I heard that a wonderful izakaya opened in Minami Aoyama, so I decided to visit! Since it was a holiday, I started drinking from the 4:00 PM opening. It was so enjoyable to see that they had a total of 10 types of highballs. I ordered rice dishes while asking for the staff's recommendations! - Specialty: Plate Shumai (¥500) - Simmered Egg Potato Salad (¥480) - Kushi Katsu (Shiitake ¥180 / Unzen Ham ¥250 / Quail ¥180 / Shrimp ¥300) - Ham Egg (¥500) - Shirako Ponzu (¥880) - Beef Tripe Stew (¥580) - Natural Sea Bream Konbu-shime with Chrysanthemum Dressing (¥880) All of them were just the right amount to share between two people, and they all went so well with the drinks. The specialty Shumai, which is a new style without being wrapped, was great to nibble on while drinking and chatting. The Ham Egg we ordered at the end was also amazing. Everything we ate was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy, and it was no wonder that it was so popular, with such a lively atmosphere even though it had only been open for a month. I recommend starting at 4:00 PM when it's less crowded! There were many regular customers, and I thought that if there was such a wonderful place nearby, I would end up going every week.

Just a 3-minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station, on the 1st floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Minami-Aoyama-itchome Apartment, there is a row of bars lined up, and the one on the far left had its grand opening today. I happened to pass by in my car at noon and noticed it, so I changed my plans and came here! The interior of the restaurant is comfortable with high ceilings and an open atmosphere. And of course, I ended up drinking too much again today, haha. The appetizer was a lightly sweetened dashi tofu, which was a perfect start to stimulate my appetite. I tried the beef tripe stew, sesame amberjack, and the must-try dish from Kyushu. The skewer combo was crispy and not too heavy, perfect for snacking. The beef heart with wasabi was the highlight of the day, with fresh wasabi and a perfect balance of flavors. The soft-boiled egg potato salad was so tempting that I couldn't resist and ate it before taking a picture. The ham and egg sandwich is a classic dish at casual bars, and it was a delight to enjoy in between other dishes. The rolled omelet with toro tuna had a soy sauce-based flavor that was just right. And finally, the most impressive dish of the night was the homemade noodles at this casual bar! The pork kimchi noodles had a strong texture, and even after drinking, I could still savor the noodles. All in all, it was another two hours of drinking and eating too much. I need to lose 5kg, but what can I do? Being a beer lover is tough... Thank you for the delicious meal!

[Aoyama Ichome Tanuki] Tokyo: Located 4 minutes on foot from Aoyama Ichome Station, this restaurant in Aoyama is a concept of a traditional and delicious izakaya. You can also enjoy outdoor drinking! This restaurant opened in November last year and has a stylish interior. ✌☑️Throat Blackthroat Simmered - ¥2680 The soft simmered blackthroat is exquisite, with plenty of fat and almost no bones, making it easy to eat! ✌☑️Beef Tripe Stew - ¥650 A specialty menu!! The overflowing beef tripe is delicious and goes well with alcohol. The tripe is tender and the seasoning is just right. ✌☑️Assorted Kushiage - ¥980 Assorted set of 5 types!! Served piping hot, these freshly fried skewers are incredibly delicious. Recommended for solo dining or large group gatherings! For more posts, check here ▶️▷ @kgu.rume @kgu.rume2 ⚪️Store Information⚪️ Address☞ 1-3-6 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, Tokyo Metropolitan Nan Aoyama 1-chome Apartment Room 113 Business Hours☞ 16:00-24:00 Closed☞ None #TokyoGourmet #AoyamaIchomeGourmet #AoyamaIchomeLunch #AoyamaIchomeDinner #AoyamaIzakaya #Aoyama #AoyamaGourmet #AoyamaLunch #AoyamaIchomeTanuki #FridayNight #GourmetAccount #BeefTripeStew #GourmetGirlsWanted #GourmetInstagram #IzakayaLoversWanted #Blackthroat #JapaneseFood #FishDishes #Kushiage #GourmetAccount #IzakayaTour #Tanuki #BackGourmet #Tabelog #TabelogHighRating #GourmetLovers #EastGourmet #InstagramGourmetAward2023 #trevary #GourmetTour

