たのちゃん
I went for an early autumn foliage viewing in Kyoto, visiting Togano, Takao, and Ohara. Now, what should I have for lunch tomorrow? I realized I have never tried Yudofu (tofu hot pot) in Kyoto. Is it really better than the ones in Fukagawa or Yunishigawa? So, I searched on my smartphone for the best place, and found the quaint and promising Douzuiro restaurant. I made a reservation immediately. On the day of the visit, I got off at Sanjo Keihan subway station and relied on Google Maps to find the restaurant, but I couldn't locate it. I ended up wandering around Pontocho area. After asking a local lady, I found out that I had confused Sanjo Ohashi and Oike Ohashi bridges, as Google Maps didn't show the bridge names. Frustrated, I dashed towards Oike Street. I arrived at the restaurant 40 minutes late, only to see a sign saying "Today's reservations are full." I entered anyway, and was warmly welcomed to a counter seat by the river. The lunch course "Miyama Course" for 4389 yen (tax included) was already reserved, so I ordered a beer and took in the surroundings. The appetizers arrived - a plate of boiled watercress, maple tofu, ginkgo tofu, and stone wall tofu, all with a typical light Kyoto flavor. Next, a sashimi platter with yuba, squid, and tuna was served, fresh and delicious. The main dish, Yudofu, came in an old wooden hot pot, keeping the tofu warm with a wire in the water. The tofu was homemade with just spinach and yuba as toppings. The taste was light and traditional Kyoto style. The meal continued with steamed soy milk yuba with peanuts, and tofu and fresh yuba miso grilled in a sweet and savory sauce. The staff offered a refill of Yudofu, which I accepted, making me quite full. Lastly, a tea pickled in dried small fish and pickled greens was served, with a stronger flavor compared to the earlier dishes. The meal consisted of 8 courses and cost 3800 yen plus tax and 5% service charge, totaling 4389 yen. It was a very satisfying and affordable lunch experience.