Tokushima
70 Smith Street –
Hey there, you cute lil’ Japanese restaurant quietly tucked in on the corner of Gertrude and Smith. How have I never seen you before? Between the peachy 80’s floor tiles, mini Japanese flags draped across the roof, the Victoria Street deco, and the giant red kimono framed behind the till, I’m low-key mad at myself for not finding you sooner. But I was too caught up in my own #catladylyf to pay attention to you, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not getting to know you sooner, and I’m even more sorry that I haven’t taken more dates here because I’m like 99% sure Japanese food is some sort of an aphrodisiac.
Hey don’t be shy. I’m merely stating facts and the facts are that I wish I knew of you sooner, because my dry spell could have ended hella quicker. A kilo of edamame and some Japanese pickled vegetables kicked off the lunch menu, to which you served me. Followed by some of that inside-out salmon sushi which was HIGH-KEY the phreshest sushi I’ve ever had in Australia. Truth. My dear Tokushima, you then delivered a hot plate of seafood, or seafood hotplate if you will, to my table. A literal butter and garlic melting pot of salmon, scallops, squid, and the rest of Nemo’s relatives. Take me. Right here. Right now. My body is full of seafood and it’s all yours. The crescendo of such a marvellous day was ol’ Grandma-ma’s squid: a lil white and purple suit presented as though it were simply napping on the plate. But like, cooked, sliced, and covered in sawce… that I ended up drinking. NO SHAME. Things are happening inside of me, strange things, pleasant things. I think I am in love. So thank you, little unassuming Japanese place on Melbourne’s kewlest corner, thank you for making my birthday lunch one to remember. You’ve won the heart of this Melbourne lass