Soy Restaurant

08/02/09

what a waste of time

by markdavid

Saturday afternoon my friend and I went into Soy for a late lunch, about 5 pm. Having heard good things from friends it came with solid anticipation.

When we stepped in the door, we were the only people in the place. OK, this was an off time, understandably. We stood in the door a few moments before taking a seat, the owner, Etsko Kizawa was behind the counter working on side work, filling condiment bottles, replenishing napkins etc. We sat at our table for a few moments when she wondered over and gave us menus. Saying nothing she turned and walked away.

We read the menus, talked about many of the items and discussed what we might order, several moments passed and when it became embarrassing, to not say anything, there were after all only three people in the tiny little room, one being the server, I asked if we were to "place our orders at the counter?" at this Etsko held up her open palm, and grunted "one minute." after that "one minute" our very sour-faced server came over and took our order.

We ordered Beef Curry, and the Tuna Bowl. When our food came, we were shocked. I had what appeared to be seven or eight ounces of tuna and perhaps one quarter of an avocado on top of a full bowl of rice, lovely.

My friend had a plate of.....sauce. A large pool of indiscriminate brown gravy with a potato, a few peas and TWO little chunks of beef. I could look at the beef and see that she was being served perhaps one or one and a half ounces of beef in her plate of steaming brown fluid.

When we went to the counter with this complaint, the owner said in a Angry and shaking voice, "we don't put a pound of meat in our dishes." When I asked her what her portion was her response was "well I can give you maybe one more piece."

Dumbfounded and shocked my friend who had not eaten all day decided to eat what we had.

I couldn't eat . I was so appalled I became physically ill.

I will never understand the appeal of this place. "Home cooking." My home is a place of comfort, Soy is a place of shame.

So enter at your own risk and beware of Etsko Kizawa, she bites. Unless you are a masochist. If you are a masochist, then head down to the lower East side and pull up a chair at Soy for some good old fashioned public flogging. And if you are lucky, while you are lapping up your plates of sauce like the dogs we are, perhaps Etsko can come out and call you dirty names.

• Pros: rudest service city wide
• Cons: everything was a let down

08/18/05

I am a SOY addict

by roninpL

This place is great but a bit small. Real deal Japanese home cooking food. Don't expect to see sushi on the menu. It is not a sushi or yakitori joint. My only complain is the small portion. BYOB.

• Pros: Food, Friendly Service, Reasonable Price
• Cons: Small Establishment, Small Portion

08/04/05

User review by anemisar

by anemisar

Beyond excellent. I've been here a couple times; every dish I've had has been beyond belief. You can get an entree for around $7. When it comes, you'll think it isn't enough food, but it is! It is remarkably filling and satisfying. I recommend her soy smoothies.