呑み卓
"Shakaden" stands in a corner of a dining district about a 2-minute walk from Gotanda Station West Exit. First, the exterior. With a green curtain and a bold red sign saying "Shakaden," it exudes an unmistakable aura of a top-notch restaurant. Inside, the ambiance is even more sophisticated, with an L-shaped counter and tables of various sizes for different purposes. We had made a reservation, so we sat at a medium-sized table and ordered a "draft beer" to start. The menu, written on unique paper, mainly features seafood and sashimi, along with a variety of appetizers that all look delicious. We started with a toast and ordered the must-have "Sashimi Platter (for 2)" and the seasonal favorite "Shirako Ponzu." After some lively conversation, the sashimi platter and Shirako Ponzu arrived in about 15 minutes. The platter included 7 types of fish, all fresh and delicious in their own right. This definitely calls for sake! So, we unanimously switched to sake. The sake arrived promptly, and the kue (snake mackerel) was particularly outstanding with its incredible texture and sweetness. The Shirako Ponzu melted in the mouth instantly and was superb! As we discussed what to order next, a neighboring table received an amazing-looking plate of meat, which caught our attention. We couldn't help but ask what it was, and it turned out to be the house specialty yakitori! We were all amazed and intrigued. So, following the recommendation of a regular customer, we ordered the "Yakitori," "Oyster Fry," and "Gindara Saikyo Yaki." First up was the yakitori, which was generously coated in sauce, perfectly grilled, juicy, and incredibly delicious. The Oyster Fry was crispy on the outside, bursting with the oyster's umami flavor. Lastly, the Gindara Saikyo Yaki was unsurprisingly delicious, a perfect match for sake. With a relaxed atmosphere and all the dishes being incredibly tasty, it was a great experience. If you're curious, be sure to check it out! - Menu: - Sashimi Platter (for 2): Price unknown - Shirako Ponzu: 700 yen - Yakitori: 600 yen - Oyster Fry: 650 yen - Gindara Saikyo Yaki: 750 yen