koutagawa
(2021.05.24) Located a 2-minute walk from Ginza Station at the intersection of Sotobori-dori and Miyuki-dori, "GICROS GINZA GEMS" opened in November two years ago and has been attracting attention for its high-quality restaurants. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, there has been no announcement regarding their operating status, which led me to hesitate in visiting. Amidst this, I learned that "Yonezawa Gyutan Uesugi," operated by a Yonezawa beef wholesaler based in Yonezawa City, offers a limited daily supply of hamburgers made with Yonezawa beef trimmings, so I decided to pay a visit.
Upon taking the elevator to the 5th floor, I was greeted by a dimly lit, luxurious entrance with a refrigerated showcase displaying what appeared to be premium meats. The dining area beyond exuded a sophisticated atmosphere, although I was unable to secure a table overlooking Sotobori-dori. Nevertheless, there were elegantly appointed table seats and private rooms available, making it suitable for special occasions like anniversaries.
I usually choose restaurants for my solo lunches based on my mood of the day, but this time I made a reservation. Starting with a salad that offered a refreshing, crisp texture and a Yuzu dressing with a pleasant acidity and citrus aroma, the meal continued with appetizers such as salted hiziki seaweed and moist, smooth ham made from Yonezawa beef thigh meat. Each dish showcased delicate attention to detail.
The soup served alongside the hamburger contained mozuku seaweed and hiziki seaweed, with a fragrant blend of spices that whetted the appetite. The hamburger itself had a substantial thickness of around 30mm, boasting a juicy, tender texture reminiscent of hand-cut meat rather than ground beef. Made from 100% Yonezawa beef without any breadcrumbs or fillers, it allowed the full flavor and aroma of the meat to shine through.
The sauce generously drizzled over the hamburger was a rich concoction that accentuated the acidity and astringency of red wine, enhancing the overall umami flavor when combined with the meat juices. The garnishes included lotus root, pumpkin, eggplant, shishito pepper, eringi mushroom, turnip, and yamaimo, each prepared in a healthy manner through either frying or grilling.
For dessert, a fruit almond jelly featured a silky smooth texture complemented by strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and other fresh fruits, leaving a refreshing finish in the mouth.