There is an amazing restaurant in the Lakewood area serving up delicious Asian cuisine, and exceptional service, under a name that promises satisfaction with every visit.
Happy Teriyaki #4 is one of the many of the establishments under that name between Tacoma and Olympia, but one of the few that get to know you and never fails to remember you when you come back.
A walk in the door shows the customer the hominess of the restaurant. Booths line the walls and stand-alone tables fill the middle.
One of the most entertaining parts of the restaurant is the course-like way they present the meal. After customers are seated, each member of the party is given a bowl of miso soup, which is a savory, salty broth made from fermented soybeans that warms you from the inside out.
Next, one of the staff bring a series of small gray plates each with no more than an ounce of sample items on them. Little treats like seaweed salad, marinated squid, and edamame. These courses preceding the ordered meal are unique to eating in as opposed to out, but the quality remains the same regardless.
While conversing with family or anyone else you may have brought along, these appetizers are there for you enjoyment. Drinks will arrive at the table and the staff will ask for your order around that time as well.
There are countless menu items worthy of being eaten, but you must decide based on your own criteria. They have anything from sushi made fresh at the front counter that can be seen as you walk in the door, any type of teriyaki dish imaginable, and of course your more traditional Chinese wok dishes.
The sushi is spectacularly made for the eyes and taste. They have an assortment of seafood to choose from including tuna, salmon, squid, eel, and shrimp among many others.
The teriyaki dishes are made of an assortment of meats from chicken to beef and can be accompanied by a number of sides, rice, and steamed cabbage. The tenderness of the meat is a beautiful thing, and is most noticeable in the teriyaki beef dish.
One of the most magnificent creations is called the bento box, as it is a compilation of teriyaki and sushi combined with other wonderful food items. There is the smaller lunch bento, and then the much larger dinner bento. The bonus with the dinner bento comes in the form of tempura-fried vegetables, which teriyaki #4 does best.
I have never had a lighter, crispier fried tempura vegetable.
The Chinese wok dishes are also delightful. Anything from General Tao’s chicken to Garlic or Honey chicken can be found on this list.
For those who have less of a desire for meat another favorite is the tofu and vegetable plate. There is a different flare to it on each occasion, and the vegetable to tofu ratio changes, but it never ceases to amaze. The sauce is rich and compliments the tofu that can be either fried or steamed.
Though there are countless more dishes I wish I could describe to you, I wish to leave you with the want fair this incredible food served by some of the most truly personable staff I’ve met.
Please continue to write requests for more restaurant review to [email protected].
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