Izakaya Amu, Boulder, USA

Wanted to share some love for this gem in Boulder. It's a tiny little restaurant near the Hotel Boulderado where you take off your shoes & sit at the bar. We opted for the omakase. They also have a great selection of sakes.

1. Assorted sashimi: The sushi chef prepared it in front of us. They also help make the sushi for Sushi Zanmai next door. 9/10
2. Duck breast with sea salt: Just a little salty for my tastes but my partner loved the seasoning amount. We devoured it all anyways. 9/10
3. Grilled squid: Tender & smoky. 8/10
4. Hamachi with jalapeno: Deliciously spicy. We like spicy food and these jalapenos did not disappoint. 10/10
5. Crispy mochi soup: Fun textures in soup. The mochi was crispy & chewy & the soup was flavorful. 9/10
6. Crab cream croquettes: What a decadent bite! This was hot, fried & creamy. 10/10
7. Okonomiyaki: This came out sizzling in a pan, with super tender squid & fluttering bonito flakes. 11/10.
8. Eggplant with crispy burdock & miso: One of our favorite dishes. The eggplant is fried & rich, but creamy. The crispy burdock snaps in your mouth with vegetal sweetness. And the white miso adds savory, salty, sweetness to each bite. 12/10.
9. Matcha creme brulee: Holy heck this was good. The perfect creme brulee with matcha flavoring the custard. 12/10.

All of this fed 2 very hungry adults for around $200 (plus a seaweed salad & a drink that aren't pictured). We don't live in the area but we always visit when we go to Boulder. It's a great place & we love it!