The new Alley Cat on Palmetto Park is a Japanese izakaya eatery, which serves small plates and excellent cocktails. It’s chef Eric Baker’s third culinary metamorphosis, beginning after Mazie’s in West Palm, and Rebel House in the same location. Baker, whose love of Asian food is matched only by love of his bubbe’s traditional Jewish food, has partnered with sushi chef David Bouhadana.
Premium sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish) and crudo (similar to ceviché) are offered, along with tasting plates of salmon, tuna or Hamachi (yellowtail) sushi, including the Omakase — Chef’s Choice – of eight assorted pieces. Sliced maki rolls take center stage: Try “Goin’ Back to Cali” (snow crab. avocado and masago roe) or Spicy Tuna topped with rock shrimp tempura.
Tuna Crispy Rice, a poké of sorts, seasoned with spicy mayo and jalapeno, and Wagyu Dumplings filled with tangy, tender beef are great starters.. Move on to Wasabi Caesar Salad with creamy Japanese horseradish dressing and pecorino cheese; Hot Fried Chicken in a traditional Japanese spice mixture, served with ranch dressing and miso (soybean) honey; and Garlic Fried Rice, with house bacon, egg sauce and juicy rock shrimp. “Large Plates” include Whole Branzino with shiso (Japanese herb) pesto; Miso Seabass with Japanese sweet potato; breaded Veal Chop Katsu with red miso; Roast Duck with Japanese curry sauce; and American Wagyu Ribeye with brown butter soy sauce. Desserts change regularly, always house-made and always superb.
