Hello everybody !
I have been tasked with choosing a restaurant for a total 7 people.
I was wondering if I should be aware of anything I should avoid doing ? The team is international and quite open so I don’t think I can do bad just following common sense, but still.
For example I was thinking of maybe the Gyuukaku (牛角) yakiniku place, do you guys think that would be a problem ?
Thanks in advance !
10 comments
Does anyone in the group have dietary restrictions? Ask that first, then see what’s recommended in the area for the budget.
Be sure of the budget per head. Find out if anyone has allergies, dietary restrictions, etc. Yakiniku is fun in groups and Gyukaku is pretty reasonable. Izakaya can also be good. Get the funds ready beforehand so payment is smooth.
When I’ve had to do this, I use gurunavi and choose the area first. Then I pick about three options and take a vote. If you don’t want to offer a vote, pick an izakaya. Gyukaku is pretty much just beef. It’s better to be able to order a course dinner that comes with many different items and possibly nomihodia for those who want it.
The best way to do this is with [tabelog.com](https://tabelog.com). You will need to use the Japanese localization because online reservations aren’t available in the English localization.
You’ll want to put in whatever your most convenient station is, the number of people you’re reserving for, the date, time and the price range you’re considering. Below that area is a checkbox for places that do online reservations which you’ll want to check. From those results, hit the rating sorted tab and go nuts (or just ignore the ratings, but it’s a convenient way to cut down options if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on it).
Once you’ve got a spot picked just use the reservation interface and you’re set. You will need a tabelog account and a Japanese phone number.
Probably would get a little bonus points if you go to someplace local versus a chain like gyukaku.
Also as others have mentioned, check food restrictions.
course dinner, with nomihodai usually for group dinners, around work
Matsuya for a bowl, then Saizeriya for 100yen wine and finally combini drinks for the finale.
Pocket the rest of the budget and treat yourself to some prime Wagyu the next day.
This may be uncommon, but I’d be very pissed to go to a restaurant where smoking is permitted.
Make sure that either smoking isn’t permitted indoors, or everyone is ok to go to places as such. (Maybe everyone smokes in the group? Dunno really)
Gyukaku makes me sick. Their meat is so bad and the level of chemicals they put in it—hide the shit meat—leaves me fucked for a couple of days. Not sure where you are, but if you need a franchise yakiniku place go to Jojoen 叙々苑
Gyukaku is one of the cheapest yakiniku chains out there, and it wouldn’t look professional or be a nice experience. Especially if it’s a dinner with clients, definitely look for something else.