りょんこ
This weekend, I went to watch horse racing in Fuchu area. The results were so-so, so my companion and I decided to have a drink together to reflect on it. There aren't many attractive restaurants near my home in Shinjuku, but the area near Nishi-Shinjuku is quite lively, so we decided to visit this place that caught our eye.
1. Exterior, atmosphere, interior of the restaurant
The nearest station is Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Oedo Line, but it's also within walking distance from Shinjuku Station West Exit. The entrance of the restaurant has a red lantern with the name of the restaurant written on it, and a vinyl door. The atmosphere is casual. The interior of the restaurant is surprisingly spacious, with a layout resembling a bed for eels. We were seated at the counter near the entrance. The distance between the seats is narrow, and you might almost bump elbows with the person next to you, but there's a forgiving atmosphere.
2. About the food
We ordered several skewers, with a focus on grilled skewers. The "tsukune" was nicely browned on the surface, and fluffy inside, making for a well-balanced skewer. The sauce was not too sweet, and had a light and refreshing taste. The "liver" was firm and fresh, with a burst of flavor when you bite into it, enjoying the rich and creamy texture. The "negima" had a skillful touch with the grilling of the green onions, bringing out the sweetness of the onions while maintaining the juiciness of the meat. The meat cuts were large, providing a satisfying bite. The "seseri" had a good balance of fat and muscle, with a strong salty flavor that went well with alcohol. Unfortunately, the "agedashi tofu" was disappointing. The amount served in the bowl was overwhelming, but the broth lacked depth of flavor, and the balance between sweetness and saltiness was off. We found it difficult to enjoy and ended up leaving most of it uneaten. As a nice gesture, they served miso soup as a finishing touch, but again, the lack of umami from bonito or kelp made it hard to drink without any ingredients. It seems that sticking to just the skewers would result in a higher level of satisfaction here.
3. About the staff's service
The staff, consisting of several energetic young men and women, managed the place with enthusiasm. There were no issues with greetings or seating guidance, and their lively service did not raise any particular concerns.
4. About the cost performance
If you only consider the skewers, the cost performance seems quite good. However, due to the unfavorable impression of the agedashi tofu, the overall cost performance is average.
5. Other observations
The background music in the restaurant was filled with nostalgic Showa era songs! My companion and I couldn't help but have fun playing "Guess the Intro!" and getting excited together (laughs).