Nestled quietly in the stylish and sophisticated streets of Aoyama, there is a hidden gem of an izakaya called "Aoyama Ichome Tanuki". This restaurant is like a precious jewel in the serene residential area of Aoyama. [Order Menu] - Appetizer (tofu topped with tenkasu) - Grilled pork (¥580) - Beef tripe stew (¥580) - Plate of shumai dumplings (¥500) - Boiled egg potato salad (¥480) - Fried tofu with fatty tuna topping (¥580) - Assorted skewers: eggplant, quail, pickled ginger, matsutake mushroom - Dipping noodles (¥800) - Mustard-flavored lotus root (¥580) *Appetizer The appetizer consists of tofu topped with tenkasu. It pairs perfectly with beer and makes you want to keep drinking more. *Skewers The izakaya takes pride in its skewers, especially the pickled ginger skewer which is outstanding. The unique flavor is addictive, and you can eat as many as you want. Other highlights include seasonal matsutake mushrooms, rich quail, and tender eggplant. *Beef Tripe Stew This dish is the epitome of the restaurant's dedication to quality. Cooked for hours, it combines the natural umami of the ingredients with deep, developed flavors. *Plate of Shumai Dumplings Unlike regular shumai, these dumplings are served on a plate, making for an impressive presentation. The filling of meat and vegetables is exquisite, and the chewy texture of the skin is irresistible. *Fried Tofu with Fatty Tuna Topping A unique dish that combines fried tofu with tuna and pickled radish. The crispy texture of the tofu and the creamy texture of the tuna topping create a beautiful contrast. The harmonious balance of flavors is a must-try. *Boiled Egg Potato Salad Highly recommended is the boiled egg potato salad. It's a luxurious dish that combines boiled egg with potato salad, offering a taste of bliss. And don't miss the "beef tripe stew". It is truly delicious. The rich flavor of the beef tripe permeates the dish, making it shine among the skewers. If you're curious about the dipping noodles, be sure to order them. Surprisingly, the quality of the noodles is exceptional, far beyond what you would expect from an izakaya specializing in skewers. "Aoyama Ichome Tanuki" is a hidden izakaya nestled in a quiet residential area, offering a blissful dining experience. With its stylish atmosphere and a wide range of menu items from skewers to dipping noodles, it's the perfect place for a special night out with a date or friends. The seasonal menu is also diverse, allowing you to embark on different culinary adventures depending on the time of your visit. Be sure to visit and savor the blissful flavors of Aoyama.

☆Recommended Points☆ 1. A "just right izakaya" that opened in the barren Aoyama-itchome area. 2. A speciality dish made by blending wagyu beef with several types of miso, the "beef motsu stew." [Recommended Usage Scenes] Ideal for use with friends, acquaintances, or colleagues. [Image 1] "Beef Motsu Stew (650 yen)" Representing "Aoyama-itchome Tanuki," the famous "Beef Motsu Stew" catches your eye as soon as you enter the restaurant. The incredibly tender beef motsu with no hint of odor was a pleasant surprise. The sweet and savory sauce, likely made by blending several types of miso, is thoroughly infused into the dish. It's perfect as a snack on its own, but I personally felt that ordering it over rice as a finishing dish was also a great idea. [Images 2-3] "Finishing Homemade Noodles - Dipping Style (880 yen)" With the owner's intention to complete the meal at one place, the restaurant offers homemade noodles in three varieties: cold noodles (limited to summer), dipping style, and the classic. I chose the dipping style to fully enjoy the noodles. The freshly made, shiny noodles had an amazing texture when slurped. They were firm and had a good elasticity. The dipping sauce, based on soy sauce with a hint of the "Beef Motsu Stew" sauce, coated the noodles well and tasted delicious. It was the perfect way to end the meal. [Image 4] "Char Siu IN Hakata (580 yen)" I ordered this dish without really understanding what "IN Hakata" meant, and it turned out to be a plate of char siu reminiscent of Hakata ramen. The char siu slices were arranged like those in ramen dishes, topped with plenty of pickled ginger and chopped green onions, justifying the name. Drizzling some sesame seeds and chili oil enhanced the Hakata ramen flavor, making it a classic appetizer option. [Image 5] "Roll Sushi - Toro Taku (680 yen)" "Roll sushi" refers to sushi rolls, and this menu offers three types: Toro Taku, Unakyu, and Karashi Natto. I chose the Toro Taku, which consisted of six bite-sized pieces. The perfect combination of sweet toro (fatty tuna) and salty pickled radish made it an addictive dish that you couldn't help but reach for. [Image 6] "Maru Nasu no Dengaku (580 yen)" A summer-recommended menu featuring a large round eggplant topped with plenty of miso dengaku and shaved yuzu peel. The tender eggplant soaked in dengaku sauce had a flavor that guaranteed the sake would go down smoothly, and the refreshing yuzu peel left a light aftertaste, preventing it from being too heavy. If it's still available when you visit, I highly recommend trying it. [Image 7] "Ham and Egg Rice Bowl (600 yen)" A popular izakaya menu item loved by many, the "Ham and Egg" rice bowl. Pouring it over rice creates a dish that everyone would agree is delicious, making it a classic finishing dish. Drizzling a bit of soy sauce and adding mayonnaise elevates it to a sinfully addictive menu. Additionally, the finely chopped pickled radish sprinkled on top is a point that I personally appreciate. [Images 8-9] "Egg Potato Salad (480 yen)" A quick menu item where a whole boiled egg is placed on top of the classic potato salad. The soft-boiled egg, soaked in flavor, is mixed with the potato salad, creating a delightful dish.

