Avignon_mats1984
I want to eat meat reasonably and deliciously. However, teppanyaki restaurants and steak houses often compete with branded beef like Kobe beef, or are overly expensive, with wines like the five major chateaux or Opus One, which are not easily opened. While these wines are delicious, they are not something you can casually open. Branded beef is also delicious, but such restaurants tend to be satisfied with the ingredients, which do not necessarily match my current preferences. Additionally, many of these restaurants do not welcome solo diners. In the midst of this, I came across a restaurant featured in "Tokyo's Best Restaurants," run by a chef who trained at TACUBO, which piqued my interest. The prices were reasonable, with a course menu priced at 13,200 yen. The convenience of being able to make reservations through Tabelog, and the fact that they welcome solo diners, made me decide to visit during my vacation. When I arrived, I was seated at a counter by the window, where I didn't have to worry about being seen by others. However, I could see the staff and they occasionally checked in on me. The restaurant was about 60% full. The course menu consisted of soup, two appetizers, bread, green salad, steak cooked over a wood fire, and dessert. There was also an a la carte menu for additional items. The "Today's finale" caught my attention, and when I asked, I was told it was a Bolognese pasta and a spicy pasta with plenty of cheese (likely Cacio e Pepe). I decided to consider adding it after the steak. I started with Champagne to bridge the gap between the two appetizers. The "lily root potage," marinated mackerel with crispy skin, and deep-fried shirako were all beautifully presented, incorporating seasonal ingredients in a clear, Italian-style manner. Each dish was a proper portion, which I appreciated. The steak that followed was outstanding. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. When I pierced it with a fork, the juices oozed out. I experienced the sensation of "juicy meat" for the first time. I paired it with a Tuscan red wine (Vecciano) that was chosen for me, and it complemented the steak perfectly. As a result, I added the Bolognese pasta after the meal. I ordered 80g of noodles, which were cooked to perfection. I was completely satisfied. The course menu, the "Today's finale," and two glasses of wine came to just over 18,000 yen, a very reasonable price. The refined yet approachable service, which was gentle and kind, made this restaurant exactly what I was looking for. If I'm in the mood for meat, I think I'll be coming back here for a while.