Saji-ya has real Japanese food, which is unfortunately uncommon in Midwestern Japanese restaurants. And they do it pretty well. We had flounder and grilled squid. The flounder was quite tasty (albeit not fried like the menu said), and the squid was done just right--tender, and not rubbery. The seasoning was also like what you would find in Japan. The miso soup was good (flavorful with just enough miso), but the salad was more American-style than Japanese (romaine lettuce). We finished up with imagawayaki (like a waffle filled with bean jam). The imagawayaki wasn't as piping hot and crispy as what you'd get on the street in Tokyo, but it was still good. The green tea ice cream on shiso leaves was a nice touch. I was also favorably impressed that they served real plum wine (Choya) rather than the plum-flavored white wine that seems to be favored in these parts. The traditional menu had many items you don't see in Midwestern Japanese restaurants such as hijiki (black seaweed) and kimpira gobo (burdock root). They must be expecting Japanese customers (or people who know Japanese food) on a regular basis. The decor and ambiance were also interesting. They chose tasteful decorations and designs that would remind you that you were in a Japanese restaurant (e.g., a mosaic with koi and a sea turtle), but didn't try to make you feel like you were in Japan. The music was a little loud, but it didn't intrude on conversation too much. Overall, a very good experience and recommended to people who want real Japanese food (not just sushi).
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