ahh great advice, thankyou! And congratulations on your 13 years!
Hi Katherine-I know! So… um graphic!
I love Japanese pub food too!
Hi Anita-Hehe indeed!
Yes the food was very appetising! 
Hi sandra-Me too! I love sticks
He is a real class act! Haha true true! 
Hi Steph-Haha I know, I was trying to act very cool and calm. It probably didn’t work
Hi fat mum slim-Haha! It was fun being part of it! Oh yes if he’s there then you’ve got to figure it’s good!
Yes that would be rather cool-like a trade secret! 
x
Hi Dorcas-Ooh sounds great! I need to get myself to Hurstville methinks! Whereabouts is it?
Hi Linda-hehe good for you that you met him!
When we dined, he came out to speak to another table but we didn’t speak to him. It really is the ultimate isn’t it! 
Hi Cakelaw-It was! Haha yes try not to think about that
Hi Esz-Me too!
It was lots of fun things in one day! 
Good tip I have to say!
Hi Matilda-Yes it was so serendipitous!
Yes I want to go back as it’s been so long! I like your advice, all very wise things indeed! 
Hi Jules-Excellent, it’s very good!
Hi Shotochick-Ahh yes if only we had stomach room for some sashimi too! I might tyr that next time
Haha I’m trying to do the same with my hubby! Best of luck! 
Hi Linda-Aww that’s so nice!
Congratulations on your 32 years! 
Hi fat mum slim-Hehe how funny a coincidence!
Spooky music cued!
Hi Eve-Awesome is right!
He was so lovely. You’re so welcome, I hoep you like it!
Hi Brenda-Hehe yes I was too-until the food arrived and it was promptly forgotten in the pursuit of food
Thankyou so much, I agree, he did a great job!
Hi Howard-It was just plain luck really. Hehe yes lots to think about amd lots of good advice no?
Hi Eve-What lovely sentiments!
Aww I’m sure there will be many, many more years to come! 
Hi foodie-central-They were great and I loved the dessert. HOw funny is that? And you were jsut talking about him!
Hi Faith-I thought I was seeing things for a second there! Thankyou so much!
Ahh yes, your own space is definitely important! 
Hi shaz-I know! I felt so lucky
Haha your husband has definitely learnt teh art of survivial well!
Hi jules-Oh that’s so nice! Aww what a true gentleman, that makes me adore him even more!
Hi Betty-Thankyou!
Yes I’m sure it won’t be long! Yes I felt so sad that we didn’t try the fish kushiyaki! 
Hi gliderguider-Oh yes Bonta Vita sent me a legal threat about my review of them. I tweeted and facebooked it and there was much protest and condemnation and threats to boycott it from loyal and lovely readers so they pretended they didn’t send it (even though it was quite obviously them).
Hi Ja-I don’t know-although his restaurant is so closeby so he might just stop there for lunch. We asked for it when his dining companion left, I never know whether to ask or not!
Hi chagrin-Oh no, eek! Aww thankyou, yes that necklace was a gift from my darling friend Queen Viv
Hi Pierre-Thanks very much
Hi SydneyGal-I know, isn’t it!
I do have a business card but it felt funny giving it to him. Hehe aww thankyou! 
Hi grace-Hehe exactly! All is forgotten when the food arrives
Hi penny-Yes he mentioned meeting up with you! Haha yes it’s completely random
Hi Dzintra- LOL my sentiments exactly
Hi Arwen-I think so! Yes he was such a lovely guy!
Hi Katie-It was great and I still think about the chestnut puree
Hi Moya-You’re welcome!
It’s such a fun way of eating too 
Hi Lianne-You should!
There’s so much here 
Hi ArtemisIII-Ahh see my comment to gliderguider above
It was great!
Hi Yas-Yes you do! I let me link to your birthday cake stories!
Really? How funny (as well as being vey cool).
Hi Muneeba-It’s hard but the camera helps a lot – thankyou!
Hi Sandie-It is! I had to laugh though! It’s about the last thing you want to see before you eat
Hi Wild Boar-Yes he would definitely know! I didn’t see any traditional japanese desserts on the menu, they were modern ones
Hi nora-I think they’re all brilliant points!
I agree with all of those (although we’ve only been married for 3 years)
Hi leslee-He definitely is. I love how huble he is despite his enormous success. That’s so appealing!
Hi Angela-Hehe me too! Thanks!Yes I’m sure he’ll never leave with your food!
Hi Conor-I know! I mean maybe they were trying for a pretzel?
Yes some offal I like, others I can’t/won’t eat 
Hi MrsDesperate-Yes it’s true, it’s not always going to be champagne is it! Great advice absolutely!
Hi Ellie-I have to admit I am not a big chawanmushi eater-it always feels like the custard should be sweet but when it isn’t my tastebuds doth protest
Was this one sweet or savoury? You and Mr J are a great pair! 
I’m just back from holidays, but the date of this post, Sept 17 was our 15th wedding anniversary, so a fitting question really! A happy marriage is being best friends, laughing often, (that chopstick holder is a good start!!) compromising when needed, and never taking each other for granted. Making a committment for life and working at it. My husband would agree with the ‘happy wife, happy life’ line too!
)Congrats on the 2nd b’day also!
2 Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[...] didn’t think any more of Azuma until I read about Not Quite Nigella’s encounter with Tetsuya Wakuda at Azuma. Well, if it’s good enough for Tetsuya, then it’s good [...]
[...] the menu was only in Japanese. after that, he transitioned to having a restaurant in Chifley Tower, then Kushiyaki Azuma where we’re currently standing, the patisserie next door and the noodle shop across from it. [...]
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