My love affair with sushi dates back seven years, when my little, high-school hands picked up chopsticks for the first time. Needless to say, I swallowed my pride and requested a fork…but will always remember my introduction to Japanese cuisine.

Fast forward to February 2010, when a group of friends and I heard about a Japanese izakaya in Manhattan’s East Village—Kenka. I was given the following description: “It’s fun, it’s wacky…it’s totally us.”

With menu items ranging from grilled eel to okonomiyaki (fried rice omelet), octopus to cow tongue, Kenka boasts a spread that spans the most adventurous and daring cuisines.

Also worth a mention: the restaurant is totally budget-friendly. With the average entrée weighing in at less than ten dollars, I recommend going with a group of friends, and each ordering a couple dishes to share tapas-style. Two of my favorites:

Okonomiyaki: a tasty tongue-twister

Wonton-Wrapped Cheesesticks: what's not to like?

While I always say dessert is the best part of the meal…I mean it this time! Accompanying your check is a serving of sugar to be spun into sweet magic in the D-I-Y cotton candy machine.

Make Your Own Cotton Candy for Dessert

Kenka is located in the East Village at 25 St. Mark’s Place, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.