*This review was based upon a visit when indoor dining was still an option.
Even during a pandemic, new and exciting places open up. Beat Mazesoba is certainly one to talk about. They are a Japanese fusion restaurant in a popular area in Flushing that is less than year old. I had first heard about them when indoor dining was allowed and made it a point to visit as soon as possible.
The capacity allowance in NYC at that time for indoor was 25%. The actual size of the dining area was quite spacious. The employees all were wearing masks and using gloves when handling food. The hostess took my temperature and I had to fill out the contact information sheet. The spacing was very good in between the other guests and I chose the seat right near the entrance. As you walk toward the interior there is a large bar area and a kitchen behind.
My server was a very courteous and cute. The other employees who helped in between were very courteous and polite. Unfortunately I was not able to get her name or any other employee give proper recognition in this review. She was very helpful with ordering and at one point I had made an error ordering. The chicken skewers come two in an order and I said I wanted two skewers which sounded like I requested two orders. She repeated the order back to me to confirm and I really thought I was ordering just two skewers. They fixed the bill and I wholeheartedly apologized to my server for any confusion.
For my appetizers I ordered the KIMCHEE BOAS (chinese gua bao with pork and kimchee), Salmon Tartar and the CHICKEN YAKITORI (the subject of my apology to the server).
This particular establishment specializes in ramen. And not just any ramen...MAZEMEN is quite different from the usual that people are accustomed to. Previously, I have not really seen any other restaurants offer this. It may even be more rare than dipping ramen in my opinion. Mazemen is a dry version of the noodles were it comes in a bowl with all the toppings and you mix it all together (similar to the Chinese dandan noodles). The directions for eating are to first mix, then taste, then add vinegar and then mix leftovers with rice. This particular dish itself is quite a hardy meal on its own! Their signature ramen (called the Beat Mazemen naturally) contains pork saboro, scallions, chives, garlic, onions, arugula and is a combo of their Shoyu and Yuzu Shio dishes respectively.
They also have a Curry and Veggie version for different options. If you want the more traditional ramen they do offer that as well in different varieties but all using fish broth.
Of course I had to save room for dessert. On each table they advertise a Yuzu Cheesecake (which was a collaboration with a Brooklyn based dessert company called Kitbsy. You have option for a scoop of ice cream and my server recommended the Uji-Cha swirl flavor. Most definitely a great recommendation and unique dessert.
I ordered a lot of food and it was all so delicious. Normally it is not an issue but I had to eat quick because of the curfew imposed on restaurants at the time of my visit. All the food came to the table fairly quickly...almost too quickly which was both good and bad as I was trying to savor the previous dishes and my ice cream was starting to melt a bit.
But overall this restaurant is highly recommended. Food and service are on point and the ambience is perfect to bring a friend / date. They offer outdoor heated dining until indoor is allowed again and there are of course take out and...
Read moreBeat mazesoba offers an excellent dining experience with its innovative take on Japanese cuisine. The restaurant's mazesoba dishes are the main attraction, combining delicious flavors and textures.
The Beat mazesoba is a standout dish. It features a perfect combination of tender pork belly and flavorful ground pork, topped with a jammy onsen egg that adds richness when mixed in. The dish is further enhanced with scallions and arugula, providing freshness and a slight peppery note. The sauce has a delightful smoky soy flavor that ties everything together. A splash of rice vinegar, provided on the side, adds a pleasant acidity that cuts through the richness.
The Curry mazesoba offers a different but equally delicious experience. The curry sauce is creamy with a slight sweetness, complementing the ground pork perfectly. It's a comforting dish that brings a unique twist to traditional Japanese curry.
For starters, the Salmon avocado salad is a refreshing choice. The salmon is marinated in a flavorful blend of sesame oil and soy sauce, giving it a rich, umami taste. It's served with creamy avocado and tangy capers, creating a well-balanced dish. The salad also includes a spring mix and comes with two types of ginger and a special dipping sauce, adding layers of flavor and texture.
The restaurant has a clever concept of serving rice with the mazesoba. This allows diners to mix the leftover sauce with rice after finishing the noodles, ensuring not a drop of the delicious sauce goes to waste.
While the food is undeniably delicious, the indoor environment could be improved. The seating area is a bit dark and stuffy with limited air circulation. It's unfortunate that the outdoor seating wasn't open, as it would have provided a more comfortable dining atmosphere.
Despite the minor issue with ventilation, Beat mazesoba is definitely worth visiting for its delicious and unique food. The restaurant's approach to Japanese cuisine makes it stand out among local dining options, offering a truly satisfying...
Read moreThis place is one of my top Grub Hub go to's. Today I decided to eat in house, as usual everything was amazing but it tasted even more special since I was eating immediately in situ. I had my usual Beat Metzoba which is the brothless soba noodle ramon with pork belly, in house you can get a miso soup for a $1 extra if you wish, being my favorite dish from here, always a beautiful eyeful and just as delicious an experience. My start was Karr-Aged chicken bites which are Japanese fried chicken pieces, they were quite crisp on the exterior but moist and tender upon your first bite. The spicy mayo sauce and lemon were the perfect addition, I ate it all myself and was craving more, the portion is big enough to share for two. The main dish I had was Chasu Don which was a pork belly dish with a fried egg and other delicacies, alas it was too much for me to finish in one sitting so I had it packed to go. They packaged it very tenderly like an original to go order, how thoughtful!! The hangor steak is a regular favorite of mine as well and so are the Bao Sandwiches and the Blistered Shishido Peppers. I honestly don't think you can order badly here.
The place has a really kool vibe as well with a wonderful modern minimalist style and cool contemporary tunes in the background to set the mood. They are covid compliant with sanitizing gel on every table and all staff wear masks. You are required as by the law to be vaccinated to enjoy indoor dining and it is courteously enforced. In more favorable conditions outdoor dining in the back patio is also available. I'm glad I came the staff were welcoming and professional and I will definitely visit again as...
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