The other night, I met a neighborhood friend at Yama Japanese Restaurant in Gramercy Park, the go-to spot for Japanese food in this area. Yama is conveniently located at 122 E. 17th Street, cornering Irving Place. The space is semi-formal with a Covid-19 outdoor area, charming in its own way. Here are photos of the outside area where we dined and the inside dining area. Note the two serious and highly skilled sushi chefs.
Outside Seating at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff
Inside dining at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff
Sushi Chefs at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff.
Not having had much experience ordering Japanese food, I relied on my friend to recommend options.
We started with a glass of plum wine. It was so close to home that I could imbibe a bit. It was delicious!
Plum Wine at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff
Edamame at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff
We ordered the edamame appetizer, which was marvelous.
Next, we shared a fresh, delightful, assorted sushi plate, including tuna, salmon, roe, and tuna sushi roll.
Sushi at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff
Sushi at Yama Sushi Restaurant in Gramercy Park, NYC. Photo: Sora Vernikoff
Here is one of my favorite simple recipes for Wagyu Beef.
One of the world’s most sought-after beef steak dishes is the prized Japanese Wagyu beef. Here’s a recipe to create a mouth-watering Japanese Wagyu beef steak:
Ingredients:
– 2 (8 oz) Japanese Wagyu beef steaks
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp of oil (preferably canola or vegetable oil)
Instructions:
1. Take the Wagyu beef steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat and add the oil.
3. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper.
4. Gently place the steaks in the skillet and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until medium-rare.
5. Once done, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
6. To serve, slice across the grain and enjoy the tender and flavorful Japanese Wagyu beef steak.
This steak is best enjoyed with your favorite side dish and a glass of red wine.
I recommend Yama for Japanese cuisine in The Gramercy Park area. Delicious indeed! Photos by Sora Vernikoff. Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Wagamama and Hutong NY.
