Japoix

I love to eat and cook, trying new things at any time.  Tonight we went out to Japoix, a Japanese-French fusion restaurant on Lincoln close to downtown Denver.   The visit was prompted by a coupon I had bought from Living Social (same concept as Groupon, and both are brilliant).   The cocktail recommended to us by our server Joshua really set us on the path to fun and adventure.  My sister and I weren't sure what cocktail we wanted from the specialty menu, but we were sold on the Electric French Kiss.  Not because of the name, but because of the edibile flower (electric button) that comes in the drink.  We were instructed to chew the flower as long as we could and that it would enhance the cocktail as well as our food.   The 'electric flower' or sechuan button may arrive top secret in an unmarked box, and understandably so.  I don't think I've ever tried something that has had that crazy of effect on my palate.  And yes, it's legal.

I got a fabulous picture of my sister - she was checking her messages and chewing the flower at the same time and she looks likes she's in pain.  Our server came back and asked us how we could describe it.   Pop rocks.  A similar feeling to when your foot falls asleep and tingles all over.   Your mouth is on fire, but it's not because of heat.   Water even tasted entirely different after this.  And it looks so small and innocent.

The deceptive electric button in a cocktail with Ty Ku and lemonade

Kobe beef sliders with a spicy remoulade.  Perfect on the steamed bun

(and no bean jam in sight to my sister's delight).

Spicy Tuna Roll - aside from a lovely pickled ginger flower, it was topped with a little tempura to make it crispy and a drizzle of Sriracha.

My entree - Chicken Yakisoba, savory and delicious down to the last noodle.

We were having a fun time and the staff took great care of us.  We were planning to go down Broadway to Sweet Action for dessert, but were persuaded to try dessert at Japoix.  I had a simple creme brulee and my sister had the trio of mochi garnished with Pocky sticks.

All in all one of the best dinners I've had in a long time between food, service, ambiance, and of course, the electric button.