There is a lively izakaya near Aoyama-itchome Station that I often pass by on my bike. The area can feel a bit lonely at night with few casual dining options, so it was a pleasant surprise to see this new izakaya pop up. The izakaya offers creatively prepared dishes like tempura skewers and fish dishes that are very appealing. The chef and service staff are all energetic and you can feel their positive vibes. As for the food, the chilled tofu appetizer with tempura flakes on top is unique and delicious. The special menu item, Matsutake mushroom skewers, is small in portion but truly authentic in flavor. The hot okra sprinkled with salt is simple yet tasty, showcasing the natural flavor of the ingredient. The grilled saury with seven spices is a surprising and delicious dish that pairs well with drinks. The unexpected addition of quiche was a pleasant surprise. The classic beef tripe stew is rich and perfect with sake, with tender tripe that would go well with a bowl of white rice. The seared mentaiko served on a cute raccoon-shaped plate is firm and delicious, perfect with white rice. The assorted skewers platter includes shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, onions, and pork skewers, perfect for sharing with a friend. Despite being a weekday, the izakaya was bustling with customers, showing its popularity. It's nice to have a casual dining spot near Aoyama-itchome where you can easily drop by.

Neo Sakaba is rare in Aoyama Ichome. It's a unique type of restaurant in this area. They have terrace seating, which is dog-friendly. The recommended dish is the beef motsu-nikomi, a rich and hearty stew that pairs well with lemon sour. The gobo (burdock root) becomes tender and the stew is thick like curry. Another recommended dish is the plate of yaki shumai, a type of shumai without wrapping, served on a plate with a crispy skin. The whole warm cabbage dish is served with a homemade sauce made with sesame and anchovies, which is delicious and addictive. The sanma (Pacific saury) shichimi-yaki is a must-try, with juicy fried fish and crispy bones. The toro-taku (fatty tuna) was delicious and the tempura skewers (red ginger, shrimp, quail, pork belly, squid) were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The prices were reasonable, around 200 yen per skewer. The restaurant was bustling with customers and the terrace seating is recommended for the upcoming season. The terrace is dog-friendly, creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

I arrived at the terrace seat of this restaurant on a relatively cool day in the early hours. It's a popular izakaya that you don't see much around here. It was packed in the 6 o'clock hour. There seemed to be more locals because it was a holiday. The clientele was good, and it felt like it was what the town needed. The menu is wide and easy to use. I will definitely go back. Thank you for the meal!

The area is great in terms of cost performance! The plate dumplings were a shocking dish, with the dumpling skin being more chewy than regular dumplings. The thickness of the liver and leek dish is like a steak, but juicier than Chinese restaurants! The ham and egg dish gives a comforting diner-like feel, although the highball was a bit weak.

A izakaya that opened in November 2022. The spacious entrance gives a sense of openness inside the restaurant. From the famous simmered tripe to various appetizers, fried chicken, and homemade noodles for the finishing touch, everything is delicious and goes well with beer. Reasonable prices and a clean interior make it easy to visit. Highly recommended.

I visited the restaurant on Saturday at 5 pm. I had made a reservation beforehand, so it was smooth, but it was quite crowded after 6 pm. There were also some terrace seats outside, and the open entrance gave a refreshing atmosphere, which was lovely! The interior was still new and very clean. We ordered several appetizers. The most delicious was the simmered motsu! The motsu stew with plenty of ingredients had an exquisite taste and the softness of the motsu was amazing. Personally, it ranks alongside Daigokuden in Ueno! Other dishes like sesame mackerel and yamaimo maguro were also delicious! I was very happy to see so many edamame piled up like this. The drinks were also very delicious, and the staff's polite and lively customer service made for a great time! Lastly, we ordered the watermelon that I had been curious about and shared it. It was a wonderful experience!

