MrJ 藤原豆腐新生店 | Initial D Concept Restaurant (Closed)

Sep 30, 2014 Mar 25, 2015

I was thrilled by this concept restaurant when I discovered it, and made a point to visit it since the location was fairly near my accommodation. Guided by Google Map and GPS, I reached after 20-30 mins of walking.

I was early and had to loiter around the vicinity, while waiting for the restaurant to be open. There was a miniature mountainous driveway model near the entrance for me to admire and spend some time for photo taking. Just the details on this model, got me high up in anticipation! Finally, the second hand on my watch stroke to the desired position and I’m the first guest to enter! (It’s not like there was a queue.)

There was a mismatch to my expectation, the furnishing was right on the spot but the endless poster of Jay Chou hanging around was over-killed. My first impression when I stepped it was… Jay Chou rather than Initial D. After walking through the reception area, entering the dining area, the decoration was inclined more toward Initial D, thankfully. The cushions design for high seats and backrests were of the tofu design, relating to the tofu shop opened by the protagonist’s father. Upon seated, I noticed a full size AE86 and a mini AE86 at a corner which I failed to notice earlier. It was the time for photos!!!!

Just then, my tummy started growling. I headed back to my seat and start browsing through the menu, it was indeed pricey though it was fairly reasonable for a concept shop and Japanese cuisine. I ordered only 2 items, due to the concern of food wastage, Mr. Chou Salmon Rice Ball (周董鮭魚飯糰) and Grilled beef & Asparagus (牛培根蘆筍串).

You can view the menu here.

More Photos

Upon munching the food served, oh boy~ it was disappointing! The rice ball was very lacking in all aspect. I couldn’t taste much of the key ingredient – salmon, and the rice ball was neither chilled nor tasty. Taiwan 7-11 Onigiri was way better than this. As for the grilled beef, the sauce was overwhelming and the asparagus was soggy – I had to hold my bite and break it apart with some force. Give me my crunchy asparagus! I’m so glad that these were the only items I ordered, else I’m wasting money and calories. Oh, why did I have any expectation for concept restaurant?

My verdict? If you have nothing better to do, or you’re a fan, then perhaps you can drop by but with no expectation on the food. Maybe you can fill up your tummy at the eatery diagonally opposite. I noticed the eatery was crowded with the local but I am uncertain if it was 彩椒廚房 or 阿英台湾小吃, as these 2 signboards are hung just above the eatery.