We were headed to theater in Falls Church Saturday and wanted a quick filling, yet casual dinner before and chose YONA in the Ballston area, just off Wilson Blvd. The place was fairly empty at 545pm when we arrived but almost full by 7pm! The music was a bit noisy, but not obtrusive, and the décor is blonde wood, open kitchen with bar and simple Asian fare with a large variety of sushi and maki rolls.
The adorable Junmai Panda sake from Miyozakura was refreshing and comes in a small glass with pandas to announce the first of their kind in Japan! It's great with the spicy steamed Edamame made with sesame nori and bonito for flavor. It's also divine with the Maki and I chose the VOLCANO of Eel, Tempura Shrimp, Avocado, Togarashi & Spicy Mayo. Will started with a Friends Don't Lie concoted from green tea, infused tequila blanco, Benedictine, lemon and agave and our friend had the Upside Down of gin, tozzi sake & cocci Americano; all the drinks are tasty and superb.
Will's maki roll was TNT made with tempura shrimp and avocado and topped with Tuna Poke! Our friend started with the delicious and simple but tasty Green Bean Salad (photos on FB).
She and I then split the Curry Chicken Ramen which was huge and a perfect and easy dish to split with an extra bowl. Ithad only two large slices of white meat chicken chashu, but was loaded with ramen, enoki mushrooms, nitamago egg all in a super rich flavorful coconut (not sweet) curry broth. Will oved his Tonkatsu Steamed Buns of crispy smoked pork shoulder, miso, mustard, Konzuri pickles and Katsu sauce. They were not too doughy as some buns can indeed be all dough and so little filling.
A great light and so reasonably priced meal which we all agreed was a hit find.
