Monday, November 19, 2012

Tokyo, Japan: RyuGin


 
As soon as RyuGin made the leap to three Michelin stars last year, I knew we had to dine there during our trip to Tokyo. Situated within walking distance from the Roppongi metro station, this hidden gem can be found by locating the dragon statue near the front door. As soon as we pushed the sliding door, we were immediately greeted by the hostess and escorted to our table.

 
The decor was traditional Japanese with dragon-themed plates adoring the room.

Autumn Menu
 
There is only one tasting menu unless you reserve a table after 9:00pm for the a la carte menu which consists of 50 different kinds of dishes. The tasting menu is 23,100 yen per person not including the service fee. For two diners, a glass of champagne and a bottle of Japanese wine, the total cost was 70,000 yen.
 
Note: A bottle of Japanese wine is quite expensive, averaging around 12,000 yen. I would recommend skipping the bottle of wine altogether. More on that later.
 
The tasting consisted of alternating hot and cold dishes.

Hot: Variation of Autumn Vegetables with Pine Nuts dressing

Cold: Soft "Simmered Abalone" and "Blue Crab" with "Wakame Seaweed and Apple Vinegar Jelly"

Hot: Abalone Broth Hot Soup

Hot: Premium "Sea Urchins" from HOKKAIDO in Lace Wrapping Rarely Deep fried with "Edamame Beans Paste"

Cold: "Grilled Mushrooms" Cold Soup

Hot: "Ichiban Dashi" Soup with Grilled "Thorn Head" and "Matsutake Mushrooms" in Autumn Presentation

 
Cold: Today's Assortment of Sashimi RyuGin style

Hot: Autumn Colors in a plate... Grilled "Sea Perch", Eggplant, Chestnuts, Ginko Nuts, RyuGin presentation

Hot: Simmered preparation Soft "Octopus" and lightly fried "Sea Scallops" with Autumn Vegetables

Hot: Chef Yamamoto's Specialite
Sanuki Wagyu Beef "Sirloin" and "Matsutake Mushrooms" in Sukiyaki style with "Crispy Poched Egg"
"Edamame Beans" Rice and "Shrimp Broth" Red Miso Soup

Cold: "Two Grapes"


Hot hojicha (roasted green tea)
 
Cold: Grilled "Ginjou Sake" "Oyaki Souffle" with "Egg" Soft Cream

Matcha

As you can tell toward the end of the meal, my photos were not as clear as in the beginning. Why? I was drunk out of my mind. No joke!
 
I attempted to drink the few ounces of Japanese wine left from a bottle that costs nearly $150! By the time I got to the dessert dishes, I was nearly drunk and couldn't maintain focus. If you bring a camera with the intention to take clear photos, don't drink and shoot.
 
Though I failed miserably at the end, this was one of the best meals of the year. Tastings that left me plastered at the end of the night are the ones that I remember the most. This meal is up there with Alinea, Tickets and miniBar. Without a doubt, I always come home smiling.
 

RyuGin
Side Roppongi Bldg, 1st Floor
7-17-24 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo 102-0032

2 comments:

amanda said...

wow! what a food and what an experience you've got! Can I share mine too? :) This happened when we visited Singapore..We didn't experience the what we call "physical searching" 'coz this site helps me a lot in finding local restaurants in Singapore! http://restaurant-match.com/..but we do experience the good food! :) thanks for the share!!

PS..what's the taste of the Simmered Abalone" and "Blue Crab" with "Wakame Seaweed and Apple Vinegar Jelly"? :)

Lauren Jane said...

Absolutely wonderful pictures. Great post. Really enjoy your blog

www.hungrytravelstyle.com

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