Celebrating dad's birthday...

My dad's birthday was this past Sunday but my sister wanted to celebrate it on Saturday. Unfortunately for me, I had a client session on Saturday. However, that changed when the drab weather took San Diego hostage for a day. This became a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to reschedule the shoot for the day after.

Julie and I drove up to Victoria Garden in Rancho Cucamonga to join the family for dinner at a Japanese Yakiniku 焼き肉 restuarant call Gyu-Kaku. Yakiniku is basically Japanese BBQ with roots from the more well known Korean BBQ as it was Korean immigrants that are thought to have originated the dish in Japan during the Kansai period. The Japanese took it one step further and melded the philosophy of sushi to create a type of BBQ where the meat are prepared in bite size pieces and arrange very nicely on a platter as it is brought to your table.

The other cool thing about Gyu-Kaku is that they have special imported smokeless Japanese brazier that pulls the smoke back down through the grill so that you can dine in a relatively smokeless environment. Cool invention, but booo I don't get to enjoy the smell of my meal 2hrs later. ;) Gyu-Kaku also uses oak briscuits in their grill to impart the beautiful woody smell and flavor that I feel is important in all properly BBQ meats.

Some Salmon and other meats on the grill. Makes me hungry again!

My dad was sick, so he was doing his best not to get Terrence sick too. But Terrence loves his grandpa so he's always reaching for him.

Here's Terrence handling his grandpa his present and card he personally scribbled in.

Julie was showing Terrence how to "Aahhh" and bow to show respect. My dad feeling the love pulled out his wallet to give some money back to Terrence. My sisters in unison mimick Terrence to get they share of the love. My dad humored them and rewards them each with cash as well. This is Susan half surprise and embarrassed.

The meal was so great and the service at the table was superb. I like the sauces they had and everything was seasoned just right. Nancy fell in love with beef tongue and even Susan gave it a try and like it.

We can't part way without someone giving Terrence's cheek a healthy squeeze.