Finally getting myself over to Miso Izakaya in Inman Park was the result of two things: 1) Blogger friends repeatedly asking whether I had tried Miso Izakaya’s pork belly or crispy duck buns, and 2) a new iPhone app I’ve been beta testing, Trumpet. It’s one thing when people tell me I HAVE to visit a restaurant, but it’s another when an app does. Trumpet gives personalized restaurant recommendations based on simple star ratings you give places you visit. I had spent about a week playing around with Trumpet by rating restaurants (and drooling over its design: the photos are GORGEOUS), and it was starting to give me feedback on places I would like. Miso Izakaya popped up on my screen along with a “You’ll Love It!” and I decided it was time to go.

An “izakaya” is a Japanese drinking establishment that also serves food. Plates are small, but more substantial than tapas. Mario and I went one Friday evening and were promptly seated. I already knew I wanted to try both the pork belly and crispy duck buns, but I also decided to add an order of steamed gyoza (pork filled dumplings, sweet toasted sesame soy sauce) to round out my meal. Mario had the tempura (lumpy “batter fried” tiger shrimp, shitake mushroom, sweet potato, freshly grated daikon in dashi dipping sauce) and a chicken and rice bowl, the name of which I unfortunately can’t remember.

Pork Belly Bun

Crispy Duck Bun

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