Located about a 10-minute walk from Toranomon Station, this Japanese restaurant is listed among Japan's top 100 dining establishments. With a Tabelog Bronze rating and three Michelin stars, it is truly a powerhouse in the culinary world.This time, I made a reservation for a special unagi kaiseki lunch course. From start to finish, I was first amazed by the chef's exceptional cooking skills. The texture of the abalone, perfectly cooked, and the fragrant, tender unagi showcased the ingredients' potential to the fullest, delivering a truly impressive high-quality experience. The lineup of ingredients was also incredibly luxurious, and while it was based on classic Japanese cuisine, dishes like the signature sesame tofu with caviar and green onions displayed remarkable creativity, leaving a strong impression of modern sensibility.However, despite the perfection of each component, there were a few details in the overall story structure and flavor design of the course that could use some refinement. While the luxurious ingredients were generously used, there were moments when I questioned the necessity of certain combinations. Additionally, although the overall balance was well-maintained, the dashi in the soup, which is central to Japanese cuisine, lacked a bit of depth and complexity from the initial taste to the aftertaste, which slightly diminished the overall scale of the meal.Moreover, the flow of the course was such that a very rich and substantial appetizer appeared suddenly at the beginning. Even though there were refreshing elements later on, the overall structure became quite heavy as the meal progressed towards the end. I felt that if there had been a lighter starter to gently open the palate, it would have enhanced the overall narrative arc of the meal.That said, the potential and unity of each dish were top-notch, and the restaurant's solid foundation as a premier Japanese dining establishment, along with the sheer joy of the meal that resonates deeply, was overwhelming.It was a great meal!
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