Wineshark Mystery Restaurant - Gogyo 五行

This izakaya is at the basement of Landmark Alexandra in Central, on the passage connecting to the MTR station, where the space used to be a wine shop I frequently visit. The place offers casual Japanese cuisine, and on this Friday evening, it is packed with customers, many of whom I believe are people working nearby enjoying the happy hour.

The place has a bar counter plus the usual dining tables, with simplistic yet hip and vibrant décor. The burgundy red tiled walls, wooden furniture, create a welcoming and relaxing vibe. Having made a reservation in advance, we are seated at a table at the back, and quickly order the buy one get one beer and ginger ale to quench the thirst from the hot summer days.

Ordering the first round of skewers, we have picked mostly from the list of happy hour special offer. Okra ($22 each) is nicely seasoned and not dried from grilling.

Wagyu Sukiyaki Roll ($41 each) has enoki mushroom and vegetable wrapped inside the wagyu, together with a section of negi in between, paired with raw egg yolk.

Shiitake Mushroom ($22 each) has a beautiful cut on the surface to resemble the maple leaf. Again nicely seasoned and still moist after the grill.

The bone has been removed from Salted Chicken Wing ($25 each) to make it easier for customers to enjoy, with the meat tender and appropriately seasoned with salt, grilled to a golden colour with the skin crispy. One of my favourite pieces.

The Homemade Tsukune ($42 each) is the only one not on the happy hour menu. The minced chicken meatball has a nice sweet and savoury glazing, with some soft bones inside adding a bit of crunchy bites. Another of my favourites.

Finishing the first round, we order the next and almost order all the varieties available on the happy hour menu. The staff warned us that the Jumbo Green Pepper ($22 each) can be a bit spicy, but it turns out to be so spicy that we could not finish it. Only for those who can really take up strong spicy food.

We also have Mario Truffle Edamame ($38). The bean pods are nicely cooked, infusing the beans with rich flavours but not excessively salty. The garlic and truffle further adds to the taste.

Zucchini ($22 each) has a nice roast on the surface, cooked well and still retain a crunchy texture. Beautifully seasoned as well.

Salted Pork Belly ($28 each) has the right amount of fat and lean portion of meat, very nicely grilled, and with salt it highlights the original natural flavours best.

Thick Cut Bacon ($30 each) has a fragrant smoky note, with the bacon not too fatty. Paired with a bit of mustard it is delicious.

Each of us finishing with nine skewers, all of them very nicely prepared and grilled, not feeling greasy at all. The service is also commendable, with the staff friendly and helpful, despite being super busy. The bill on the night is $706, very reasonable. It is a great place for skewers, and next time perhaps we should also try their ramen.