#26 Gyu-Kaku Times Square!

This month has been one of our busiest yet. Having only been in the United States for about three years, every new client is a great stride for us as a company. I have only been with the company a few months, so it's a rewarding and satisfying feeling to know that I have helped our company grow and succeed, as well as helping salons grow and succeed with their business. Best of all, the salon clients who receive the e-Cure Treatment become loyal customers who are so happy with the healthier state of their hair!

Our first appetizer: Edamame, with salt crystals.

So we had a lot to celebrate this month. In addition to all of our new customers, we are enjoying the company of an intern. Her name is Marina and she is a university student from Japan. Marina will only be with us for a few weeks, but she's an enthusiastic and fun co-worker.

My empty plate. Chopsticks at the ready!

Where to go to celebrate? Gyu-Kaku, of course! Last time we ate there we went to the Mid-town location http://www.gyu-kaku.com/ny/midtown.htm. This time we went to the Times Square location http://www.gyu-kaku.com/ny/timessquare.htm . The decor was more casual, and the menu had a few, small differences. Of course the food was fantastic and we all enjoyed a very nice meal together.  I have posted some pics here but you can view the whole album on facebook very soon http://www.facebook.com/ecuretreatment?ref=hl.

The empty grill, gettin hot and ready to fire.  



Above: Appetizer #2: Ahi Poke'. Raw Ahi Tuna seasoned & served with shredded seaweed salad and a horseradish garnish. Below: Appetizer #3: Tuna Boats - tuna pate served on top of a crispy rice ball, with sesme seeds.

The main course arrived and we enjoyed several varieties of beef, tinfoil packets of broccoli and mushrooms, and a pitcher of Japanese beer that complimented our meal perfectly.

The conversation flowed

Scallops, sausages, and more vegetable packets

It was a perfect meal for all of us since some of us have an aversion to shellfish or pork. There was plenty for all and we started to get very full very quickly.

Should we order dessert?



Iaisha and Mayu laughing while the sausages and scallops cooked. Notice the edamame is almost gone! We also enjoyed some sticky rice, seasoned with garlic, with our grilled foods.

                                                                                             

Ok, it looks like a fish but it's really Taiyaki - a delicious dessert! A rice pastry stuffed with a sweet bean curd paste and vanilla ice cream. Another dessert we enjoyed, not pictured, was a platter of banana crepes served hot with cinnamon vanilla ice cream.

It was called Banana Caramel cheesecake Xango.  Our third choice for dessert was this beautiful, layered Green Tea Mille Crepe. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and we definitely will be visiting Gyu-Kaku again!



#3 Japanese BBQ with my co-workers

One of the central conversations in our office is about food. We are a very diverse blend of people here but we all love to try new and interesting foods. Our office is located close to midtown Manhattan, so we are surrounded by restaurants serving food from all over the world. Prior to joining the Armada team, I had the pleasure of enjoying Japanese Sushi & Hibachi. Now I'm thrilled to have tried Japanese Barbeque at Gyu Kaku ( http://www.gyu-kaku.com/ny/midtown.htm) on a recent night out with my co-workers. I am amazed that this is actually a franchise (which I associate with fast food) as opposed to the top notch dining experience we enjoyed! Similar to Hibachi, in the sense that there is a grill in the center of the table, but there are no crazy chefs flipping shrimp tails into their pockets here. The staff will bring you your menu selections prepared, seasoned, and raw. They will carefully explain the proper timing for cooking each item and leave you to your own devices. As Mayu is from Japan, she was able to explain in detail the delightful dishes we shared. Appetizers included a Japanese cucumber salad (heavenly!), edamame, and salmon that was cured and served with seaweed. The main course stretched over the hours to include various types of beef, pork, chicken, and shellfish. Even the drinks and dessert were amazing. I am so blessed to work with amazing people whose company I enjoy, and I definitely am looking forward to our next night out!