Seasons of Japan

[Closed 2019]

 

I’m a big fan of sauces. I dream of one day going to a restaurant where your entree consists of a sauce platter and the meat, potatoes, veggies and bread are merely a side note to the smorgasbord of flavors introduced by your sauces. Seasons of Japan is a restaurant that gets me one step closer to this dream.

Can’t Miss Sunday Lunch

It was a Sunday morning and I read in my church bulletin about a lunch event for the young professionals in the church (aka singles primarily). I didn’t have plans and a new place sounded fun, so why not?

I hopped in my silver Honda and zipped over to the town center to search for this dining establishment. The restaurant seems newer and is one of those places where you go up to the counter to order, then they call your name. I went into the place planning to have raw tuna and broccoli. When I smelled food cooking, I wanted lo mein, even though it was Japanese food and a list of fun sushi rolls was sitting in front of me. As I perused the menu, I found an entirely new option that caught me eye.

When I arrived at Seasons of Japan, I thought I was at the wrong restaurant. There was no one there! I didn’t know exactly what this young professionals group would look like, but I was planning on just finding a crowd. But maybe I was early. Well, what looked like another post-church young professional that was lost and in search of lunch watched in. We confirmed that we were looking for the group, and one by one people started to show up. I jumped and grabbed a place first in line to order as my appetite was growing rapidly.

That One Time I Went to Japan

I decided to get the Super Yakiniku Bowl. My brother is living in Chiba City, Japan right now and when I visited him, he and Saori raved about Yakiniku. I think I tried some and enjoyed it, but some of the food I had there was a blur. I remember lots of good smells and strange seafood flavors.

From what I understand yakiniku is typically served as a meat dish that you grill on your table. I think it’s what I had with my Uncle Rick and Saori when we ate overlooking this amazing river on this side street full of nice restaurants. It was like being on the Seine or a Venice straight, but with an Asian feel. I was going cheap that night, but they let me sample their dishes. We sat on the ground and leaned over the table with a grill full of delectable, savory food. With an onion grilling, an egg frying and more spices, this was one of my favorite moments visiting Japan.

Sampling Traditional Japanse Cuisine in Jax

The yakiniku dish at Seasons of Japan, which serves traditional Japanese fare, had short rib steak, onions, mushrooms, and rice. It was tasty, though I would’ve enjoyed more meat and mushrooms. The best part was that there was a sauce bar so I was able to explore more flavors with my meal. There was a creamy sauce, a hot sauce, and a tangy one. My senses were mesmerized.

Between chopstick bits of sticky rice and sauces, I got to know the young professionals’ group. It was a lovely afternoon. I would like to try the sushi at this place next. Overall, the setting of the place was clean and efficient, though no real ambiance. However, the prices were good and the food was tasty, so maybe it all equals out?

Plus, if I want to try a unique and affordable Japanese dish, a 15-minute drive is better than a flight overseas, isn’t it?