Savannah Morning News
Miwa Japanese Restaurant in Pooler
is a welcome addition
By Pete Lamb | March 27, 2008
Ms. Lamb and I went to Pooler on Saturday for lunch - and found ourselves victims of "Pooler time."
Our first choice was not open for lunch. No problem; with several new restaurants calling Pooler home, I went to Plan B. Plan B is only open for dinner.
Plan C? Yep, dinner only.
We were hungry when we found Miwa Japanese Restaurant - which is open for dinner and lunch, five days a week and dinner on Saturdays.
Only open since December, there is still a slight hint of construction smells. The little restaurant, about 30 seats, is cozy and immaculately clean.
We wasted no time getting our orders placed.
Ms. Lamb started with a slightly salted order of steamed soybeans - edamame- her favorite new snack. A very fresh, bright green seaweed salad followed. It was crisp and flavorful in a drizzle of sesame oil and sesame seeds.
My appetizer of shrimp tempura included four large shrimp and a nice selection of tempura-battered and fried veggies - broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini and sweet potato. The veggies and shrimp were very tasty and fresh - the tempura batter needs some work. It was light enough, but doughy in texture and taste.
The crab and avocado in Ms. Lamb's California Roll were also very fresh; the roll well constructed. Miwa's sushi chef is a veteran of Hirano's on Habersham Street - one of the city's most popular sushi and teriyaki eateries.
I finished with a generous order of Yakiniku Steak. The marinated, bite-sized pieces of steak were thinly sliced and grilled, then served over fried rice with a mound of sauteed veggies - zucchini, onion, mushrooms and cabbage. The steak was tender and delicious, the side dishes hot and fresh.
Mieko, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Eiichi, doubles as hostess and server. Only a handful of other diners were in the restaurant, and service was attentive and professional. Light music provided just the right background level for this elegant and intimate little get-away.
A menu of grilled dishes joins an extensive choice of sushi that features nigiri and maki styles, as well as sashimi.
Reviewers do not notify restaurants in advance of their visits. The newspaper pays for all meals.
STEPPING OUT
What: Miwa Japanese restaurant
Food: A
Ambiance: A+
Service: A
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Monday-Friday;
5-9 p.m. Saturday
Address: 125 Foxfield Way, Towne Plaza (West of Home Depot
in Pooler)
Telephone: 748-8228
Reservations: No
Credit Cards: Yes
Bar: Yes, beer and wine
Lunch for two: $18-$32
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