Dinner @ Izakaya Renzokuken, Kego, Fukuoka

 If you like your food to be eclectic , sophisticated but still fun, then I have something very special for you. Recently a friend of a friend has opened a new spot that is definitely worth your attention. Or at least a romantic date night. 

Fancy

Izakaya Renzokuken is managed by Jacob Bowser and his wife Mayumi. From the US to Japan and a bit of Thailand in between, Jacob was able to refine his craft in many kitchens around the world and this taking a bit of everything in forming out the menu. Being a globe trotting chef and a palate for the interesting, you can indirectly feel their varied experience in their presentation. Well, when you have won 2nd place in Iron Chef Thailand while being an American, it is no surprise on the influences that permeate into your food. 

Off to a good start.

Even prior to your first plate, your otoshii comes in hot and ready to roll. For my first visit, I got myself a brioche bruschetta topped with eggplant carbonara. Yes, it is that elaborate. However, despite so many different elements, everything seems to meld in perfectly. It was refreshing yet earthy and deep at the same time. What a great start for the evening. 

Fusion at its finest

Then the first proper entre steps in, in the form of a mapo tofu gnocchi. Yes, you read it right. The dumplings were made of tofu and slathered with a spicy Szechuan style mince sauce. A fusion of East and West that does not go harder than this. The dumplings were soft but had substance, with some bite between the layers. The spicy meat mince has a nice floral taste thanks to the spices. I could actually eat the mince on its own with some rice. Now that would be something. This generous portion actually stood at a modest 1050 yen. 

Beastly

Not to be outdone, my friend Scott got himself their burger. Not just any burger but their home made wagyu burger, which comes in the bun that Jacob makes himself. Loaded with some caramelised onions, a generous slashing of cheese and a sauce that can only be described as magical, this was a beautiful mess. The patty is so juicy and the burger so loaded, you would find yourself going deep into your primal side before all is said and done. 

Golden brown

Feeling a bit curious (I mean that is the theme of the menu) I got the mentaiko hash browns that looked like some treasure from a lost temple. The potatoes were shaped like gold bars and a dollop of mentaiko on top finished the product. The textural difference between the crunchy outer crust yet soft inside combining with that creamy mentaiko was something spellbinding. The salty and spicy roe also help amplify the flavour of the fried potato, akin to a sauce. This beast stood at a mere 680 yen. 

Refreshing

Having the word izakaya in its name, the establishment also serves some great drinks. I did have a beer to start things off but I was also pretty curious with some of their cocktails. I eventually ended up with a blueberry basil sour which stood at 680 yen. This was thoroughly refreshing and help clear down some of the grease from the previous entre. It felt like a liquified dessert and was very enjoyable. Very dangerous if you ask me. 

Look out for that red banner, and you know you are at the right place

I have to thank Scott in introducing the Bowsers to me and to this great place. For the avoidance of doubt, they are not related to any bad guys from the Super Mario franchise. I do wish them the very best as their food is great and the prices are quite reasonable. Plus points for charming service too. So if you want a place that is fun, varied, and slightly unhinged (in a good way), then Jacob will probably sort you out very well. The address is as follows:

 ⁠Kego Kuresutaria Floor 2 No 201 1 Chome-12-3 Kego, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0023