Hyperlocal Tokyo

I visited for my monthly lunch outing. The incredibly delicious matsutake rice was simply made with fresh shiitake mushrooms rubbed with salt and mixed into freshly cooked rice. I was able to enjoy a full autumn menu, including chilled steamed figs, a pot of Nagoya Cochin chicken and eight types of mushrooms sourced by the chef from Azumino. Even the final cup of green tea was superb.

I visited "Koran" in Ginza, invited by a friend. Mr. Igarashi, who used to run a members-only restaurant with unique rules, opened this new place in September. It's a small, cozy space where you can enjoy his delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. It's located just a 2-3 minute walk from Ginza Station, behind Matsuya Ginza. The restaurant is primarily by invitation only, mainly for those who have a pre-existing connection with Mr. Igarashi. You can enjoy seasonal dishes at a large table, watch the chefs prepare the food through a small window in the kitchen, and chat with Mr. Igarashi. It's a warm and gentle dining experience. Here's what I remember from the menu: * Shogenji mushrooms, Shimo-furi mushrooms, Chagame Nagatake mushrooms, braised abalone from Yamaguchi, shrimp, eggplant * Matsutake mushrooms from Tatsu-no, Nagano, hamo (pike conger), chrysanthemum * Tai (sea bream) from Akashi (1.3 kg), swordfish * Grilled katsuo (skipjack tuna) from Goto Islands * Chestnut in syrup, ginkgo nuts, Chinese water chestnut * Black figs, kabosu (citrus fruit) * Unagi (eel) from Amakusa (700 grams) * Eboshi-dai (fish), chrysanthemum (motenohka), ginger vinegar * Koutake mushrooms, Kuritake mushrooms, Hanai-guchi mushrooms, Buna-hari-take mushrooms, Sendai beef sirloin * Seri (Japanese parsley), Tosabuntan (citrus fruit) * Cold 100% buckwheat soba noodles * Koshihikari rice from Niigata (old variety), Matsutake mushrooms * Cyan grapes, Shine Muscat grapes, Pione grapes, Nagano Purple grapes, Ballard pears, lemon verbena jelly, Arita mandarin oranges, Japanese peppermint, ginger I can't remember the exact dish names, just the ingredients, but it was something like this. All the dishes were heartwarming and comforting. Unlike the meticulously crafted menus of his previous restaurant, these dishes had a roundness and gentle flavor. I was very satisfied. I'll definitely visit again. Thank you for the delicious meal! ^ ^

I was invited by a friend and visited for the first time. There are some restrictions, like needing a reservation for at least four people, but the quality is so high that it's understandable. The food is elaborate Japanese cuisine, with each dish delicately seasoned, making it perfect for a formal gathering. I was thrilled to be able to try fugu milt and white sea bream. It was a truly enjoyable dining experience.

I had the pleasure of dining at Ginza Kouran again recently and enjoyed Mr. Igarashi's delicious cuisine. I look forward to returning soon.

You can enjoy wonderful Japanese cuisine.