I really hate to say this, but on my 101th review, I lost to Akashi. In the past, I’ve always relegated the Akashi restaurants to the family-restaurant type. I didn’t think much of them especially so in the raw department, thus never looked beyond my few regular grilled orders.

I frequent the outlet at Paragon but strangely today I found myself here at this newest outfit. I figure since it conjoins Inakaya, my grills will be better executed. Oh my! Was I so super right. And that explains why I lost the battle of prejudice. Akashi has gone upmarket here at Orchard Parade.

First, something about the interior decor. On all my visits to Japanese restaurants here in Singapore, I’ve never seen such grandeur of style. The ceiling is so high I was completely floored (pun intended). The interior was so capacious and commodious; it’s akin to a large communal dining hall, yet somehow exuding a certain charm I can’t quite put a finger to. I most certainly prefer the homey feel of a small sushi-ya like Nogawa, but this place in some way won me over totally. How strange.

Akashi’s grill department has never failed to impress. It does pretty good grills and they’re what I will typically order. I had my usual Sanma (mackerel pike)
Shioyaki ($24) today, broiled really crisp at the exterior yet retaining its tender juiciness from the fat within. Usually it costs $18 for the set, but they used fresh sanma fish today, so it cost more at $24. The $18 set gets you those frozen ones from the supermarket shelves. I <3 sanma to bits!

They also do a really delish Pidan Tofu ($4) appetizer. At $4, it’s small yeah but so darn good with the pidan mush on top of cold tofu, then topped with julienned kamoboko (crabmeat), chopped leeks and negi. A perfect way to start your meal. And mind you, this is not called their “homemade signature” for nothing coz I really dig this!

Please also don’t miss their Beinasu Misoyaki ($15), eggplant slapped on with some tasty miso paste then grilled to perfection. I’m not being biased coz eggplant is my favoritest vegetable in the world, but it’s bcoz this dish is really delicious! A MUST ORDER here.

Though I did manage to curb my raw cravings today, I was at the usual counter seats so I could witness the maestros at work. The itamaes are young no doubt, but from my many years of experience dining in Japanese restaurants *keke*, I could tell they were definitely not wet behind the ears. Their sashimi may be raw but they're not. Expertly skilled with their sushi knives, ala carte orders of sashimi and sushi were delivered with gravitas, aplomb and composure. Omakase execution was conveyed with such pleasingly fresh dishes I almost wanted to weep before my skinnierthantheoriginal (so skinny haha yet super fresh!) sanma fish. Totally regretted not ordering a couple of sushi heavens! :(

For the first time in a long long time, I was wishing my fish didn’t have to come to a sorry end. Now I’m seriously considering an omakase experience here. :D

ps: Akashi ships in fish 5 times a week: On Tuesdays and Fridays it’s the usual bulk shipment from Japan. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the group bypasses the suppliers and direct imports fish from Japan, albeit in smaller amounts so as to meet their high turnover rate. So chances are you will be assured of fresh fish always when you dine here. Just be a little more informed and you will be guaranteed a fulfilling dining experience. :)