Xenri's menu contains both hits and misses, but its pleasant setting and efficient staff members make it a reasonable option for Japanese food on Old Klang Road.
Amberjack sashimi with organic apple dressing. It seems increasingly cliched to splash some sauce on raw fish and dub it "new-age sashimi," but when it works, it works.
Simmered yellowtail jaw. Moist and meaty, with a sweet succulence that made every mouthful a blissful treat. We'd return here simply for this.
Braised soybean dumpling. Healthy and well-prepared, but not exactly exciting.
Seared tuna with ponzu sauce. Its pinkness underscored its juiciness.
Salmon & bean curd. One of the least sinful recipes possible.
Unagi Yanagawa (eel with burdock root). Hot enough to scald our tongues.
Soft shell crab salad. A generous serving, without any hint of excess oil.
Simmered Wagyu beef cheeks. Perfectly executed, with none of the gaminess that sometimes plagues even premium beef.
Tempura Moriawase. Too thickly battered; not the tempura of our dreams.
Unagi cheese maki. As generic and uninspired as something at Sakae Sushi.
Nihonsakari Nama Sake & organic-grown La Monte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2008.
Click here for review of Xenri D'GardenTerrace @ Hap Seng (Oct. 21, 2009).