Restaurant review: Etsuko, Middlesbrough
Lindsay Bruce, Evening Gazette
DESPERATE to fit into a dress last worn the best part of a decade ago for an upcoming event, I was quick to jump at the chance to dine out where healthy eating is promoted.
Etsuko, a Japanese noodle bar in the Marton Road leisure complex, is located right next to a car park.
The minimalist interior comprises wooden benches and tables and, for those of you who are clean freaks, spotless is not a strong enough word.
The menu, though, is not so sparse - in fact the choice is immense.
We began with a very successful starter of crispy duck, plum sauce and pancakes served with spring onion and cucumber salad, which me and my other half shared.
For the main course, my husband and I both opted for Tepan dishes, which means they arrive on a sizzling hot plate.
He chose sirloin steak and I opted for pork cutlet.
The meat was delicious but it came with a side of chips and this unwanted European additive was something I could have done without.
What I did like, though, was the fact the meal also came accompanied by a sectioned box full of other treats.
In one compartment we had chicken and sweetcorn soup; in another sweet chilli dipping sauce; a third contained stir fried veg; while yet another containing pickled cabbage salad and a side of rice.
As if all that wasn’t enough there was a gravy boat of our chosen sauce.
I opted for satay and my husband chose black pepper.
I’ve visited this restaurant many times, but on this occasion deviated from my usual choice of udon (big thick) noodles to try the Tepan feast.
It was certainly filling and tasty, but I think Etsuko’s expertise lies in its noodle dishes and soups.
:: OUR ORDER
Starters: Crispy duck starter £8.95, Portion of crackers £2.30
Mains: Tepan sirloin steak £11.95, Tepan pork cutlet £10.50
Drinks: 2 large cokes £2.40
Total: £38.50
