I finally had my long-awaited first visit.I happened to find an opening for lunch on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and since it was a special date and I was with family, I quickly made a reservation for a private room.This lovely hidden gem is located in a quiet residential area. Unlike the bustling famous restaurants in Gion, this place exudes a serene Zen atmosphere.Starting with a cup of pepper tea,I enjoyed a dish representing the Double Ninth Festival, featuring lightly grilled fresh Ise lobster and Hokkaido sea urchin under a chrysanthemum petal blanket. The winter melon, wood ear mushrooms, and myoga added various flavors and textures.Next was the mackerel sushi roll.The matsutake mushroom and Spanish mackerel steamed in a teapot used sacred water from Kamigamo Shrine. The thick, fresh Awaji Spanish mackerel paired beautifully with the rich matsutake from Iwate. The sacred water absorbed the flavors of both, and you could enhance the broth's taste with sudachi lime.The sashimi of Akashi sea bream and milk clam was served with grated turnip, pickled plum, and a broth made from steamed sake, creating a tender and crunchy texture.The grilled hairtail and matsutake mushroom dish represented the transition from summer to autumn.The sweetfish with roe was a seasonal highlight, making it a precious dish.The sesame tofu was lightly grilled, giving it a subtle aroma.The grilled tenderloin of Tanba Wagyu was paired with figs from Joyo and white miso. It was so tender that it melted in my mouth.The lotus root dumpling with sea bream broth was served with ginkgo nuts, and it will gradually turn more yellow.The rice was organic brand rice "Niji no Kirameki" from Saga, sparkling as if a rainbow was appearing. Accompanying it was grilled saury, with two thick pieces that could easily be served as a separate dish.After the rice, I had ochazuke (rice with tea). I expected a regular ochazuke, but it was topped generously with grilled hairtail and matsutake mushrooms. I was truly satisfied and pleasantly full.To finish, I enjoyed roasted chestnuts and chestnut yokan (jelly), accompanied by Chinese white tea. Unlike regular tea, this white tea is brewed rather than whisked, and its lightly roasted flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet chestnuts.I will definitely visit again someday.
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