Japanese dining in Boston

Last week, I met up with a good friend who happened to be visiting Boston to check out one of the local Japanese restaurants. It was a casual catch-up on the surface, but for me, it was also a bit of market research. If I’m going to prepare Japanese meals for clients at home, I want to understand the full dining landscape around us.

So we ordered a familiar lineup:

• Chicken Katsu Curry

• Yakisoba

• Salad

• Gyoza

• And a fruit-and-vegetable smoothie (a very Boston-style healthy twist)

The bill came out to about $50 per person after tip, and with parking included, my total for the day was around $120.

Portions were generous, satisfying but not oversized, and we had a really enjoyable time talking and eating. Boston’s Japanese restaurants bring a lot of comfort and joy to people here, and I always appreciate the care that goes into running them.

This visit reminded me of something important:
restaurants and home-cooked meals each offer a different kind of experience.

Restaurants give you atmosphere, convenience, and the fun of going out. Like this time, it was too much hustle for my friend to visit me at home - which is a good 1 hour drive from Boston city center.

Home cooking brings warmth, comfort, and the feeling of something made just for you and your family.

My private chef service isn’t meant to replace or compete with restaurants. I’m not trying to be a better restaurant, I could never duplicate the atmosphere, the staff teamwork, or the energy that makes dining out so special.

What I can offer is something different:

Japanese home cooking, prepared in your own kitchen, using simple ingredients from nearby grocery stores so that you eventually can cook them yourself if you're into it.

I work towards the kind of meal that feels like coming home after a long day, rather than going out for a special occasion.

This outing helped me better understand the balance between the two. Both have their place, both bring joy, and I’m excited to bring the “at-home” side of Japanese comfort food to New England in my own way.