Located within a 2-3 minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station on the Ginza Line, this izakaya is situated on the first floor of Apartment Building No. 6 along National Route 319. It follows the concept of a modern izakaya inspired by traditional Japanese pub culture, offering a contemporary twist on nostalgic Showa-era cuisine. The interior exudes a stylish and trendy atmosphere, with a welcoming staff that is not tainted by the typical atmosphere of the food and beverage industry. Despite its casual appearance, the quality of the food and drinks is exceptional. The restaurant is located in a calm area near Aoyama-itchome Station, which contrasts with the bustling nearby stations. The atmosphere is pleasant and inviting, with a spacious yet cozy interior design that avoids feeling cramped. The staff is attentive and efficient, providing a comfortable dining experience. The drinks, including a large selection of beers, are meticulously prepared and served in top-notch condition. The food, such as the classic beef offal stew, is delicious and well-executed, showcasing the high quality of the establishment. Overall, this izakaya offers a great dining experience with a modern twist on traditional dishes, making it a highly recommended spot for those seeking a high-quality yet casual dining experience.

There were many different types of alcohol and snacks, and it was a lot of fun! All the snacks were delicious, but especially the sesame yellowtail and grilled dumplings were delicious. There were also many types of green tea mixed drinks, and the fact that they were served in tea packs made it cost-effective!

Aoyama Ichome Tanuki is a popular restaurant that I hesitate to share because it's already bustling. It's my favorite place near Nogizaka for dining. Reservations are a must due to its popularity. The food is delicious, the drinks are top-notch, and the cost performance is great. When dining in Roppongi, many places leave you feeling just okay after a meal, but Aoyama Ichome Tanuki offers high quality at the same price, making it very satisfying. It's a place that makes your companions happy, which is always a delight.

I went with my friend to this newly opened place last year. It opens early and is the liveliest spot on the drinking street. The appetizer was cold tofu topped with crispy tempura flakes and seaweed. It had a sweet sauce similar to tempura dipping sauce, which was delicious. The beef tripe stew was simmering in a pot right in front of us, and it was so tender and flavorful. The konjac and burdock were also soaked in the broth and tasted great. The grilled shishito peppers with Parmesan cheese were interesting and refreshing. The cold dish had a nice crunch from the peppers, and the cheese and bonito flakes added a rich flavor. The steamed dumplings were unique and had a well-seasoned meat filling. The half portion of fresh tuna sashimi was beautifully red and had no fishy smell. It was so good that I finished it in no time. The Tom Yum dipping noodles were freshly made and cut, with no additives, using the restaurant's original noodles. It was almost like ramen! The sourness and spiciness of the broth paired well with the refreshing taste of cilantro. The noodles were chewy and slightly soft, perfect for dipping. Each dish was served promptly and had a high quality of taste, better than your average izakaya. The menu was full of interesting and delicious items, making it hard to choose what to eat next!

I went there based on the recommendation of a former student. I sat at the counter since I was alone. The place faced a narrow alley, and the heat was directly hitting my back. I noticed they didn't have wine on the menu, so I didn't plan on staying long. I ordered my favorite pickled cucumbers and the recommended dish of grilled dumplings. The two girls next to me at the counter were complaining that everything in Tokyo is expensive. Maybe they came to Tokyo for the long weekend? When the dishes arrived, I was surprised by how small they were. But I still ordered some stewed beef and a highball. In the end, I got some rice and poured it over the white rice. It was a feast. Thank you.

