TSTV Reviews - Aoba Japanese Restaurant

TSTV Review - Sushi Aoba from Rainer Flor on Vimeo.

Review: Aoba Japanese Restaurant
Website: http://www.sushiaoba.com
Address: 2588 Maguire Road Ocoee, FL 34761
Contact: TJ - 407-654-6776
Story By: James Lee, Editor-in-Chief, TSTV

If there's one necessity every living thing has in common, it must be the need to find sustenance. One of the main things we here at TubesocsTV love to do is eat. Every meeting we have, there's always some kind of goodness in our presence for us to munch on. I must say, it's been hard to keep the pounds off as of late. That being said, it only makes sense for us to have a food portion of our reviews channel. In our ongoing quest to find culinary excellence, we have searched far and wide across the Greater Orlando area to determine a restaurant that would be worthy of our first review. With very little debate, we chose Aoba Japanese Restaurant in Ocoee / Windermere. Located in the Plantation Grove Shopping Center in Ocoee, this small Japanese restaurant definitely shines bright.

The People
The first sight you will probably see upon entering the restaurant is probably this:
Enter TJ and his signature smile. Aoba is the epitome of the "Mom and Pop" style shop, as it is run by TJ and his wife Junko. Originating from Japan, TJ has been a chef for as long as he has been here in the US. From making an appearance on the Regis and Kathy Lee show, to managing the Mitsukoshi restaurant in Epcot Center, TJ's skill behind the sashimi knife does not go unnoticed. Ask him about his golf swing, or where to find a good spot for bass fishing. TJ is always up for a good conversation.

The Food
This Japanese couple creates an authentic dining experience like no other in a market where Sushi restaurants are almost as abundant as Starbucks. The menu is very simplified, which is a different look from the majority of restaurants in the area. Clearly, Aoba focuses on fresh ingredients and quality food. One thing TJ always incorporates into his food is to make sure each piece of sushi/sashimi is the size of one bite. The easier it is to eat, the more delicious it will taste. I must agree, it surely was delicious.

Aoba Boat for Two

Rainer, James, Unagi Roll, Spider Roll, and Volcano Roll with a touch of wasabi and ginger

New Menu Item: Appetizer Salmon Twist (Named by TubesocsTV)

The Experience
Aoba brings an old school approach in a new school world to Japanese cuisine. It is a very laid back and comfortable environment. Somehow Aoba captures the magic of a Sunday family dinner at home and generates that same cozy feel to the table. One noteworthy thing was the amount of regular customers Aoba had. It seemed like TJ knew a greater majority of the customers that set foot in Aoba. It was really special to see a business branching out and touching the members of the community. One couple asked TJ what school his kids would be attending next year, and TJ asked another couple how things were going with their own children. Not only is the food great, but you leave the restaurant knowing there was actually some TLC put into the food. My kinda place.

Sit tight for a bit, the full podcast review for Aoba Japanese Restaurant will be up very soon for your viewing pleasure. Till then, don't forget to check out our coverage of the Bay Two at Mills Park event. Stay Tuned.

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