cocoro4040
Amidst the waves of people returning home from the stations of the Eastern Three Kingdoms, I found myself heading towards tonight's restaurant "Sushi and One Dish Ichikawa". As I walked down the road, I realized that autumn was deepening, and even though it was still early, the surroundings were enveloped in dusk with street lamps starting to flicker on in the alleyways. I glanced up at the still dark restaurant, and as if in response, the area suddenly brightened, with light and shadows highlighting the appearance of the shop. The dry night breeze caused the shop curtain to sway as if taking a breath. I made a reservation and climbed the stairs to the small counter, where I stretched my legs in the sunken kotatsu. The cozy counter of the small shop was surprisingly calm. As I perused the lined up sake bottles, my heart raced with excitement. After moistening my throat with fine bubbles, the course began with a seasonal appetizer of white miso tofu and sweet persimmon. The seared aroma and lingering sweetness of the black mackerel Tataki followed, accompanied by the refreshing taste of chilled sake. Each dish captured my heart, one after another. Next came the sashimi, with my favorite thin-sliced Kawahagi and liver, tempting my chopsticks to reach out involuntarily. Yes, delicious. The sight of a charcoal grill ahead was rare, especially with the smoke rising from the Binchotan charcoal. I was captivated by the young chef's skillful hands as I enjoyed another cup, savoring the beautiful dishes before me. Just as I thought it was time for sushi, a red sorrel jelly and pickled ginger were served, glistening like berries, with a refreshing acidity when tasted. The sweet shrimp on the sushi platter was elegantly placed, with a delightful shine and vinegared rice that melted on the tongue. The colorful marinated tuna was rich in flavor, while the matured fatty bonito and grilled eel added a beautiful touch. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. The chef's meticulous selection of ingredients, regardless of brand, and the presentation in small 5-inch dishes, all satisfied my palate. The national selection of sake, paired with the seasonal and regional dishes, was served in a balanced flow, allowing me to deeply appreciate the flavors as I enjoyed the sushi. It was a mesmerizing moment on a long autumn night. Thank you for the feast. [Seasonal dish and seasonal sushi course, 7 dishes and 12 pieces of sushi] ¥10000 (excluding tax) ◇ Draft beer ◆ Appetizer: Oyster and Maitake Mushroom White Miso Salad ◇ Nana Honsaki, Hiyaroshi (chilled sake) ◆ Black Mackerel Tataki ◆ Sashimi: Akou, Bluefin Tuna, Kawahagi Liver with Awaji Island Salt ◆ Golden Snapper Shabu-Shabu: Belly and Back (Red Sorrel Jelly, Pickled Ginger) ◇ Junmai Daiginjo: Autumn Deer, Limited to 5000 bottles, Noses Harshly Brewed in Noses ◆ Nigiri Sushi: Sweet Shrimp with Kombu, Horse Mackerel Vinegared with Daikon Leaf, Pickled Bluefin Tuna with Mustard ◆ Oita Prefecture Local Chicken Egg Chawanmushi, Mongoyika, Seared Pacific Saury, Seared Barracuda ◇ Hyakujuro Red Face GOLD ◆ Grilled Eel (Wasabi-pickled Nagaimo), Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Mini Bowl, Abalone Sous Vide with Liver Sauce, Seared Alfonsino, Toro Taku, Tamagoyaki ◆ Clear Soup: Red Miso Soup