Art of Dining - GEN

Certain foods are definitely an acquired taste. The thought of raw fish may not sound appetizing for some but for others it is a delicacy. The latter is what Japanese food is to me. Over the years I have made it my point to try new things and have great experience, meet new people and enjoy life.

Gen restaurant is one of those things one should experiences in this life. Right on the boarder of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights depending on who you talk to, this cozy inviting hot spot is definitely a must when entertaining your new in laws, throwing your engagement party or having your rehearsal dinner.

Tetsuya Yamazaki , owner of this fine Japanese restaurant has an amazing spirit. His soft spirit is very much the energy you get from this artistic and socially inviting atmosphere. His love of nature is seen in the décor of Gen which he himself built and designed. His artwork is featured through out. Though not a chef himself, his love of feeding others was his motivation for opening the restaurant, "I wanted to feed my workers from my wood shop. I was tired of eating Chinese food every night and Tom's Dinner wasn't open for dinner so I asked my friend to go into businesses with me. They thought I was crazy but I knew we needed it in the neighborhood so we found a location and we opened up Gen ." Yamazaki , a painter is also a famous master frame builder. He has framed the art work of some of the Countries famous artist, in some of the greatest museum, such as the MOMA.

His love of the arts is reflected throughout the restaurant from the décor to the paintings and down to the music that is played throughout.

Looking like a Dreadlock Rasta, I asked him why his hair was in Dreads, ''I wanted it. Loved the way it looked it was something interesting to do." Leaving Japan more then 15 years ago wanting to see the world and experience other cultures is what brought Yamazaki to Brooklyn, New York. Visiting some of the Caribbean Islands and being moved by its beauty, tranquility and definitely the spirit of its people, you can see that in more then just his sense of style and hair grooming but it can be seen in his paintings. When talking to him and his journey here you can see his love of people, greeting all customers with a combination of the Japanese bow and American cool cat greeting, the customers keep coming for a reason it is more then just the food, it's the service.

I didn't only have the pleasure of sharing a meal with this humble soul but I learned how sensitive to life and poverty he is and it is because of these reasons why he enjoys feeding others. A simple man with a simple vision but motivated by a rich heart.

Guests range from production directors, models, bankers, and families. All enjoying the great dining experience. I sampled everything you are seeing; my favorite had to be eel served in the shape of a dragon topped with my favorite Avocado. Splendid. Washed it all down with the glass of Sake and heaven is where I thought I went.

New Year Roll	Karubi	Mega Godzilla

Golden Scallop Tar Tar & Seafood Wild Rice Seiro	Kani Nabe

Bon appétit...as Bob Marley would say "ONE LOVE".