I had heard for ages that there was a popular wine-focused izakaya in Kanda, but the location is a bit awkward and reservations are hard to get, so I never managed to go. It was only when the long summer ended and the wind turned cold that I finally made it. Walking in at my reservation time, the place was smaller than I expected, but it was packed with people.
Otoshi
Bread with herbs kneaded in, and it is tasty.
Sparkling rose
Looking at the wine list, there were plenty of wines with good value for money, but with only two of us a bottle seemed like too much, so we ordered by the glass. Not bad for the price.
Assorted appetizers
The ratatouille was nicely tangy and delicious. The rest was ordinary. They say this place gets vegetables picked that same morning delivered and cooks with them, which is why the vegetables taste so incredible.
The kitchen
Small and busy. Even after ordering, it took a while for things to come out.
Grilled vegetables
It seemed to be the signature dish, so I ordered it. All the other vegetables were good too, but the lotus root was especially crunchy and just amazing. So this is what vegetables picked that morning taste like.
Ham hanging in the kitchen
One was ham made in Japan and the other was Spanish, they said, but both had a funky, musty flavor that I did not care for much.
Grilled pacific saury coated in breadcrumbs and herbs
The saury was nice and fatty. Crisp on the outside, and the flesh just melts away. I should try making this at home.
Chicken cream gratin
This seemed to be the house signature dish, as every other table was ordering it. The rich flavor was superb.
Pate de campagne
The photo does not really show it, but it is incredibly thick. It seemed to be made from liver and beans, and the rugged flavor had the red wine going down glass after glass. First time I have had such a wonderful wine snack.
Fantastic lacquered chopsticks
These are the lifetime-warranty chopsticks by a lacquerware craftsman that I received as a gift that day. Thank you so much for such a wonderful present! I will treasure them for life!