Dinner at Takahashi Kentaro (髙橋 謙太郎)

Dinner at Takahashi Kentaro (髙橋 謙太郎)

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One of Osaka's most sought-after sushi restaurants, I had been looking forward to visiting this place for a long time!As I passed through the entrance, which had a charming atmosphere that felt unexpected for a building, I was greeted by a beautiful counter and a serene ambiance. While it exuded luxury, it was not overly formal, and the chef welcomed us with a smile.The course featured a style where dishes and nigiri alternated.We started with a cold soup made from sweetfish.The flavor was refined, highlighting the aroma and slight bitterness of the sweetfish while stripping away any unnecessary elements. From the very first dish, I could feel the essence of Kentaro Takahashi's approach, which focuses on the ingredients themselves.The nigiri, including Meichidai, turban shell, white sweetfish, and white shrimp, was all exceptional.Each piece brought out the natural sweetness and umami of the fish without adding excessive flavors.The new season fish was particularly soft, and the delicate umami blended beautifully with the rice. The nigiri melted gently in my mouth, making it easy to continue eating without fatigue.The abalone and the soup also showcased a gentle flavor that highlighted the characteristics of each ingredient.One standout was the nodoguro rice bowl.With a perfect cooking technique that retained moisture, the elegant fat of the nodoguro melded beautifully with the rice. It had a rich umami without being heavy, making me want to have another bowl.The bonito was surprisingly simple, seasoned only with salt.This minimalist approach allowed the natural aroma and umami of the bonito to shine. It was a bold and confident piece that could only come from a chef who believes in the quality of their ingredients.The purple sea urchin was rich and creamy without any off-flavors. The mackerel sushi and the fluffy anago were also outstanding.Towards the end, we had thick rolls, thin rolls with fatty tuna, and tamago. The thick roll, with its perfectly balanced flavors and textures, was a satisfying dish until the very last bite.Throughout the meal, I was impressed not only by the high quality of the fish but also by the exquisite craftsmanship that did not overshadow its natural goodness.The balance of saltiness, fat, moisture, and temperature was meticulously calculated, yet the overall taste felt wonderfully natural.Despite having a considerable number of dishes from appetizers to nigiri, rolls, and desserts, I surprisingly felt light and comfortable after the meal.The warm personality of the chef and the enjoyable atmosphere for conversation made it easy to understand why this place is so popular and hard to book.It was a memorable sushi experience where I could fully enjoy the inherent deliciousness of the ingredients.I would love to visit again!It was a great meal!

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