ゆぽんた
"Unagi is my favorite. As the year is coming to an end in just a few days, the cold weather continues every day. How is everyone doing? Just like last year, I had the year-end unagi meal at "Nodaya" in front of the Kishibojin Gate in Iriya. I enjoyed the "Shiwasu Omakase Course" with my unagi-loving friends.
At "Nodaya" in front of the Kishibojin Gate in Iriya, they have renovated both the main building and the detached house this year. Especially for the detached house, they have realized a live kitchen, aiming for their customers, including the Ebe family, to enjoy the craftsmanship even more.
I started with a draft beer at "Nodaya" in front of the Kishibojin Gate in Iriya and made a toast with my unagi-loving friends. Maybe it's because winter is dry, but beer seems to taste particularly delicious to me during this season.
Then, the "Shiwasu Omakase Course" began. The first dish was "Unagi Isobe Maki with Yam." Unagi, grated yam, and seaweed - all the ingredients complemented each other perfectly.
The "Hassun" included "Unagi Nanbanzuke," "Unagi Shiraae," "Mackerel with Saikyo Miso," "Crab Terrine," and "Grilled Domestic Chicken." All of these dishes paired wonderfully with sake, and it was a blissful time.
In front of the live kitchen at "Nodaya" in front of the Kishibojin Gate in Iriya, the chef started preparing the unagi. You could witness the skilled craftsmanship up close, from cutting to skewering.
Next came the "Unagi Sunomono Uraume Zosui." It's a signature dish at Nodaya, where fresh unagi is marinated with their secret vinegar and sauce. The flavor and texture of the unagi were unique and delightful.
When I expressed my desire for sake, the staff recommended "Nagatoro," a local sake from Saitama. Nodaya has a sake sommelier who carefully selects sakes that pair well with unagi.
They also served "Branded Unagi Liver Skewers." You could enjoy large and perfectly grilled unagi livers on skewers, which had a beautiful appearance and exquisite flavor.
The "Aged Kanemitsu Unagi in Red and White" was served before the main dish. They briefly sear the aged unagi over binchotan charcoal, resulting in rich and flavorful meat. The balance between not overcooking and not undercooking the aged unagi is a true craftsmanship, and it was delicious.
Finally, the course was completed with "Kanemitsu Unaju," served with "Kanemitsu" unagi due to the unavailability of Kumomizu unagi on that day. The craftsmanship of Nodaya's chef was evident in the beautifully presented unagi box. The thick slices of Kanemitsu unagi melted in the mouth, and the winter season brought out the best in the unagi with its rich flavor and volume. Nodaya carefully monitors the condition of the unagi and masterfully balances the steaming and grilling techniques. It paired wonderfully with the flavorful sauce. Personally, I love Nodaya's unaju, and its deliciousness makes me want to eat it regularly.
To conclude the course at Nodaya in front of the Kishibojin Gate in Iriya, we had "Shiratama Anmitsu" as a dessert. It has a nostalgic atmosphere of the downtown area and helped us calm down from the excitement of the unagi festival.
I'd like to visit Nodaya again when I have the chance."
【Unagi Enthusiast Blog】https://unatan.net/
Location: 2-3-1 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed on Mondays
Official website: https://www.instagram.com/nodaya_takumi/
Detailed information about the restaurant on Tabelog."