まんぷく夫婦の外食備忘録
A charming sushi restaurant with a lively atmosphere and an intimate counter setting. The talented Chef Mashio, who has been in the business for 48 years, crafts wonderful sushi and exquisite dishes. Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by a round counter that surrounds the chef. Sitting in the central seat feels incredibly close to the action. This proximity is a point of pride for Chef Mashio, and it’s possibly my first time seeing sushi being prepared from this distance! It solidified my belief that the chef's hands release umami! It turns out that his daughter helps him run the restaurant, and she is also a delightful person, contributing to an enjoyable conversation and a wonderful time.
Towards the back of the restaurant, there are table seats suitable for business meetings or families. Of course, the counter has six seats, making it great for a private gathering too. This time, I enjoyed a course that balanced both exquisite dishes and sushi perfectly.
◆Bonito Dashi:
We started with the best dashi of the day, which was made from bonito. Chef Mashio was pleased with how it turned out; it had a strong aroma yet smooth, refreshing throat-feel, building anticipation for the meal.
◆Summer Vegetable Salad with Egg Yolk Vinegar:
A salad featuring summer vegetables dressed in a rich egg yolk vinegar, reminiscent of a Japanese mayonnaise. The thick, creamy taste enhanced the natural flavors of the vegetables, with crunchy cucumber and the texture of lightly blanched scallops creating a delightful contrast. I loved it!
◆Sashimi (Fresh Mackerel & Hon-maguro from Nagasaki):
The sashimi for the day included fresh mackerel and hon-maguro from Nagasaki. I was thrilled to have fresh mackerel! Interestingly, mackerel appeared again in the sushi later, which surprised me twice. The generous side of vegetables, like onion, was also a joy. The tuna had a strong umami flavor, making it perfect to enjoy after the fresh mackerel.
◆Raw Shirasu from Fukushima:
Chef Mashio has been advocating for raw shirasu even before it became trendy in Kamakura. The plump texture and subtle richness are distinctly different from boiled shirasu, making it delicious. Since it’s not something I often eat, I savored it like a drink.
◆Marinated Tuna with Yam:
The marinated tuna paired with yam was exceptional, with the sweet, fresh taste of tuna complemented by a slightly spicy wasabi.
◆Grilled Tuna Cheek:
A sudden tuna-themed dish! The grilled cheek was delightful, as Chef Mashio had selected an excellent cut, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The rich, buttery flavor complemented the wasabi beautifully, perhaps even relying on it to offset the richness of the tuna fat.
Now, the highlight—the sushi! I was mesmerized by Chef Mashio's seamless technique as he prepared each piece. Every detail, from the moment he sliced the fish to the way he applied soy sauce, was executed perfectly.
◆Chutoro:
We began with chutoro. The moment it touched my tongue, the rice melted in my mouth along with the fatty, tender tuna, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine through.
◆Isaki & Fresh Mackerel:
The delicate sweetness of the isaki was an elegant note, and I was exhilarated to see fresh mackerel again. It paired wonderfully with the rice, and I loved the texture of the skin.
◆Engawa:
I adore engawa. Its beautiful presentation and crunchy, unique texture alongside its refined flavor made it an absolute favorite.
◆Sweet Shrimp:
This time, we had sweet shrimp from Toyama, just the week before it was from Ishikawa. I was thrilled to hear the chef mention Ishikawa since I am from there! The sweetness of the shrimp was unbeatable and one of my favorite sushi varieties.
◆Hokkigai (Surf Clam) Cheek & Flesh:
A new experience for me was the hokkigai sushi with its cheeks. The generous portions provided a delightful variety of textures all at once. The carefully chosen nori complemented the clam magnificently, making it a memorable experience.
◆Horse Mackerel:
I have always loved horse mackerel for its rich flavor, and this was no exception. It seemed slightly thicker, enhancing the feeling of umami, which brought joy.
◆Conger Eel & Egg:
We finished the sushi course with conger eel. Chef Mashio is particularly devoted to conger eel, which was incredibly soft and sweet, leaving an impression of umami all around my mouth. The secret sauce made from years of careful preparation was excellent. We wrapped up with a perfectly cooked egg omelet, just how I like it.
The close proximity of the counter allows for enjoyable conversations while savoring each dish. As I listened to the chef’s insights, I discovered something special… Please do try to find it for yourself! Chef Mashio, with his gentle demeanor, creates an exquisite sushi experience; it has become one of my favorite restaurants. I look forward to visiting again!