| Restaurant
Guide
Hey,
watch those knives
Sapporo
is Japan at its best, writes Jo Chipchase
Sapporo is a family-run
restaurant which takes its name from a Japanese city and
opened on Preston Street two and a half years ago. It is
the sister establishment to the renowned Chinese restaurant
Gars on Prince Albert St. Sapporo succeeds in being more
than just an Oriental eatery: it provides an interactive
social spectacle, besides serving high quality food.
Managed by the affable Mr Cheung, whose parents come from
Hong Kong, Sapporo strikes us a model of Japanese efficiency
and hospitality. The diners (a civilised, trendy set) are
seated at a traditional communal table, while the chefs
occupy the middle space, skilfully preparing the food on
two large metal grills. For those who want to dine as an
intimate couple or group, smaller tables are available in
the adjoining section.
We discovered a comprehensive menu that caters comfortably
for most tastes. Sushi, vegetarian dishes, and ‘surf
and turf’ (salmon and steak) are all well represented
at Sapporo. House specialities are seafood and Teppanyaki
dishes, which means ‘cooked on an iron plate grill’.
The menu also teaches us some useful Japanese phrases, such
as ‘kanpai’, which means ‘cheers’.
For the uninitiated, Mr Cheung is on hand to provide friendly
guidance.
We started with a Sushi Crabstick, Mackerel, Salmon, and
Tuna Platter (£5), which was accompanied by a fine
bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Babich from New Zealand (£15.95).
We were then served delicious appetizers: skewered and marinated
Yakitori Chicken (£4.50); the subtly flavoured Prawns
in Breadcrumbs (£5.50), which soak up the various
flavours of the dips; and the lightly battered Mixed Vegetable
Tempura (£4.80), which practically melted in our mouths.
Two chefs took position at the grills, greeted by flames
from the sizzling vegetable oil. They performed juggling
tricks with salt and pepper pots, and impressively clashed
their knives, while cooking a selection of food, to order,
in close proximity to us. We received Finely Sliced Sirloin
Steak with Mushrooms (£6) from the appetizer menu
and then, from the main menu, Whole Sea Bass (£15.50)
and Giant King Prawns with Scottish Fillet Steak (£15.50).
The prawns were beautifully butterfly cut and fried, and
the steak was wonderfully tender. We also enjoyed a bottle
of Saki (£7.95), which has a mild vodka-like taste,
but without the harsh after-kick. Delicious!
Our verdict: well worth a visit for the
excellent food and the experience.
Essential Info:
Drinks: A well stocked bar serves a range
of alcohol. Wine starts at £9.50 bottle / £2.50
glass. A spirit with mixer costs £2.50 and Saki is
£7.50.
Food: A comprehensive selection, cooked
to perfection, and particularly strong on seafood. The presentation
is good and the portions sufficiently generous. Expect to
pay £20-£30 per head.
Service: Mr Cheung’s team is helpful
and courteous. Watching the chefs prepare the food in front
of you is a visual feast.
Surroundings: The restaurant has a buzzy
feel and minimalist, clean, design. You couldn’t fault
it as a suitable place to dine with friends, hot dates,
or business contacts.
Opening hours:
5-11pm Mon to Fri,
11am-11pm Sat,
2pm-10pm Sun
SAPPORO,
38-40 Preston Street
Tel: 01273 777880
copyright The Insight
2004
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