1 Star Michelin May 30th, 2014 Thoughts on the Michelin-starred and well-renowned yakitori restaurant Birdland- located next to Jiro. I was very curious to see how a michelin rating would elevate typically humble pub food. Certainly I appreciated the lack of smoke and the beautiful (kirei) atmosphere. The chicken is of gve highest quality. All … Continue reading Birdland, Tokyo, Japan
Month: May 2014
Nodaiwa, Tokyo, Japan
1 Star Michelin May 28th, 2014 Unique Eel restaurant experience at Michelin-starred Nodaiwa. Many interpretations of eel, some we loved, some merely interesting. One cultural note: a big deal was made over the fact they use "natural" (wild) eel which is sustainable but rare due to the cost, but the soup contains shark fin. Jiro … Continue reading Nodaiwa, Tokyo, Japan
Tenichi Ginza Honten, Tokyo, Japan
3 Star Michelin May 27th ,2014 Had fancy tempura dinner at the highly rated Tenichi Ginza Honten, the same place where Clinton, Sinatra, and other famous people went who were scared of raw fish. It was certainly tasty but very expensive. But i was surprised that they used the same oil blend and same tempura … Continue reading Tenichi Ginza Honten, Tokyo, Japan
Takazawa, Tokyo, Japan
May 26th 2014 Amazing Kaiseki dining at Takazawa. Chef Takazawa deliberately shuns Michelin ratings. I have no doubt if he let them rate him he would be a 2 or 3 star. His wife manages the front of the house alone. Max seating is 10. We likes this restaurant much better than Narisawa. Some modern … Continue reading Takazawa, Tokyo, Japan
Ginza Kyubey, Tokyo, Japan
1 Michelin Star May 24th, 2014 Select photos from Ginza Kyubey. So many people referred us here as the best sushi bargain - high quality low prices if you go for lunch. We each chose a midrange price set- scot got all sushi, mine included sashimi and sone other appetizers. It was very good. It … Continue reading Ginza Kyubey, Tokyo, Japan
Les Créations de Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan
3 Star Michelin May 21, 2014 So we tried the legendary Narisawa- one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. All I can say is you should thank us for taking another bullet for you guys. Crazy expensive. I get why it is 3 Michelin. The service and ambiance are classic french. The food … Continue reading Les Créations de Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan
Kuwano Sushi, Tokyo, Japan
1 Michelin Star May 19th, 2014 Last night tried a place recommended to us by yoshi-San of Mori sushi. ( chef was his teacher) A tiny tiny place w only 8 seats. 1 Michelin star. Major contrast vs Kaneska- similar fish but so much more intricate seasonings and flavors. Omakase was more Kaiseki than sushi. … Continue reading Kuwano Sushi, Tokyo, Japan
Tofuya Ukai, Tokyo, Japan
1 Michelin Star May 19th, 2014 Considered one of the top 20 restaurants in Tokyo, Tofuya Ukai is part restaurant and part Zen garden. Truly one of the most peaceful and leisurely meals we have ever enjoyed. Loved the subtle flavors and precise preparations. It was a nice change after eating so many heavy meals. … Continue reading Tofuya Ukai, Tokyo, Japan
Sushi Kanesaka, Ginza, (Tokyo) Japan
Two-Star Michelin May 18th, 2014 Our first two star Michelin sushi restaurant. Honestly I was quite confused when I heard a sushi place could be considered two Michelin stars. But we were impressed. Was it more expensive than top places in LA? Yes except for urasawa. Was it better? Hmmm. The place only seats 10. … Continue reading Sushi Kanesaka, Ginza, (Tokyo) Japan
