Oh I'm well and truly in "Japan zone" right now.... we are about 9 days into shooting my new book with just 3 more to go (exhausting - but it is looking amazing thanks to some very talented people) and its now only 4 weeks until I'll be winging my way back to Kyoto. Its only appropriate that I add a few pics here of one of my favourite izakaya's - Shinme (on Senbon Dori). Excellent food - including some of the freshest seafood I have eaten in Kyoto. Delicate textures, very well balanced flavours, friendly family run business ( although they are a little wary of foreigners at first but if you speak a few words of Japanese you will get by), old school vibe. Oh, and the sake ain't bad either.
A little starter of seafood, broad beans and seaweed simmered in dash
Yawaraka (tender, melt in the mouth i.e. not chewy) Sashimi and a rather large oyster..
Terrific tempura including fish spine
My friend nodoguro - "black throat" fish - best fish ever - flesh tastes as though it has been poached in butter!
Rice, tsukemono (pickles) and chirimen jakko - tiny, teeny sardines with soy and sansho
**To find the restaurant - go the the Senbon Dori and Nakadachiuri dori intersection. Walk north on the left (west) side of the street for about a minute and its on your left - an older style building with stonework around the base and the upper half is painted white with black Kanji (Japanese characters) on the front. If at the Senbon Dori/Imadegawa dori intersection - walk south and it will be on the right hand side of the street.
Thank for inspiring review. We will be in Kyoto next week. How can we to get to this izakaya, please?
ReplyDeletenwa
Hello there - I am just checking the details for you! However,it is near the Nishijin area (N/W Kyoto city) - on Senbon Dori on the west side of the street only a few buildings north of a particular intersection.... which I could give you if I could remember the name of the street! Soon I promise. It is worth seeking out. Must get back there myself soon - thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteCheers, J
Please see updated blog post - the details are at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane
ReplyDeleteI will be there next couple day!
My pleasure.
ReplyDelete