Dinner at Mitsuyasu, Kaiseki Restaurant

“Kaiseki Ryori” is an elaborate dining style popular among aristocratic circles. Kyoto-style Kaiseki Ryori (Kyo Kaiseki) is particularly refined, placing an emphasis on subtle flavors and local and seasonal ingredients. A “Kaiseki” meal has a prescribed order of courses which is determined by the cooking method of each dish.

Another special treat in a very special place — Mitsuyasu (光安) is a small restaurant housed in an old machiya. And when I say small, I mean small. There are only two tables (yes, two = 2) for lunch and again two tables for dinner, each for a maximum of six persons. Reservation only. And despite this “exclusivity”, the place is surprisingly affordable.

So, we had to reserve our table more than a month ahead (we actually forgot about it and were called by the restaurant, but this is another story . . .)

The place is a beautifully renovated old machiya located north of Nijo Castle. We had a private room for ourselves in a very nice and select setting. There is no menu, no choice, just the chef’s selection (except if there is anything one cannot eat). And after being asked what we wanted to drink, the dishes started to come one after another. And kept coming, one after another.

For our drink, we asked for a dry hot sake and were served one called Kinpo (Fukushima pref.) I’m not much of a Sake guy, but it was quite good.

And here is what we had for the dinner. Needless to say, we enjoyed it very much.