Sunday February 1, 2015
Tokyo, Japan
Sunny, Windy, Cold with Fabulous View of Mt. Fuji
So, I'm still catching up on posts. This one I was to post back in November but work caught up with me. Given this is the first weekend since the beginning of the year I did not have to go to work, I decided to write a blog about another fabulous culinary experience instead of catching up on episodes on BlackList.
Anyhow, back in November 2014 on a cold night, I took one of my colleagues at work to a Michelin 3 star restaurant as an early Xmas gift. She has and still is doing lots for me to support my work and my team.
So since I was able to get a table for two at Ryugin, I decided to invite her to enjoy this special meal with me.
First impression, very elegant. The entire restaurant is decorated in a modern Japanese way featuring dragons everywhere. I understand that the Ryu of Ryugin is dragon. And the food did not disappoint. It was pure poetry filled with delicate sensations and tastes. And the china, oh my, antiques that are older than the US of A!
To start with, the chef began with 3 dishes to get us ready for the different sensations we are to experience during the meal. We started with 2 hot dishes and a cold dish which represent the season, aromas, temperature, texture and art of the entire meal.
Sea Urchin and Turnip in a warm stock
I want this bowl!
Left: warm and silky cod fish milt(yes you read it right) and Right: Abalone sashimi
The next dish captures a moment in the wind at Sanin Bay
Matsuba Crab Clear Soup
served in a special lacquer bowl
The next dish represents the richness of the sea.
7 delicacies from the Ocean
And then the power of fire
Kinki Fish from Hokkaido stuffed with grilled eggplant, served with Taro Potato and Chestnut
Representing the grace of the hometown which is Kagawa –
Sanuki Olive Beef on stoneware sukiyaki style
And then to represent the longing for eternity –
Kabayaki (eel) -Don with Egg-Tofu Chrysanthemum Soup and Pickles
And ended with Lusciousness
First a cold and refreshing jello like texture with tangerine
Followed by a dessert flavored with cold and hot sake which was delicious and hard to describe as I've never had anything like it
And ended with delicious Matcha tea
It was yet another amazing culinary experience in Japan. The chef was so nice that he actually thanked us for coming and saw us out when we left. Highly recommend this place if you can get reservations!