Matsukaze Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Grants Pass

When I made my reseravation for an overnight stay in Grants Pass I had never stayed or stopped there. The room was a room like any other and looking out at the smoky horizon dashed any curiosity I might have had about exploring. Pizza? Mexican? Burger? It had been way way too long between sushi and a Sopporo- Matsukaze was one of the options the internet suggested, and google maps directed me easily. Matsukaze opens at 5. I arrived shortly after 5 to find the place already full and others seated waiting for a table. This was in my opinion - a good sign! Peering around I noticed there was two rooms and servers busy attending both. When I was seated I glanced through the menu and saw Philadelphia rolls; Salmon, Cucumber and of course cream cheese. Now, I happen to think that cream cheese in a roll is tantamount to a misdemeanor, at least a tort! So I asked if I could have the cream cheese replaced with avocado. We call that a San Francisco roll where I'm from. "Sure" was the reply from my server. I sipped my beer and awaited my Grants Pass, Matsukaze "San Francisco" rolls. When they arrived I had to admit they were quite attractive; colorful and exactly as I request (and remembered). I ceremoniously applied my wasabI to the soy and fumbled a bit with the "sticks" and dipped my first roll into the light brown sauce... What had always been a perfunctory move quickly became an experience. Now I have never, to my recollection, ever written a review about a meal. But after consuming those rolls ... well, I felt like should have had a cigarette (old joke) NEVER have I had anything close to the wonderful taste of those rolls. Ever. They were an event! And that is why I intentionally took so many words to get here on the page... Look at it like... well, culinary foreplay! The locals already know...You can see it in their faces, and nods. Bravo, Matsukaze! I will make it a point, should I be anywhere near Grants Pass in the future, to visit you again!

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I can't get enough of their tempura veggies with sauce. Literally amazing. BUT tonight I was very disappointed with size, bulk and taste of the meal. The teriyaki chicken had a lot of fat bits on it, and there wasn't much of it. There was one scoop of white rice and some tempura (1 mushroom, 1 thin slice of yam, 1 broccoli floret and 3 shrimp). I did not want nor expect shrimp to be included in the veggie tempura. Either way my meal all together tasted ok. My husband got a type of breaded pork dish and it was gross to be honest. He gave it to the dog, and for $15 I did not expect such hard, chewy pork. The crust was hard around the edges, and not tasteful. I'd almost go as far as to say burnt and overcooked. His plate just looked like a few deep fried strips with a side of white rice. :( Only thing I'll get again is tempura. On a brighter note, the gentleman who took the order was very kind and the meals come with a tiny salad and tiny soup. You are able to choose between a couple different salad dressings and 2 different types of soup for a side. They have unique seating in the floor or booths are available. They have an average wait time for food, but can usually get you seated fairly quickly. If you want to come to get full, don't. If you are there more for atmosphere and a light meal, this place is great for dates. I guess I just got spoiled at NoHos! Best luck to you all!...

This is my second time at Matsukaze. Something unique about Matsukaze is the ambiance. Simple, clean, relaxing, with heavy cultural influence. It is easy to forget that you are at a resturant. The staff are very fast, friendly and polite. The younger guy could use some language professionalism but he is very attentive to his tables. The staff do not linger. They take their craft seriously. I have only ordered by suggestion and their suggested dishes were delightful. The hot tea needs to sit till about midway through your meal to be ready to drink something that (the gentelman whom I assume is the owner or manager) told me about on my first visit. The food comes out in perfect courses that encourage a slow, relaxed eating. The Miso is some of the best I have had, Definitely try the ginger dressing on your salad. There is very little wait time between courses. Maybe that is just how it seems. It is easy to loose track of time staring around the room at the various decoration. I visited both times around 7-8pm during the weekend and have never felt like I was being rushed out the door. Don't forget to try the green tea ice cream. The door states that this resturant has been in Grants Pass for 35+ years and I can see why. I look forward to many...