![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Yayoi: Unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine
Emily Chen
April 13, 2018
Looking for something new to try? Craving for some Japanese cuisine? Yayoi’s your restaurant.
With one step into the restaurant, the aroma of fried pork cutlet and wagyu beef simmered in sauce and egg permeate the room. Topped off with a combination of steamed rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables on the side, the Teishoku cuisine offers a traditional Japanese experience at Yayoi.
Emily Chen
At first glance, Yayoi is just like any other restaurant — classic bento boxes filled with traditional japanese food sit on wooden tables that occupy the room. However, the serving style, food preparation and original roots of Yayoi prove this restaurant’s uniqueness.
Located in the Homestead Square Shopping Center, Yayoi is surrounded by several other popular restaurants and stores, providing a convenient and favorable location.
Wooden lights hang from the charcoal black ceiling, as each overhanging light is geometrically designed and personalized with four rectangles perfectly connected to one another. Along the sides, accents of grey, white and beige complement the floor to ceiling walls which allow in sunlight that brighten up the restaurant. Rows of wooden tables align across the room, each set with custom black leather chairs.
From upon entering the restaurant, the Yayoi experience is completely customer-based and customer-friendly. Instead of the conventional methods of having a waiter take your order, everything is communicated electronically. On top of every table, an iPad with the menu is set, along with the desserts, drinks and specials featured on different tabs. After ordering, the iPad provides updates on the meal’s progress, such as “ordered,” “cooking,” “finishing” and “served.”
Emily Chen
The most popular of their options is the combination meal, which comes with a meal of your choice, miso soup, steamed rice, salad and side dishes. Options include various types of udon, fish, and meat, such as noodle soup, teriyaki salmon, and pork and chicken cutlet with side dishes of stir-fried vegetables.
On average, most meals range from $13.00 to $18.00. Yayoi’s specialty is the way they make rice, a process they call the “kinme-mai.” By milling rice, this method removes the bran and wax layers, while still leaving the important fiber, protein and nutrients.
Yayoi has two locations in the Bay Area, one in Cupertino and one in Palo Alto. If you’re having a lazy day and are not in the mood to go out and eat, Yayoi also offers delivery and takeaway, which makes it an effortless experience.
