Kitty K.
Yelp
Previous owners of 3 Inay Filipino Kitchens, they opened Izzy & Wooks right outside of the Metreon with parking across the way at the Yurba Buena garage. Indoor seating only. Soft opening phase so not all items are available yet such as the specialty shakes that we're waiting for (approximately 2 more weeks).
*~Our order 5/2/24~*
Tamarind hot chicken: ($13.50) take on the Nashville Hot Chicken. Whole chicken thighs brined in soy and calamansi, twice-fried in mochiko batter and dipped in Tamarind Hot Oil- (inspired by sinigang soup). Served on a brioche bun, topped w/ red cabbage elote slaw, and pickles.
Mochiko Crispy chicken: ($13.50) Chicken thighs brined in soy and calamansi, twice-fried in mochiko batter. Served on a brioche bun, w/ kimchee comeback and katsu sauces- topped with red cabbage elote slaw, and pickles.
Longanisa shiitake poutine: ($13) battered fries topped with a house-made longanisa shiitake gravy, shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese, chopped shishito peppers and black sesame.
Fries: $4.50
Crispy cauliflower: ($6.50) Battered, pickled cauliflower served w/ a side of Kimchee Comeback Sauce
Lumpia: ($4.70) 4 pcs.
*~Our order 4/25/24~*
Adobo burger: $13.50 + combo (+$5) includes drink & fries. Two smashed 3 oz ground beef chuck and pork belly patties, marinated in house adobo sauce. Topped with one slice of white American cheese, adobo-sauteed mushroom medley, pickles, arugula. Served on a brioche bun
Mini Izzy Truffle Smash: ($12.99) 1 6oz smashed house-ground Short Rib and Beef Chuck patty, w/ grilled banana ketchup onions on a brioche bun, topped w/ cheese (American/white), Izzy Sauce and pickles.
Furikake fries: ($6.99) Seasoned with Japanese 7-Spice (togarashi) and Furikake, served with a side of Kimchee Comeback Sauce
Note: there's a hefty paper bag charge of $0.30 for a medium sized bag. For to-go, they only have open top boxes with nothing covering so bring a sturdy bag if you want to bring your own
The mochiko chicken sando was nice and crispy but didn't beat out how juicy their burgers are. My co-worker also said she preferred the smash burger she had the 1st time over the tamarind burger. I had the adobo burger and do wish there was more of the adobo flavor but it was a solid burger and was very satisfying. We were disappointed with how little seasoning there was for the furikake fries but I absolutely loved that they have such crispy battered fries. The longanisa poutine was a big disappointment as it didn't have any flavor with soggy fries. The fried cauliflower was interesting w/ the pickling and crispy but not as good as the fries. The co-workers I went with are both Filipino so of course the lumpia wasn't "as good as mom's" but it did have a nice crisp. I also thought the flavor was fairly muted.
Manny (one of the owners) and later a female (maybe his wife?) stopped by while we were eating during our 1st visit and asked how we liked the food andif there was anything they could improve (which I appreciate that they're open to feedback). We did mention that the furikake fries barely had any seasoning so maybe that will improve. We will return to try the shakes once they're ready. Ube cookie butter shake and a Ghirardelli Champorado topped w/ a toasted marshmallow sounds so good.