Tensuke Express 1167 Old Henderson Rd., Upper Arlington

by Marilou Rugo
(Columbus, Ohio)

Located inside the Tensuke Japanese Market, the Express is a scrupulously clean, surprisingly roomy little restaurant. Personable and welcoming, the staff graciously explain any questions regarding the menu; selections are clear, easy to understand, and offer remarkable and diverse food choices. The prices are quite reasonable, the quality is excellent, the service is hospitable and professional. Diners relax while awaiting their meals by either watching Japanese travel programs on the two large-screen TV's, or quietly contemplating the large exotic fish aquarium. Fabulous choices: the Yaki Udon wafer-thin slices of pork and vegetables in peanut sauce over udon noodles, the Gyoza steamed or fried, the Tempura Udon bowl the broth is heavenly or the eye-catching Bento box. Treat yourself to either the cold barley tea or the cold honey-lemon tea. Even when the Express is not serving, market patrons may use the restaurant to dine on purchases made at the sushi bar #71 and #72, the Supreme and the Chirashi, respectively, are superb. Alternatively, if shoppers choose items from the market's coolers, they may also consume these items in the Express. Go for the agenasu roasted eggplant, sunomono seaweed, cucumber, noodles, sesame, pollock salad, or the udon bowl salad. A wide selection of beverages offers coffee drinks, soy-based concoctions, and a delightful array of green teas. Try the delicately perfumy Jasmine tea. As with the food, they are most reasonably priced. Tensuke Market's frozen foods showcase impeccably presented, wafer-thin sliced meats, absolutely fresh and attractively displayed. All food labels, whether on frozen, prepackaged, or fresh, are in Japanese and English to facilitate ease of purchase. Don't forget the desserts! Tempt your tastebuds with green tea ice cream, red bean paste buns or a wonderfully moist 'cheesecake'. There are numerous varieties of Pocky, a popular coated pretzel, or crunchy veggie chips.