Shalom Japan

Shalom Japan Restaurant Review:

Greet your hostess with “shalom” and “konnichiwa” as you’re seated in this jewel box Japanese-Israeli mashup on a small street in Williamsburg. You’ll need some help deciphering the menu as well as dishes that take on a multitude of ingredients dexterously fused in combinations redolent of both married co-chefs Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi’s backgrounds. Chalkboard specials are added nightly, encouraging diners to share plates and be adventurous. Try the okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese pancake, here dotted with pastrami and sauerkraut in addition to bonito flakes. Or the kasha-crusted fluke served in a saké beurre blanc. Desserts are fusion creations, too, like the Japanese sweet potato and ricotta cheesecake with a black sesame crust, as are the cocktails: the Oy Vey iz Kir is made with sparkling wine and Manischewitz.