Showing posts with label 2 Michelin Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 Michelin Stars. Show all posts

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Kikunoi 菊乃井@Akasaka Tokyo ★★

2 Michelin Stars Kaiseki Restaurant. Exquisite plating with seasonal ingredients carefully handcrafted. Crab was fresh and amazing. Original restaurant in Kyoto. The restaurant also has its own sake with a nice taste. 44,000 yen per person. 500 yen for togo packing with nice packaging. Reservation can be made via myconciergejapan.com with an additional handling fee [developing story]

Hassun
Assortment of Appetizers

Welcome Sake

Sake Cup Made from bottom of Gourd

Welcome Sake

Welcome Sake

Kikunoi (Restaurant Brand) Junmai Daiginjo 2,750 yen

Kikunoi (Restaurant Brand) Junmai Daiginjo 2,750 yen

Choku
Sekogani Crab Shell Stuffed w/ Sticky Rice

Hassun
Assortment of Appetizers


Kenzo Napa Wine also available

Mukouzuke 1
Sashimi of Butterfish & Tai (Red Sea Bream), Wasabi, Chrysanthemum Petals, Curled Carrot & Daikon Raddish

Mukouzuke2
Sashimi of Maguro (Bluefin Tuna), Mustard, Soy Sauce Marinated Egg Yolk Sauce

Soy Sauce Marinated Egg Yolk Sauce for Sashimi

Futamono
Steamed Shrimp & Scallops Gingo Nuts Dumpling, Tied Carrot, Yuzu Shaped Like a Pine Needle, Chrysanthemum Petals, Chrysanthemum Leaf, Starchy Sauce

Minaki Gokugen (limited edition of 1,000 bottles) 55,000 yen (720mL)

Minaki Gokugen

Minaki Gokugen

Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Sake in Crab Shell with Kani Miso

Kani Miso & Crab Meat

Kani Miso & Crab Meat, Sake w/ Kani Miso

Sake w/ Kani Miso

Sake w/ Kani Miso


Yakimono
Grilled Crab, Fried Walnuts

Nakacyoku
Tofu in a Yuzu Bowl, Yuzu Miso


Shiizakana
Hot Pot of Quail Meatball w/ Grated Daikon Radish, Quail Meats, Turnip, Taro, Carrot, Burdock, Green Onion, Mushroom, Turnip Greens Leaf

Gohan Tomewan
Steamed Rice w/ Salmon Roe
Napa Cabbage Soup, Soy Milk Skin, Black Pepper

Gohan Tomewan
Steamed Rice w/ Salmon Roe
Napa Cabbage Soup, Soy Milk Skin, Black Pepper

Tsukemono (Pickled Vegetables)

Napa Cabbage Soup, Soy Milk Skin, Black Pepper


Mizumono
Daishiro Persimmon Splashed w/ Brandy

Togo Packaging (500 yen)

菊乃井 赤坂店
赤坂6丁目13-8 Minato, 東京都 〒107-0052 Japan
03 3568 6055
kikunoi.jp


Thursday, November 2, 2023

n/naka@Palms Los Angeles ★★★

2 Michelin Stars Modern Kaiskei. Incredible. Visually Enticing. Tastefully Appetizing. A philosophic journey. A progression that guides you into a story gradually and finishes well. Everything is balanced and well-connected with perfect portion and variety. They don't have the Michelin arrogance. They value holistic customer experience rather than how much a customer spend on a bottle of wine. Niki Nakyama is very humble and friendly. I came when they first opened in 2011. She treats us like old neighbors. Pasta is her signature dish; hence, it’s modern kaiseki. Devin is an exceptional sommelier and always provides us with beyond outstanding service. 十四代 Juyondai Sake was phenomenal. Fruity & refreshing with a hint of carbonation and notes of melon. They only get 3 bottles per year. They even take care of customers' breakfast for the next morning with special pastry and handcrafted tea. Whole restaurant has great team service. One can tell that the team is pretty close. 3.5 hours dinner. Course $310 per person. Corkage fee $85. Limited free street parking or valet. Reservations on Tock and are very hard to book.


Our favorite Niki Nakayama



Juyondai $450


Celebratory Drink

Celebratory Drink

Welcome Drink with Apple & Thyme Infusion



Sakizuke
Japanese Scallop, Autumn Carrot, Sunflower Seeds, Tosazu Gelee, Dill, Kombu Oil

Zensai
Fig Tempura, Wagyu Beef Curry, Wakame & Cucumber Nuta, Celery & Truffle Vinaigrette, Tamagoyaki & California Spiny Lobster, Mirugai, Oregon Matsutake Mushroom Tea

Mordern Zukuri (Sashimi Dish made w/ West Coast Ingredients)
Santa Barbara Uni, California Spiny Lobster, Matsutake Mushroom from Oregon, Butternut Squash from Chef Niki's backyard, Pine Nuts, Spruce Oil, Sudachi

Owan
Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), Kabocha Dashi, Opo Squash

Owan
Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper), Kabocha Dashi, Opo Squash

Otsukuri
Tai (Sea Bream), Otoro, Maguro, Kushi Oyster from Japan

Yakimono
Amadai (Japanese Tile Fish), Celeriac Purée, Tomatillo & Black Garlic, Ponzu, Cabbage Glass Chips


Mushimono
Ika & Little Neck Clam Shinjo, Satoimo, Fennel, Nori & Yuzu Dashi




Shiizakana
Spaghetti, Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe, Truffle

Niku
A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef, Fig MIso, Shiitake Purée, Charcoal-Roasted Maitake Mushroom


Sunomono (Palette Cleanser)
Shinko Pear, Fuyū Persimmon, Tapioca, Ginger Dashi, Ao Tosaka
Yuzu Sake


White Miso Soup



Shokuji
Nigiri Sushi – Hirame, Otoro, Sawara (Spanish Mackerel)

Mirugai, Kamasu, Uni Ikura

Blue Crab Hand Roll

Mizumono
Granny Smith Apple Sorbet, Sorrel, Nata de Coco, Shiso & Yuzu Granita

Poached Pear, Hojicha & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Kinako Butter Cookie Crumble, Soy Caramel

"The last drop is the best drop." – Someone from Fifth Taste

Monsoon & Juyondai comparison

Monsoon & Juyondai comparison


Mochi

Chocolate

Matcha

Commemorative Celebratory Photo signed by Niki

Our favorite Sommelier Devin!

n/naka
3455 S Overland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 836-6252
n-naka.com