Thread: The Japan trip is set

Japan is a tough nut to crack, in addition to the language barrier. The top restaurants are extremely xenophobic - my only guess is they are afraid 'outsiders' won't fully understand nor appreciate the food.

As a non-Tokyo guy (let's not even get into being white), I won't be able to eat at the two storied sushi masters. Impossible - it won't happen unless I attend with a regular. Even if you are Japanese, but do not have a Tokyo accent, they will deny you - no amount of money, fame, or determination will matter - you must go with a regular customer in good standing.

That said, relationships are *everything* for the best restaurants. To give you an idea:

- I have a business card from a sushi restuarant in Toronto (recently visited) with a note in Japanese scribbled on the back. I am supposed to go to a restaurant in Kyoto, no reservations, present it upon entering, and I will be taken care of. Talk about a leap of faith.


My itinerary:

Tokyo
- Koju - one of nine restaurants awarded three Michelin stars, a younger guy making perfect food. (I have a card to give to him too in hopes of getting even more perfect food.)

- Sushi Masa - off-the-radar sushi master, rivaling the two I can not get into. They seem to be English friendly (but I do have a card for them too!)

- Sushi Kyubei - awarded one Michelin star, several branches around town (not uncommon in Tokyo), many have said it among the best for the accessible places.

- Ryu-gin - 2 Michelin stars, many have said this is among the best meals in Japan. A very original mix of experimental food and classic kaiseki dishes. This is the next "it" restaurant in the foodie scene - it's beginning to get a lot of coverage.

- Shima - a go-happy English speaking guy that serves some of the best beef in Japan.


Kyoto
- Hyotei - rumored to be one of Japan's finest restaurants. You get your own tatami room overlooking a garden. It's a 12-course classic highly-formalized ultra-traditional kaiseki meal - where the ingredients are seasonal, sometimes to the *day*. Prices *start* at $400/person - you tell them how high you want to go! ($600 for me, we'll see what that gets me.)

- Komameya - a yuba (milk skin off of tofu) tasting menu - strange.


Those are the major places. Some of the cheaper places include:

Tokyo
- Nodaiwa - supposedly the best eel in the city, served simply over rice
- Butagomi Tonkatsu - fried Iberian ham, it can't get much better
- Menya Musashi - one of the best bowls of ramen in the city


It will be a crazy two weeks! I have a feeling that my whole world-view of dining will change substantially.

- chuck

That sounds awesome Chuck. I'm excited to see how it turns out.

BTW, going to Sushi Yasuda in two weeks!

:jealous:

bring me back some cool sneakers... sz 11

I am jealous to say the least; not only will you be sampling some of the best sushi in the world, but specific visits for eel, ramen, beef and fried Iberian ham.

I will be very interested to hear about the formalities/exchanges involved with presenting the cards.

wow I'm in awe just reading your post...sounds amazing....the business card thing sounds crazy cool though...let us know how it turns out, and if you are allowed please snap some photos of these meals....hope you enjoy it...I just found I may be going to Japan for work soon, so maybe I'll hit you up for recommendations

and for some reason my Sicilian pizza this afternoon just isn't going to cut it any more

Good Luck and have a safe trip, remember no pics and it didnt happen so I hope them boyz let you take some photos.

Wow- that sounds so great. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

CJ

Amazing Chuck! Japan is BY FAR the best trip i have ever been on. I am SO excited for you!!!

I can't wait for the pics!