I went to a trendy izakaya with my friends right near Aoyama-itchome Station! The interior is very beautiful and cozy, the food is delicious, and it's a casual and stylish place to go. It's located just a short walk from the quiet Aoyama-itchome Station, surrounded by office buildings and high-rise apartments. It's on the ground floor of a public housing building. You can even walk there from Nogizaka Station. Inside, there are wooden tables, and this time we were seated at the counter. It's great for both small and large groups, and they also have tables outside which look refreshing. It's nice that they have good ventilation. First, cheers! We ordered the "Master's Tea Highball" series, and I got the Japanese Tea Highball. There are different types like deep-steamed tea, brown rice green tea, and roasted tea, and I was interested in trying others. My friend ordered a lemon sour. When we asked for recommendations, they suggested the beef tripe stew and grilled dumplings. - Beef Tripe Stew A dish filled with plenty of tripe and ingredients simmered slowly in a small plate. It was delicious with the chewy tripe and ingredients like burdock and konjac. It felt like they used plenty of high-quality beef, not just the tripe. A secret blend of several types of miso for a unique flavor. They serve it from a pot with a strong presence on the counter. - Grilled Dumplings Grilled dumplings lined up on a white plate. We poured soy sauce on top and enjoyed sharing with a spoon. It's fun to eat together. We also ordered the "Nikutaku Potato Salad" which comes out quickly. When you crush the boiled egg on top of the potato salad, the half-cooked yolk melts and it's amazing. - Assorted Fried Skewers Pork belly, Nasu eggplant, shiitake mushroom, shrimp, onion. The batter is thin and crispy, with a perfect balance. Not greasy, so you can keep eating. We ordered the "Toro Taku" from the side dish menu. It's a thin roll with a perfect size. It looked beautiful and tasted great! For the second drink, I got the Brown Rice Green Tea Highball! By the way, the second drink in this series is a good deal. It's nice that you can keep refilling it. - Pickled Red Ginger for the skewers The large pickled red ginger is a perfect snack! - Smashed Cucumber Slices It looks stylish and Instagrammable! Unlike typical izakaya cucumbers, it's thinly sliced with lots of sesame seeds and very refreshing. We ordered the seasonal recommendation, half-size of seared nodoguro sashimi. It's a luxurious amount in a small plate. - French Fries They also have the classic snack menu, which is nice. The staff were all cheerful, and the quality of service was great, even without having to ask for things like clearing plates. I want to go back again!

This day, I went to drink with a former office girl I used to employ. The place was "Aoyama Ichome Tanuki", literally a 3-minute walk from Aoyama Ichome Station, located on the 1st floor of a 12-story Tokyo Metropolitan Nan Aoyama Ichome Apartment. Since its opening in November last year, this izakaya has been gaining popularity for its convenient location and delicious food. Personally, I usually dislike station-front izakayas, but I wanted to try this one out as they focus on quality dishes with unique menus. When I arrived at the restaurant at 6 pm, the place was about half full. But as we started drinking, it quickly became packed, showing its popularity. I started with a highball, which had a variety of whiskies like Ichiro's Malt, Yamazaki, and Hibiki, all priced below 1,000 yen, which I found reasonable. For food, we ordered popular menu items such as beef intestines stew, plate shumai, smashed cucumber with sesame, fresh tuna sashimi, simmered codfish, fried potatoes, fried chicken, skewers, and cold noodles. The food was beyond the typical station-front izakaya level and was quite delicious. The dishes were well-seasoned and went well with the drinks. We enjoyed a variety of dishes and drinks, spending over 16,000 yen for two people, but with the option of ordering larger sizes of drinks, the cost could be reduced. The restaurant is easy to access being close to the station, and offers delicious food and reasonable prices, making it a convenient choice. Despite being quickly filled up after we started drinking, it was a satisfying experience. Overall, it's a pretty good restaurant.

