Last week Barb read a short blurb in the Gulf Coast magazine about a new Asian fusion place. Itchi Togarashi is a seven month old hole in the wall. It’s a half block off of 5th Ave right in the center of Naples. If you cough, blink or turn your head for an instant, you’ll miss it. There are very few tables and the kitchen holds 3 hard-working women who barely fit in it. The lady who waits tables and brings you in is really pleasant. She and one other server patiently and thoroughly describe all of the dishes and answer any questions you have about the menu. The cuisine seems to be a ménage of Vietnamese, Thai and Korean with some Chinese and Japanese influences. They have some nice wines and Sakes hanging around or you can bring your own for a $13 corkage fee. We checked it out with our friends, John and Cindy, who are always eager to try new places and different cuisines. They are, themselves, quite amazing cooks and great entertainers.
Here are John and Cindy enjoying a meal at a far shmaltzier restaurant.This BBQ Pork Bun looked delicious, but we all agreed it was the one dish to pass on. The dough was a bit thick for our taste and it just lacked the excitement and “umph” that every other dish provided.These Pork Dumplings were light and wonderfully tasty. They had an umami that I was not expecting, but always hope for.Barb ordered the Spicy Garlic Eggplant that I was planning to share with her. A wonderful dish that I got two tastes of before she commandeered the rest of the plate. My spicy pork belly with bean sprouts and noodles, Pork Zabb, was tender and piquant and perfectly complemented by the crunchy sprouts and smooth, tasty noodles.Barb ordered this Pork Salad small plate as her entree and really enjoyed it. We all got to taste it and and agreed it was quite delicious.These Creamy Pot Stickers, on the other hand, were ethereal in their light texture. They reminded me of my Grandmother’s Matza Balls that were capable of rising from the soup and floating up to the ceiling.. It’s a weird comparison, but matza ball aficionados will understand.This Thai Mussel Basil dish contained both large New Zealand and domestic black Mussels. They came in a yummy broth.This Chicken and Drunken Ramen dish was truly delicious and quite filling. Wereally enjoyed it,My Angus Beef Thai Curry was a wonderful ending to the meal. We couldnt believe that we could finish it,but the flavors just kept me digging in. When I go for Asian food, I usually order spicy dishes. I believe that this kind of cuisine is best complemented by a heavier red, such as Zinfandel or Shiraz.The white wines I choose are usually a little sweet.or spicy, like a Gewurtztraminer or a late harvest Reisling.
As I’m sure you have deduced, I loved this restaurant and strongly recommend you get there before it gets discovered and impossible to reserve. It’s a dining experience that has been sorely missing in Naples and is very welcome. Enjoy!
JoshEatsandDrinks 
Another beautifully written review that has planted once again another seed to eat.
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Ha! My advise: eat well and drink good wines.
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Looks like good eats Josh. I’m always up for good Asian as you know. We will have to go together soon.
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