Rapid Review: Hayashi

Ding! You look at your phone. You’ve just matched with ‘so and so’ on Hinge. You take a closer look at their profile: your ‘type to a T’. You start talking, conversation flows, you chat for hours deep into the night, and you feel yourself liking them more and more, so it’s time to take the next step.

You dance around it at first, easing your match into the idea of meeting in person. So, you pluck up the courage to ask them on a dinner date. They agree and say yes, and you punch your fist into the air.

The built-up angst of the few hours where they didn’t respond is replaced by the angst in the question: where do I take them? After initially considering Nando’s, you dismiss it as basic and unromantic. This person is special, and you want to impress them with your local knowledge of Leamington Spa. Red Hot Mamma? It is a nice place, but you don’t want to intimidate them with the intimacy of a beach hut. So, where do you go? You go to Hayashi.

Tucked away a short amble away from the Parade sits a very modest looking Japanese restaurant. You and your date head to your table for two, which you have thankfully pre-booked, as it’s a bustling place. You’re seated by the attentive staff and open your menu to see a plethora of delicious options. Just from the words you start dribbling, although you can’t let your date see that. Fortunately, the waiters speedily take your order and you’re able to chat away with your date.

Your starters arrive. Somehow you knew that the takoyaki – deep-fried battered octopus, garnished with bonito flakes, seaweed powder & strips – would melt in your mouth, and start your night off well. As you gaze into your date’s eyes, you just know they’ve experienced the same flavourful bliss.

Whilst these dishes are filling, and texturally diverse, it is the shared sides which has your date doting over you

You share the same experience when your mains arrive. You and your date order anything from the comfortingly cosy soup noodles (you know you’ll be eating messily – but it’s worth it) to the chicken katsu curry. Whilst these dishes are filling, and texturally diverse, it is the shared sides which has your date doting over you.

You knew specifically that the uramaki (a type of inside out sushi), spider roll, and the rising sun roll would be the standout dishes of the evening, not just for the intensity of flavour packed into a single piece of sushi, but also for the experience of eating together. Few moments are more intimate than sharing good food. You wonder if you’ve ever felt more connected to someone.

Suddenly it’s 10 o’clock. Time flies by and just the thought of pudding makes your tummy expand. It fights as if it’s a prisoner held in by the evil guard: your best jeans, worn to appear casual yet put together – but you didn’t think the food would be this good. To keep the peace you undo the top most button. Instant relief, and instant laughter from your date. They understand the hardship of vintage Levi’s.

The most jaw dropping experience, perhaps you’ll ever have

You are now standing outside, in the dark wintry night, about to say goodbye. The person who you’ve shared the most jaw dropping experience with that perhaps you’ll ever have, is about to walk away. You fumble for words, “can- can I- see you again?” You ask. They smile and say, “message me,” handing you a Hayashi napkin scribbled with some numbers and they kiss your cheek. You part ways and go home.

Ding! You look at your phone. Smiling, you open their message: ‘Happy Anniversary.’ Your smile broadens, how strange that a year can pass so quickly. From the first date you knew it was meant to be. You start typing, beginning your favourite useless, but endearing game, you ask, ‘guess where we’re going to celebrate?’ You, your partner, and your booking already know the answer. If you want to fall in love, go to Hayashi.