A Neo Izakaya in Aoyama that caught my eye as I walked by. It's a type of restaurant that seems rare in this area, but it's easy to enter and nice. The signature dishes are simmered dishes and shumai, which gives it a robust feel. It would be great to have a place like this in the neighborhood. * Appetizer: Cold tofu. The rich taste of cotton tofu topped with tenkasu gives it a junk food vibe, which is a pleasant discovery. * Lemon Sour: The acidity is strong, perfect for lemon lovers. * Beef intestine simmered dish: A classic menu item. I couldn't see the large pot of simmered dish on the counter as mentioned in the research, but the dish was rich and hearty. The meat is simmered until it falls apart, and the burdock melts like sweet potatoes, surprising me. This is the type of simmered dish that you want to pour over white rice. * Plate of shumai: Another classic menu item. I got a bit flustered when a different-looking item came out after ordering "shumai" (laughs). When I looked closely at the menu, it had "plate" written next to it. Shumai is placed on a plate with sauce underneath and steamed, not wrapped. It's a bit difficult to cut because the skin sticks, but I'll cut it and eat it. It came with soy sauce and sauce. I was happy to see the sauce, so I enjoyed it with mustard and sauce. * Hot boiled broccoli: It's a menu item that you don't often see, but it's actually something to be very happy about, right? Boiled broccoli served hot. The broccoli has a slight saltiness and is perfectly boiled. The bottle of mayonnaise that comes with it will surely make mayo lovers happy. * Assorted deep-fried skewers: The skewers cost around 200-250 yen each. I ordered cloud ham, pickled ginger, onion, and pork belly. The pickled ginger is a large slice that you can bite into. It was my first time trying this type, and it was surprisingly delicious without the strong taste of pickled ginger. The onion was a large cut, sweet and juicy. The cloud ham is a red ham similar to bologna sausage, perfect for skewers. The pork belly was as expected. * Homemade noodles to finish: It seems to be their original noodle-making method of "freshly made and freshly cut." Were they made on the spot? It doesn't seem to contain kansui, giving it a texture similar to udon or cold soba. It's fluffy, very elastic, and stretches like a rubber band, a unique type of noodle. There were options for regular, dipping, and mixed style, so I ordered the regular. It came in a meat-absorbing soup. With this type of noodle, maybe the mixed style would have been better? Across from where I was sitting, there were rows of record jackets from classic albums. The sense of style was nice, and although there wasn't anything special, the staff were friendly, making it a cozy place. There were many women and it was bustling, but the restroom was clean and the clientele was nice. I would like to drop by again.

I had some business in Aoyama and decided to take a stroll around the area by myself in the evening after a long time. I came across a glass-fronted restaurant tucked away in a corner near Aoyama Ichome Station. The open and inviting atmosphere with a clear view of the inside made me want to step in right away. (I visited the restaurant from 5 pm onwards. The restaurant opens at 4 pm.) (A friend who works nearby joined me!) There was only one group of customers inside at the time, but after 6 pm, the place was packed and they even set up tables outside. I could see why it was so popular when I looked at the menu! Despite its casual appearance, the menu was extensive and the variety of drinks available, including not just regular beer and sours but also highballs, fruit liqueurs, sake, and more, was impressive! My friend, who loves fruit liqueurs, ordered a mandarin liqueur on the rocks, while I started with sake. The food menu also offered a wide range of dishes, from skewers and simmered dishes to grilled items and rice dishes, and even desserts. I stumbled upon this place by chance, but it turned out to be a fantastic find. The restaurant had a casual atmosphere with 2 to 4-person tables and a counter. It wasn't very spacious, but there were additional tables at the back, and there were many salarymen customers. (There were also groups of women and couples.) It seemed suitable for various occasions. (Solo drinking is also okay♪) The recommended dishes included seared nodoguro, sashimi, amberjack simmered in soy sauce, noodles, rice dishes, and more, all of which seemed to pair well with any drink♥ The simmered dish I ordered was hearty and tender, with a rich and flavorful taste that went really well with sake or beer. I was also impressed by the elegant seasoning of the deep-fried Kamo eggplant and the exquisite taste of the assorted skewers that I ordered and then re-ordered because they were so delicious. Additionally, the Nitsuke Tamago Potato Salad, which the restaurant highly recommends, had a unique style of breaking the semi-cooked seasoned egg and mixing it with potatoes, resulting in an incredibly delicious dish! The Tataki Cucumber, with its Japanese-style dashi flavor, was also delicious and beautifully presented. Everything I ordered was delicious. I ordered: - Deep-fried Kamo eggplant 620 yen - Amberjack simmered in soy sauce 1280 yen - Assorted skewers 980 yen - Tataki cucumber 480 yen - Nitsuke Tamago Potato Salad 480 yen - Assorted skewers (onion, quail, shiitake, pork) - Highball - Glenfiddich - Asakura (fruit liqueur) - Mandarin liqueur - Yuzu liqueur - Plum wine I was intrigued by the uncommon brands of highballs, so I ordered them. They had a refreshing and easy-to-drink taste. With a wide selection of fruit liqueurs, sake, and shochu, this restaurant is sure to please any drinker!

