Schnitzel
To my surprise, I ended up bedridden for about ten days until the end of October or early November. I had no appetite and lacked the energy and will to go out to eat, so my food review activities came to a near complete halt. Finally, on this awaited day, my symptoms subsided and I was ready to restart my activities. However, I still wasn't up for something heavy like tonkatsu or a night out for drinks. Instead, I visited a Japanese restaurant I've been curious about for a while for lunch. Located just a few minutes' walk from JR Kamata Station's East Exit, it opened in May of this year and provides a somewhat upscale dining experience, which is quite rare in Kamata. The establishment is renowned for "kuikiri ryori," prepared by a chef with over 35 years of experience, where only items that can be eaten right away are served on the dish. Despite its high-end appearance, they offer various sets starting from 1,500 yen during lunch hours.
I arrived right after the opening at 11:30 AM, and there was only one other customer in the roughly twenty-seat dining area. The staff consisted of three people: the veteran chef, the owner, and a young man. The lunch sets included three options: "Irodori Kokutsu Zen" with nine small dishes (limited to 15 servings), sashimi set, and tempura set. I opted for the sashimi set, which features ingredients like marinated bluefin tuna and flounder.
The three small dishes that were served right away included potato salad, fried mackerel, and a type of steamed tofu with corn. It might have been nice to enjoy a beer while waiting for the main dish. However, it wasn't long before the sashimi, miso soup, rice, and pickles arrived. The sashimi featured a luxurious assortment of not only bluefin tuna and flounder but also surf clam and mackerel.
As I took my first bite, I found the freshness, flavor, and presentation of each ingredient to be impeccable. While everything was delicious, the flounder, which is one of my favorites, stood out the most. The rice served with the sashimi was exceptional too. Although it was slightly softer than usual, the grains were distinct, and the sweetness of the rice came through beautifully. Normally, I don’t ask for seconds, but I requested a little less than half a bowl more. The miso soup made with nameko mushrooms and mitsuba was also tasty. I had a very satisfying lunch composed of all my favorite dishes. After being unwell, meals like this are just what I needed. I look forward to visiting again soon.