Tokyo Observations

Another visit, more discoveries. M&M loved it too.

• Gochizen (Minato-ku): with so many restaurants to choose from in Tokyo it isn't surprising that they must find a niche; here it is best quality organic veggies and a special breed of pork supplied directly from a farm. First up was a bagna cauda with an assortment of vegetables, most notably this green leafy mache-looking vegetable with what looked like a solidified mist covering its surface. Then came the house specialty which was roast rolled filet of pork with forest mushrooms and clarified butter with baby leek and chives. 
• Sushi Kanesaka (Ginza): sushi-master Takao Ishiyama took good care of us with highlights like baby sardine with salt & yuzu, then a Spanish mackerel with chive oil, and a sea urchin that came au naturelle; we washed this down with a creamy foamy beer, then some recommended sake.
• Kawakami an (Aoyama): a very local place with a very sophi crowd, just hang a right before the Franc Franc store, down the lane. In a small, multi-story house with top floor outdoor terrace; great for small dishes, including a very cool baby weiners and mustard, but best know for its soba. Colleagues asked for the special noodle sauce, made with walnuts.
• Bamboo (Nishi Azabu): a very casual little izakaya suggested by Quinn on one of my favorite little Tokyo streets, full of cozy and intimate restaurants, probably wonderful in winter. This was just a stop off on the way to dinner, so we had a beer, fried prawns & spicy mayo, then some octopus sashimi & wasabi.
• Ukai-tei (Ginza): a good Teppanyaki place recommended by colleagues for next time.
• Kigoji (Ginza): good for shabu-shabu....again, next time.