あるぱかーん
Today's eel lunch was at Ooedo-san! Ooedo-san has its main store in Nihonbashi, a long-established eel restaurant with a history of 1800 years. Since the main store was delicious, I also visited this one in Minami Aoyama. It is located in a quiet alley off Aoyama Street, exuding a dignified atmosphere. It has been about 20 years since it moved to this location, which used to be in another place. The interior is divided into tables like the main store, with a unique atmosphere that screams Ooedo-san. There was no background music, creating a very calm atmosphere. However, the main store definitely has more charm. The eel and sauce used are the same as the main store, as they are done by the same person who works at the main store, so the grilling method is likely the same. However, the menu is slightly different. The eel rice bowls offered are Fumizuki (1 tail) and Yayoi (1.5 tails) only. Grilled liver, shirayaki, and other items are only available in the evening. It takes some time for the order to be steamed after it is placed. If you make a reservation, they will coordinate accordingly. Today's eel is said to be from Kagoshima. The grilling is, of course, done with charcoal. ▶︎Ordered Items ・Fumizuki 4510 yen with pickles It took about 23 minutes to arrive. I was surprised by the quite large lacquered box. When I opened the lid, there was an eel of size 5P. It was grilled very carefully and had a nice color. The fragrant aroma of charcoal is irresistible. The steaming is slightly shallow, making it easy to hold firmly with chopsticks. The skin is nicely charred and fragrant. The sauce is on the lighter side. When I tried it, I thought, "Oh, this is definitely Ooedo-san!" The moment it enters your mouth, the fragrant flavor spreads, and the plump flesh melts away with a proper texture, without being too soft. Furthermore, the excess fat has been properly removed, leaving a refreshing umami flavor. This feeling of the fat being removed is characteristic of Ooedo-san. At first, you might think it's too light and refreshing, but it leaves just the right amount of fat, without being dry or unsatisfying. This balance is wonderful. This traditional Kanto-style eel is enjoyed in a refreshing way. The skin is nicely charred, balancing the texture with the flesh and enhancing the aroma. The sauce is quite light. It is not too sweet or spicy, but it has a depth of flavor. It is an elegant sauce that does not interfere with the taste of the eel. Even for someone like me who doesn't like overly sweet and strong flavors, this sauce is delicious. If you prefer a sweeter and stronger taste, it might be different. The sauce is skillfully combined with the eel through a good balance of flavors. The eel is prepared in the Edo-mae style, with the sauce not overpowering, allowing you to enjoy the taste and aroma of the eel. The way the fragrance is added and the sauce is charred, all the balances are exquisite skills of a long-established restaurant. You can feel the meticulousness throughout. However, I was concerned about the small bones throughout the meal. They are quite solid, so be careful. The rice is slightly soft. The lacquered box is large, so it is quite filling. The pickles are varied in types, and the taste is excellent. They used good quality sansho pepper. This aspect is also remarkable. If you enjoy a refreshing Kanto-style eel, this is the place to go. Since there is no sweetness from the fat, the taste is not punchy. It is not recommended for those who prefer strong flavors. The traditional Edo-mae technique without cutting corners. You can see why it has been supported for many years. If you love eel, this is a restaurant you must visit. Thank you for the meal~!