Kyoto

Kyoto tasty, but not easy on eyesThere have been some improvements at Kyoto since my first visit. First, they have added more decorations in an attempt to give the plain-Jane strip mall restaurant a little more atmosphere. It worked adding just a few more lanterns from the ceiling and a couple more wall hangings made a difference. Unfortunately, as with most restaurants in the area, Kyoto seems fixated on having country music playing in the background, and Travis Tritt seriously detracts from the atmosphere. Lighting the oil lamps on the tables would have made a good impression too, especially since it was Saturday night. Second, the miso soup at Kyoto, a combination of beef and chicken broth was hot and delectable. On our first visit, the soup was lukewarm. What hasnt changed is important, too. The servers are all very pleasant and eager to please. Obviously, many of them are more comfortable speaking Japanese than English, but it didnt stand in the way of them understanding what we wanted. Prices are still very reasonable. For the quantity and quality of food and service, Kyoto offers a great value. I decided to go for the gusto and ordered the most expensive dinner on the menu, the Emperors Dinner, and my companion had shrimp. What I got was a plate some might call it a platter filled with tender, juicy, medium-rare (just as I asked for) steak pieces, tender chunks of white meat chicken and tender shrimp. All this was accompanied by a generous helping of fried rice and vegetables, and on the side was a small container of ginger sauce for dipping. For the price, there was a lot of meat in this dish. The shrimp was very good, too. While the portions werent emperor-size, it was a good meal, well-prepared and well-presented. Along with the check were the obligatory fortune cookies, which are always fun. As long as you go to Kyoto for the food and not the atmosphere, you will leave feeling satisfied in your decision. After not going to the gym for a couple weeks, and gaining eight pounds, the reviewer who will remain anonymous is now motivated to exercise again; not dining out is NOT an option. The reviewer is employed by the Daily News. E-mail comments to managing editor Mike Alexieff at malexieff@bgdailynews.com or call 783-3235.