This week’s dinner was at Hina Yakitori. Sadly, we only heard about this place because of articles of it’s impending closure at the end of the month. The chef had mentioned the lack of diners which is not surprising in a very competitive restaurant environment here in SF. The restaurant only seats 10 people and was full even for this early Thursday night seating. Menu was an omakase-style menu and we also opted for the beverage pairing (restaurant had received multiple Wine Spectator awards of excellence); beverage pairing was very enjoyable with a mix of old world, new world, and a sake.
The menu primarily focused on various chicken skewers including may different parts including tail, neck, oysters. All were well seasoned well and my favorite was the chicken oysters and Andrea loved the 3 bites that were spicy seasoned. There were also bites of tomato, shiitake, eel, wagyu, tamago. One of the final dishes was an egg based dish which we both loved. Dessert was a type of flan.
We had been talking quite a bit with the somm durin the meal, but the it turned out that Chef Tommy Cleary, in a previous job over 15 years ago, remembered working with Andrea. It was hilarious to see Andrea and him catch up on all of the people they both knew.
In any case, it was a unique dining experience for us. We’re sad to see the restaurant closing, but we’re interested to see where Chef Tommy does next as well as the somm Justin.
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