If you are thinking of March, you almost certainly won't be able to get reservations anymore at Sonoji.
If you still haven't tried Zezankyo, I think you should visit the legitimate Zezankyo before trying Nakagawa.
It's nice to know that Usuhari glass is not just for show. Really well crafted I think.
If you're looking for it, just for reference. On bilibili, but you can find the episode if you search: 191229 古畑前田のえにし酒 ep11
The sake izakya in Shimbashi is the first half. The Toyobijin is brought out during the 5 minute mark, and Juyondai around 10 minute.
(I'm not sure if that website is doing anything to conflict with Japan tv contracts, but as a person in Japan who already has BS included in their tv package, I think it should be acceptable to rewatch.)
@Shi
The silver cups, with handles and a thermometer, look like parts that would be inserted into a kandouko. The big pot more or less looks like something that could be used for oden. And is that a portable heater underneath? I do like this method though, I've seen izakayas where they do use a square oden bath for heating up sake. And according to the website above, you can actually custom make an oden + kandouko combination piece, that fits your restaurant counter.
Going back to your comment above, about only ordering cheap sakes warm. I used to think the same thing, but I've been rethinking the whole thing lately. And I've found a few people at restaurants in the west, that have also learned the difference between cheap and high quality hot sake, if done so properly. I do occasionally come across a restaurant that simply microwaves it still.
Really appreciate your kind words. I’m glad to hear that you find it useful. Many TTT readers are experienced diners.
In the west, Whole Foods are in! Nose to tail dining has been picked up since 2004 or so. Recently, beak to claw is the new nose to tail dining. Now u see bird’s claw on the plate in posh French restaurants. For Asian, this is hardly anything new. Pig ear is one of many Asian delicacies.
Sushi Ichijo - 8
Adding to Yeehow's review :)
Had Sushi Ichijo for lunch before the returning fight from Narita Airport. We ordered the 12-piece lunch set. The lunch last a good 50 minutes. From Ichijo, it takes about 1hr to reach Narita.
Shari is sour and umami. It seems that the chef had trained at Shimizu before, but his shari is not a pure recreation of Shimizu's shari. In addition to two vinegar blends, he told us that he had added something special. We enjoyed his shari a lot and ordered some plain shari to taste, without neta. Good sushi pieces included: hamaguri, kohada, chutoro, ika, kampyo.
The chef was very nice, funny, and down to earth. The lunch was 11k including tax and service, very good value. The place seems quiet somehow for a Saturday, maybe because it was rainy. We would love to go back again some time.
Exactly my thoughts Eric - I make tonkatsu at home, and since I'm coming all the way to Tokyo I want to be able to eat phenomenal tonkatsu, as opposed to a good/decent tonkatsu!
I think you have swayed me to try out Maruyama Kippei - would you say get there for 30 minutes early before a queue forms? I'll put Marugo next if I have any spare meal slots on this trip!
Can't wait!
Thank you for your advice!
Thanks for your reply. Would you pick Sushi Suzuki or Mizukami or Takagaki no Sushi?
Unfortunately Keita is already full for my dates as I was interested previously and checked.
Unfortunately, it seems that promising young chefs tend not to choose "Kyubey" as a place of training recently.
(For Kyubey, I have heard that a chef called Shigihara-san at the Okura branch is the most skilled by far, although he is not young.)
thanks for sharing. I was told his regular menu in winter is 38,000 yen. actually got a resy at one point but the time didn't work out. Didn't realize they are 3* now, and that means the reservation will be even harder.
As a foreigner who speaks little to no Japanese, who had recently dine in Karashima, Kiku and Sakai, I would much preferred the later 2 for the overall experience. Seguchi-san and Sakai-san try their best to make sure you are not out of place, sometimes even getting extra attention to make sure you like every pieces.
The quality is definitely there in Karashima, and I have no doubt he will be a great sushi chef, but I second to every unfortunate event the gentlemen above has mentioned.
You can usually get a seat on the same day - better to call ahead to be sure. I would also recommend Katsukami for a sensational tonkatsu experience you can book.
Effective Oct 1st, 2019. Dining at Reminiscence shall be 16,800yen ++/guest. The new hour is 17:00~. Dinner will last 3 hours. Lunch will be served only about 3 times per months at the same price.
I had such a great time at Okonomiyaki Fukutake. Out of all Japanese food, the idea of having okonomiyaki never got on my priority list. I always regard okonomiyaki as typical food for young people. Fukutake is a reminiscence of local neighborhood restaurant, attended by an
Ahjuma.
I overestimated my dining experience as I always got away with not speaking Japanese in any kaiseki, kappo or sushi ya who don’t speak English at all. It seems that I wouldn’t be able to make it here without any help of my good Japanese friend who took me there.
It is a soft texture which the chef just excels in turning chopped cabbage and seafood into something magical. The ambience there is very nostalgic. A must for okonomiyaki lover who an get an accompany by a local.
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