The business negotiations went well, so I decided to celebrate with a drink at Tanuki in Aoyama Ichome. As I walked by, I felt a strong attraction to the facade, but I stopped and checked the information online with a calm demeanor. It was Wednesday evening, and I slid into a seat at the counter alone. The restaurant had 11 counter seats, 44 table seats, and 16 terrace seats. It seemed to target a cool-down crowd of a few people stopping by after work or errands, rather than solo customers. I thought they were running with about three people, but there were actually seven staff members working at full capacity. Looking at the food menu, I noticed that there were surprisingly many cooked dishes. In these tough times where cost performance alone is not enough, putting feelings above the price in the food could lead to a full house today and tomorrow. The drink menu included highball, sour, beer, shochu, and sake, covering all the basics. They also seemed to cater to those who prefer larger portions and stronger flavors. The "recommended for today" sake selection caught my interest. They had seven different brands of sake, which made me wonder if they were chosen to complement the flavors of the dishes or if they were meant to be enjoyed on their own. Despite being a fan of spicy food, I couldn't resist ordering a draft beer for 580 yen in this hot weather. Tonight (even though it's still bright out), I had a solo celebration at Aoyama Ichome. If it were a mug, I would have chugged it down, but with a glass, I savored each sip. The appetizer was chilled tofu with crispy fried tempura bits on top. Eating tofu like this made me feel like I was at an izakaya. The extra touch of the crispy fried tempura was nice and seemed like it could boost repeat visits. Celery and pickled ginger for 500 yen, a dish known for its refreshing taste, with plenty of white sesame seeds on top. They boldly added a strong sweet and sour flavor, saying, "We are an izakaya." I thought the white sesame seeds might not be necessary, but they turned out to be a nice addition. Beef tendon stew for 650 yen, a classic and essential dish at an izakaya, where you can either cut corners or put in extra effort. They cooked it until tender but left a bit of a chewy texture, creating a satisfying bite to enjoy with beer. I wished there was a bit more, but the balance of the satisfying bite was very pleasant. I ordered a bottle of "Somyo" Junmai Daiginjo Natsu Jun R4BY brewed by Nagatsuma, a sake brewery in Yamagata. You won't see this Yamagata sake at izakayas in Shinjuku or Shibuya, but it's a common sight in Aoyama. I enjoyed it with sashimi and appreciated the water added to it, a sign that this was Aoyama Ichome. Sashimi platter of yokowa maguro for 980 yen, yokowa is a young tuna that grows in the waters near Japan. It is called "Yokowa" in Kansai and "Meji" in Kanto. The 1-year-old fish weighing about 1kg is called "Shinshi," and in autumn, it grows to about 3kg, known as "Yokowa." When it reaches about 6kg, it is called "Hissage." The sashimi was arranged to resemble rose petals, sprinkled with sesame seeds and topped with grated daikon radish. When enjoyed with wasabi soy sauce, it was much milder than tuna, but this mildness was very pleasant. Finally, as there was no green tea highball available, I opted for a plum sour for 500 yen. The plum meat was served on a separate plate, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking, and you could ask for more plum meat if needed. Assorted deep-fried skewers for 980 yen, in Kansai it is called "kushi-katsu," and in Kanto it is called "kushi-age." Here, they coat the skewers with batter after receiving the order and fry them carefully, resulting in a quite thick batter. I wanted to sprinkle shrimp salt on them, but couldn't find any, so I enjoyed them with sauce instead. I ate the eggplant as is, added soy sauce to the rest, and compared them with sauce. Eating the onion in one bite felt heavy, and indeed, it was quite substantial. I realized there was a reason for eating the pork belly in a specific order, as each piece had a different flavor. The five skewers were just the right amount.

In the past, there used to be an office nearby where I worked, and I often drank around this area, but I haven't been coming here much lately. I decided to come back after hearing about a recommended restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised. The exterior of the restaurant looked beautiful when viewed from outside, with a calming atmosphere despite being almost full at 7:30 pm when I arrived. I was seated at the counter and started with a beer toast. The appetizer was tofu with crispy onions on top, a nice touch. I ordered various dishes while observing the surroundings. The cucumber sashimi was beautifully presented and delicious, while the tuna sashimi was fatty and refreshing. The fried tofu had minced tuna on top, a unique combination with pickled radish adding a perfect balance. I ordered three types of skewered cutlets - red pickled ginger, quail eggs, and squid. The red pickled ginger enhanced the sweetness, the quail eggs paired well with the sauce, and the squid became even tastier. I enjoyed the skewers with plain chuhai, soaking in the atmosphere and lively conversation. For the finale, I tried the homemade noodles, which turned out to be ramen - a perfect way to end the meal with its springy texture and light soup. The restaurant had a great atmosphere, attentive staff, and delicious food. I will definitely be returning here from time to time!