I was invited by a friend I hadn't seen in a while to visit "Ginza Shinohara." It's been about four years since my last visit. Upon arriving, Mr. Shinohara opened the noren (curtain) to welcome everyone. Seeing each other after so long, he softened his expression as if he recognized a familiar face and said, "It's been a while, hasn't it?" I replied, "It's been four years!" He responded, "We’re still in business, you know." "I know!" I laughed. After this exchange, we entered the restaurant. Mr. Shinohara looked just as he always did and seemed to be in great spirits. Before the meal began, he checked our preferences for additional dishes, offering options of meat, king crab, or caviar. The king crab he showed us was large and impressive, so I decided to go with that this time. The course for the day was themed around the June festival, "Natsu-goshi no Hara." The first dish was beautifully presented with hydrangeas and a sacred ring, allowing us to appreciate the lovely arrangement before enjoying the meal. Not only do we savor seasonal ingredients, but the dishes also reflect the Japanese traditions and culture passed down through the months, which is a unique charm of "Ginza Shinohara." And of course, I was looking forward to the hassun (seasonal appetizer). The ice pillars, shimenawa (sacred rope), and sakaki (a sacred tree) were beautifully arranged, instantly conveying the essence of June. Ah, when you think of "Ginza Shinohara," you think of this hassun. Before eating, it’s enjoyable just to admire it. As I carefully tasted each piece, I reflected on the beauty of Japanese cuisine and the seasonal events cherished by the Japanese people. Dishes like ayu (sweetfish) sushi and deep-fried abalone were particularly memorable for this season. I enjoyed the entire course, celebrating the month of June through its flavors. The additional dish of king crab that arrived midway was expertly prepared for easy eating. Taking a bite, I savored its concentrated umami and couldn’t help but nod in appreciation. Though it had been a while since my last visit, we reminisced about old times while enjoying the meal. It felt as if it had only been a moment since I last experienced the atmosphere of "Ginza Shinohara" with Mr. Shinohara and the restaurant itself. However, it was not just nostalgia. During these four years, they have continued to welcome many guests, displaying the noren and creating seasonal menus that express Japanese culture and the calendar through their cuisine. It was a visit that felt both familiar and new. While it seemed unchanged, it was not stagnant. Rather than something drastically changing, they have carefully built upon what remains constant over time. This is what I felt anew during this visit. It was a wonderful evening spent with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while, surrounded by dishes reflecting the June calendar, and I was able to share nostalgic stories with Mr. Shinohara. I look forward to visiting again in a different season. It was a great meal! ^ ^ Thank you all for your likes, saves, and warm comments. I hope this helps you in choosing a restaurant!
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