I love it! Tuesday is Discount Sushi Night!
First, a bit of wordology. DeMae is the Japanese word for restaurant delivery, and it's a bit ironic here in that Demae Japanese Restaurant does everything but deliver. They have fine regular service, and have recently added take-out and catering options. On busy nights they will accept and prepare orders ahead of time (which is a GREAT idea, by the way). But no deliveries. I have no problem with this, as I live only half a mile away and there's nothing wrong with my legs, but I'm just letting those of you in the know about Japanese culture, you know, know. About the delivery thing. You know.

The menu has the usual standbys like curry rice, tempura, and tofu, as well as some odd little oneoffs like the Unagi Bowl (made with eels--actually quite good!) and fried ice cream (REALLY REALLY good).

I try to have something different every time I go there, and I've enjoyed everything so far. Of necessity, most of the recipes have been Americanized into stronger flavors to suit local tastes, but there is still that light subtlety seasoning for those with more delicate palates. With the exception of some of the yakisoba noodles -- they are thicker than authentic cuisine and often a little saltier than necessary. My favorite foods are the unagi bowl, korokke, all of the nabes, and ramen.

I have to say that one of the best experiences of the restaurant is Hasegawa-san, Demae's owner and chief cook. He's there nearly every day personally preparing (or overseeing the preparation of) every item on the menu. Sometimes when it's not too busy he will come onto the main floor to chat with guests (those of us who want to talk with him, of course). It's a personal service which is going out of style these days, and I love it.

The servers are cheerful, soft-spoken, and always on the ball. Service is prompt, the food is hot, or cold, according to what it should be, and sometimes if you ask nicely, you can get extra servings of miso soup or fresh steamed rice gratis.

The restaurant atmosphere is sedate, but warm and comfortable, and is a perfect place for romantic nights out, lunch with a friend, or big groups. I don't recommend going alone, as something about the smallish room and friendly atmosphere tends to make one (me, anyways) feel conspicuously solitary.    [08 Mar 2005 21:59:44]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Unagi Bowl, FRIED ICE CREAM, Sumo Nabe, SUSHI

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