I am still processing one of the best trips I have ever taken. Our two weeks in Japan created a lifetime of memories. One of my favorite activities in this life is to enjoy a fine meal with my sweetheart; we have never once ran out of things to talk about. My husband is also excellent at sharing bites and being excited about trying new things. Here is a quick review of four of our favorite top-notch restaurant experiences from our trip.
Dinner and Dancing
In a city that has the largest population on Earth, we were shocked to find moments of feeling like we were the only two people in the world.
I have always been fascinated by Noh theater and Kabuki. I felt like I hit the jackpot and found Suigian, a restaurant offering traditional Japanese cuisine and performing arts. We were welcomed warmly into the beautiful space; we immediately noticed only one other couple was in attendance. It was like a private dinner for us, complete with the most beautiful dancing. We were right in front of the stage and I almost time traveled.
The Hype is to be Heeded
When we discovered that the very first restaurant to ever offer teppanyaki (in 1945!) is still up and running, we knew we had to try it. After a superb day at the sumo tournament, I was ready to eat! Misono is located in a Shinjuku skyscraper on the 51st floor. (Many, many Nakatomi Plaza jokes were made.) The views were spectacular and the service lightning quick.
We proceeded to have one of the most delicious meals of our lives, including, what we both agreed, was the best bite we have ever had...and that is saying a lot.
The only knock on this place is that we were rushed a bit, I would have liked to savor that perfect meal a little bit longer.
Deer and Stars and Gin, Oh My
After a morning spent touring Nara, a city ruled by the world's tamest deer, we had a reservation for lunch at La Terrasse, our third experience at a Michelin Star restaurant. As is always the gamble when doing a group tour, we had members who were late for our designated start time. We waited for them, thus causing a ripple effect with the itinerary. In the words of Kate Bush, we found ourselves Running Up That Hill (in the 90 degree heat) in order to make our reservation. We did, but I fear that the hostess thought I was going to drop! After we settled in, got some cool drinks (a local strawberry gin and tonic that I still dream about) and had our first bite, we knew we were in for a treat.
From the website:
In pursuit of French cuisine that suits the Japanese palate,
we offer dishes that bring out the maximum flavor of the ingredients,
detailed and bold presentation, and unforgettable hospitality...
all about comfort.
Before our meal even started, one of the staff brought out a tray filled to the brim with farm fresh ingredients that they would be cooking that day. It was so impressive.
Each bite was better than the last and we felt like we were long lost family members. We tried our best to express our sheer joy with out terrible Japanese, and I don't think I have ever felt more welcome in a restaurant. This was another situation where we had a huge part of the dining room to ourselves, and it felt like a beautiful romantic lunch for two.
Everything was absolutely beautiful and scrumptious. Oishi desu, indeed!
Ninja Magic
Full disclosure: I learned about this restaurant from reading about Kim Kardashian going there earlier this year. The hot celebrity goss is my guilty pleasure. We scheduled our dinner at Ninja Tokyo for our final night. What an ending to a magical trip! After going through a little ninja training and winding our way through a few tunnels and stairs, we arrived at our private booth and were greeted by the first of many ninjas.
Courses were artfully plated and usually served tableside with a little ninja magic. Lots of fires and tricks and I loved every minute of the entire night.
What is your all-time favorite bite? Do you have an adventurous palate?
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