中崎 健二
Thank you very much. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic collaboration event at Kunimitsu-san!! I recently started using Instagram and I'm really glad I did d( ̄  ̄) I have also attended events by Sushi Salaryman-san and Ikko-san, and I hope to continue to have more good connections in the future ( ◠‿◠ ) Actually, the other day I participated in a sushi class hosted by Sushi Salaryman-san, and I experienced making sushi for the first time. I filleted the horse mackerel, removed the bones, peeled the skin, cut it, and then tried to make the sushi, but I struggled more than I expected... There are two more sessions next month, so I am currently practicing at home with okara and konjac ( ̄^ ̄)ゞ Now, today, after about a month and a half, I visited Keita-san again. I mentioned about changes in holidays and recruitment of apprentices in my previous post, and I was a little worried because it seemed like a difficult situation (・・;) At Keita-san's sushi restaurant, the sushi pieces are large and satisfying to eat. Of course, the quality of the sushi is also high and always leaves me impressed. For lunch, you can have an omakase sushi set for 12000 yen, which is really great for someone who enjoys drinking (≧∀≦) Master Aoyama has a gentle demeanor and the conversation is always enjoyable. He may seem reserved at first, but when you engage in conversation, he is friendly and easy to talk to. His sushi making skills are also wonderful, and I am always mesmerized by his work (╹◡╹)♡ Reservations are taken over the phone, and bookings for two months ahead start on the first business day of every month. It gets quite crowded, so I always worry if I will be able to make a reservation each month:;(∩´﹏`∩);: Despite being a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Tokyo Guide every year, Aoyama-san is truly humble and always dedicated to his work. Reservations may be a bit challenging, but I highly recommend visiting at least once (^人^) Today, I got off at Tsukiji Market Station on the Toei Oedo Line and wandered around the shopping street. The temperature was warm and the weather was good, so there were a lot of tourists crowding the area... There were lines everywhere and Tsukiji was bustling with activity (^◇^;) It was time for my reservation, so I headed to the restaurant. Upon entering, the staff guided me to the counter. I am truly grateful for the hospitality I always receive (^人^) I sat at the counter and greeted Aoyama-san. It seems like they haven't found any apprentices yet, so it looks like they are still operating solo... I ordered a glass of Nagano's Daishinshu sake to start d( ̄  ̄) It is a crisp and dry sake with a wonderful umami and lingering finish. http://www.daishinsyu.com/ Now, let's start with the omakase sushi set!! Pickled ginger: It has a good balance of sweetness and acidity and has a rich taste. Just this alone makes the sake go down smoothly!! Shari (sushi rice): It is seasoned only with red vinegar, has a fragrant aroma, and a strong flavor. The rice is firm, and when you chew it, the sweetness overflows. I really like this type of sushi rice!! Akami (lean tuna): This is what you would call "hirazuke" in Japanese. It is marinated for 2-5 minutes right before serving. It is rich and flavorful, and the aroma of the lean tuna is also wonderful!! Chutoro (medium fatty tuna): It is a thick cut and makes me happy!! There was a bit of sinew but I was overwhelmed by the richness of the fatty tuna!! Kohada (gizzard shad): It's nice to have a refreshing Kohada at this point!! They serve a generous portion of one fish!! It is soft, flavorful, and has a pleasant acidity. The slight sweetness of the oboro (mullet) is also wonderful!! Hamaguri (clam): As always, a large clam is served!! The more you chew, the more the umami spreads!! The simmering sauce is light, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of the clam. Otoro (fatty tuna): Otoro appeared during lunch!! I guess the timing was good!! It was so well-marbled that I didn't notice any sinew and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious!! The umami and sweetness made me feel so good that the sake went down easily!! Tai (sea bream): It is a 4.6 kg sea bream that was prepared in the morning. It is very large. It has a firm texture, and as you chew, the umami spreads!! Morning-prepared sea bream is also wonderful. Maki (rolled sushi): This time it was himo-kyu (fatty tuna and cucumber roll)!! It was a delightful choice, especially on a hot day. The crunchy fatty tuna paired with the cucumber was refreshing!! For the next sake, I ordered Kurikomayama from Miyagi Prefecture.