タケマシュラン
Just a few minutes' walk from Musashi-Koyama Station, on the third floor of a new building across from "Nemo Bakery & Cafe," you'll find "Tsuzumi," which opened in April 2022. The name and logo of the restaurant are derived from the traditional Japanese drum, which the owner has been playing for many years. The interior of the restaurant has a counter with 7 seats and one private room. The curved counter layout makes it easy to have conversations even in a group setting. Chef Tatsuya Tanimoto honed his skills at "Juya" in Kyodo before branching out on his own. I was impressed by his good looks as a sushi chef, only to find out that he is the younger brother of U-YEAH from DAPUMP. The prices for alcohol are reasonable, with draft beer at 770 yen and sake at around 1,000 yen per serving. I ended up drinking quite a bit under the influence, starting with the White Asparagus Surinagashi. It has a slightly earthy flavor that evokes the power of the earth. Next up was the rolled sardines, which had a refreshing taste thanks to the generous amount of condiments rolled in with them, making it a perfect summer appetizer. The fried red tilefish was a bold choice, with a sauce that could be described as Western-style, complementing the rich fat and depth of the flesh. The chilled soup-style sea bass was a delightful match for the somewhat bland fish, enhancing its flavor. The dish with raw fish and water eggplant was a refreshing palate cleanser. Then came the conger eel, a rare find at a sushi restaurant, which was a pleasant taste to savor while leisurely sipping sake. The grilled belt fish was a bold style, with a sauce that could be described as Western-style, complementing the rich fat and depth of the flesh. The clam in a steamed egg custard was a delightful way to enjoy the essence of the clam to the fullest. The nigiri sushi followed, starting with the kue from Niigata, aged to bring out its umami and sweetness. The sweet shrimp was rich and sweet, with a straightforward and easy-to-understand taste. The horse mackerel was delicious, with finely sliced layers that clung to the tongue. The seared mackerel was fatty and rich on the surface, with a moist and rich taste. The squid was flawless in appearance, with a beautiful sheen and a flavor that was easy to gulp down. The sea urchin was bursting with the flavor of the sea, accompanied by fragrant seaweed, making it a superstar of the sushi world. The tuna from Sakaiminato had a good balance of lean and fatty parts, with acidity and sweetness perfectly harmonized. The fluffy conger eel was served in two styles, salted and with sauce, melting in the mouth. The final dish was the gizzard shad, with a sharp vinegar finish and lively flavor. After enjoying all these dishes and drinking quite a bit, the bill came to 16,000 yen. What a great deal for the quality and atmosphere that could easily command double the price in Minato Ward. If I lived in Musashi-Koyama, I would definitely want to visit this cozy spot every week. The delicious nigiri sushi, along with a variety of appetizers, makes it a perfect place for a drinker like me. This place is sure to become a hit in the near future, with its energetic vibe like a plane taking off.