Every year, I eagerly anticipate visiting my favorite restaurant during this season.I enjoyed a course that truly embodies the essence of summer at Yamagishi. The skill in preparing the finest ingredients to perfection is truly exceptional. Once again, I was moved from start to finish.● Awaji Purple Sea Urchin and Hiroshima Junsai Chilled RiceThis dish is visually refreshing and captures the essence of summer. At the center of the natural junsai from Hiroshima, generously piled, is the Awaji purple sea urchin. The sea urchin has a firm texture that melts in your mouth, releasing a rich sweetness. The natural junsai has large grains and a refreshing texture that is delightful. Hidden beneath is a slightly firmer rice porridge, creating a wonderful balance of textures and temperatures.● Hamo (Pike Conger) SashimiI look forward to the hamo from Awaji and Kariya every year. Those who have tried it and those who haven't will be amazed with just one bite. The cooking is perfectly fluffy, and the refined sweetness of the fat bursts forth with each bite. The moderate saltiness of the plum sauce enhances the umami of the hamo, while the crisp texture of the yuba (tofu skin) adds a nice accent.● Takagamine Chili and Arashiyama Young Sweetfish NanbanA taste of summer from Kyoto. The refreshing spiciness of Takagamine chili and the pleasantly bitter Arashiyama young sweetfish nanban create a dish that fully captures the seasonal flavors.● Crab ChawanmushiFrom the moment I enjoyed the aroma of the dashi, I couldn't help but smile at this bowl. The fluffy crab chawanmushi has a gentle texture, and its harmony with the elegant dashi was remarkable.Sashimi● Nagasaki TokiajiThere is no fishy smell typical of blue fish, and the thick flesh is rich in quality fat. The sweetness of the fat, which melts in your mouth, was impressive, making it one of the best aji (horse mackerel) I've ever had.● Akashi Sea BreamEvery time I have sea bream at Yamagishi, I am moved. The well-aged umami and elegant fat harmonize beautifully, and each bite releases a burst of flavor.● Awaji Yura Sea UrchinThis is the renowned top-quality Yura sea urchin. Rich yet surprisingly elegant in aftertaste, the sweetness that fills your mouth and lingers is truly exceptional.● Yamagishi Original Hachiman MakiPersonally, I prefer Yamagishi's eel over that from famous eel specialty shops. This time, I had natural eel from Lake Biwa, grilled without sauce. The robust umami and aroma of the natural eel were stunning. The fragrant and crunchy fried burdock added a great texture, making this a uniquely Yamagishi interpretation of Hachiman maki.● Sesame Vinegar SaladA sesame vinegar salad combining cucumber, white sweet potato, and Daidokoro tofu. The balance of the richness of sesame and refreshing acidity was excellent, serving as a perfect palate cleanser.● Mie Tori ClamA luxurious tori clam served with its liver. The more you chew, the more umami it releases, and the sweetness is incredibly rich. The yellow garlic chives were blanched and then salted, providing excellent texture and flavor, pairing wonderfully with the tori clam.● Kamo EggplantUsing freshly harvested Kamo eggplant, this dish is surprisingly sweet and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Finished with a charcoal grill for added aroma and topped with a generous amount of bonito flakes, it was a summer dish where the fragrance, umami, and dashi came together beautifully.Finale● New Lotus Root and Sea Bream Soboro Clay Pot RiceThe sweetness of the new lotus root, which retains a crunchy texture, is impressive. The gentle umami of the sea bream soboro ties everything together, creating a luxurious clay pot rice that highlights the quality of the ingredients without being flashy.So delicious that I had to order more● White Rice with EggThis simple dish highlights the deliciousness of the rice. I could have eaten several bowls.● White Rice with Nameko MushroomsHomemade nameko mushrooms pair perfectly with the rice. I couldn't stop eating until the end.Dessert● Hydrangea Manju and MatchaThe presentation, finished right in front of me, was lovely. The sweetness is kept to a minimum, resulting in a very light flavor. The beautiful presentation in a firefly lantern was refreshing and perfect for summer.
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