by Jen Ackerly

The Mexican-themed food shack, Tortilla Flats, previously located on East Pembroke Road has finally passed on.  The high-end Neo-Japanese fusion food found at Koo Restaurant recently replaced all traces of stale corn chips and brown guacamole.  Koo (“sky” in Japanese) is a chain known for successfully heightening its customers to new levels of dining.  The restaurant’s variety of oriental foods and established national reputation proves their ability to uphold a Sushi King title; however, even the best of restaurants have flaws.

Upon arrival, it might take five rotations before finding an empty parking space. One may have to restrain him or herself from making lewd comments when questioning cement borders blocking the open spaces.  Could an exotic garden be in Koo’s future?  Regardless, if not dizzy yet, frustration could be the initial impression.  

Once inside, aggravations recede as tranquil thoughts blossom.  Eyes become transfixed on the architecture and design that reflects the Orient.  Dark brown woods cascade over cream-colored tiles engraved with Asian calligraphy, creating a hypnotic visual affair.  Even the bathroom looks as if it was a cut out from an Interior Design magazine.

Unfortunately, neither a hopping Saturday night nor a slow Sunday afternoon can lessen the roar from the grills inside the Hibachi room.  The sound of the braziers (similar to car engines in a small garage) make it impossible for individuals to carry on conversations between one another even if they are seated less than a foot apart.  

The staff could use some adjustments as well.  Expect a hostess redefining the term teen-angst, confused food runners, and inexperienced waiters.  However, there are always exceptions.  The management and a few servers were surprisingly alert, filling in and making apologies for the mistakes of others.  Granted, Koo is permitted the new restaurant handicap—for now, that is.  Yet, one can’t help but be amused, when spring rolls are placed down on your table that you didn’t order.  It is also comical when the wine ordered at the beginning of the meal is finally delivered at dinner’s end.  Only time will prove whether these errors will continue or change.  

The overall question is: does the food live up to Koo’s notable reputation?  The answer is yes.  The sushi plates are works of art adorned with fresh avocado and at times, colorful caviar.  Fish lovers will lean back in ecstasy when indulging in the Snapper Tempura Roll, which is lightly fried and topped with a sweet ginger garlic sauce.  

If sushi is not favored, one can choose from an assortment of options from the hibachi menu. No matter how exotic the tongue, Koo offers everything from surf and turf to the mouth-watering simplicity of a good steak smothered in teriyaki.  
A pleasant and noteworthy surprise is the Pad Thai.  Cooked to perfection, the Pad Thai is crisp and guests are able to add any kind of protein they desire from shrimp, to chicken, and the most popular, tofu.   The noodles are moist and topped with heavenly peanuts with just the right amount of sauce.  

The bar is fully stocked with liquor, sake, and a good selection of fine wines to choose from.  To complete the meal, one might want to try the fried green tea ice cream.  The tea-flavored sweet cream tucked inside warm fried dough is wonderful to share among a group of friends or for the self-spoiler.

Despite the flaws, Koo will continue to please their customers.  Both old and new generations will appreciate Koo’s reasonable prices.  A tip would be to avoid the Hibachi room entirely if you want a pleasantly quiet night alone with that certain someone, or just to have a laugh with friends.  In addition, rumors from existing Koo patrons show the dining room’s service is better as well. Luckily, the cuisine and atmosphere is charming enough to inspire a trip back the next night. Like many eateries just getting on their feet, there’s always room for improvement.  Forgiveness is in order when the food is just that good.

The Mexican-themed food shack, Tortilla Flats, previously located on East Pembroke Road has finally passed on.  The high-end Neo-Japanese fusion food found at Koo Restaurant recently replaced all traces of stale corn chips and brown guacamole.  Koo (“sky” in Japanese) is a chain known for successfully heightening its customers to new levels of dining.  The restaurant’s variety of oriental foods and established national reputation proves their ability to uphold a Sushi King title; however, even the best of restaurants have flaws.

Upon arrival, it might take five rotations before finding an empty parking space. One may have to restrain him or herself from making lewd comments when questioning cement borders blocking the open spaces.  Could an exotic garden be in Koo’s future?  Regardless, if not dizzy yet, frustration could be the initial impression. 

Once inside, aggravations recede as tranquil thoughts blossom.  Eyes become transfixed on the architecture and design that reflects the Orient.  Dark brown woods cascade over cream-colored tiles engraved with Asian calligraphy, creating a hypnotic visual affair.  Even the bathroom looks as if it was a cut out from an Interior Design magazine.

Unfortunately, neither a hopping Saturday night nor a slow Sunday afternoon can lessen the roar from the grills inside the Hibachi room.  The sound of the braziers (similar to car engines in a small garage) make it impossible for individuals to carry on conversations between one another even if they are seated less than a foot apart. 

The staff could use some adjustments as well.  Expect a hostess redefining the term teen-angst, confused food runners, and inexperienced waiters.  However, there are always exceptions.  The management and a few servers were surprisingly alert, filling in and making apologies for the mistakes of others.  Granted, Koo is permitted the new restaurant handicap—for now, that is.  Yet, one can’t help but be amused, when spring rolls are placed down on your table that you didn’t order.  It is also comical when the wine ordered at the beginning of the meal is finally delivered at dinner’s end.  Only time will prove whether these errors will continue or change. 

The overall question is: does the food live up to Koo’s notable reputation?  The answer is yes.  The sushi plates are works of art adorned with fresh avocado and at times, colorful caviar.  Fish lovers will lean back in ecstasy when indulging in the Snapper Tempura Roll, which is lightly fried and topped with a sweet ginger garlic sauce. 

If sushi is not favored, one can choose from an assortment of options from the hibachi menu. No matter how exotic the tongue, Koo offers everything from surf and turf to the mouth-watering simplicity of a good steak smothered in teriyaki. 
A pleasant and noteworthy surprise is the Pad Thai.  Cooked to perfection, the Pad Thai is crisp and guests are able to add any kind of protein they desire from shrimp, to chicken, and the most popular, tofu.   The noodles are moist and topped with heavenly peanuts with just the right amount of sauce. 

The bar is fully stocked with liquor, sake, and a good selection of fine wines to choose from.  To complete the meal, one might want to try the fried green tea ice cream.  The tea-flavored sweet cream tucked inside warm fried dough is wonderful to share among a group of friends or for the self-spoiler.

Despite the flaws, Koo will continue to please their customers.  Both old and new generations will appreciate Koo’s reasonable prices.  A tip would be to avoid the Hibachi room entirely if you want a pleasantly quiet night alone with that certain someone, or just to have a laugh with friends.  In addition, rumors from existing Koo patrons show the dining room’s service is better as well. Luckily, the cuisine and atmosphere is charming enough to inspire a trip back the next night. Like many eateries just getting on their feet, there’s always room for improvement.  Forgiveness is in order when the food is just that good.