I had lunch today at a Japanese restaurant in St James's called
Matsuri. I've never had Japanese food before, and being a somewhat, ahem, conservative eater, I wasn't sure quite what to expect. it all turned out to be quite spectacular, with flames leaping off the platter. It even tasted good too, although my taste buds are not exactly at their most receptive today. I can highly recommend it.
Matsuri, flames leaping, you must have been sitting at the Teppanyaki. Did you partake of the Teppanyaki cooked ice-cream?
ReplyDeleteIain,
ReplyDeleteI would say to you, and anyone else who has never tried Japanese cuisine, you don't know what you have been missing all this time.
I used to do a lot of business in Japan. I introduced the cuisine to my family and friends some 20-plus years ago.
The favourite for a dinner party is Shabu Shabu (aka Steam Boat). Fantastic!
Letter in todays DT.
ReplyDeleteSIR – I am reminded of a joyous excerpt from the memoirs of the late Robert Morley in which he and the actress Molly Picon were travelling in Japan.
Morley recalls: “After the raw fish and other beastliness, Miss Picon was asked if there was anything else she wanted, to which she replied, yes, a doctor, and for me at any rate, the evening was made.”
Felicity Foulis Brown
Bramley, Hampshire
I've been to Japan several times. I love the food out there I must say. such a variety of cuisines. But I must say, Vietnamese cuisine can offer some wonderful dishes, especially if you like seafood.
ReplyDeleteI have noted the name of this place.
Ever seen 'Tampopo'? Highly recommended.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092048/
Have you tried monkey brains. I am told they are very good.
ReplyDeleteJohnny,
ReplyDeleteI take it you don't mean the Cabinet. We've tried them all right but they're really not good at all.
Pleased you enjoyed it. I ate at a Japanese restaurant called The JinJa Tree in Bawtry on New Year's Eve and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I am led to believe that sashimi is actually the raw fish and not the sushi but I may be picked up on that.
ReplyDeleteDon't Japs have an incredible life expectancy due mainly to the diet being remarkably healthy?
ReplyDeleteAh, good stuff - looks quite reasonable for the old pocket too.
"I've never had Japanese food before..."
ReplyDeleteJust stay away from the fugu, you'll be fine.. ;)
Clams Linguini forget to mention that monkey brains obtained from the cabinet would be absurdly expensive. One would have to kill 16 of them to get a pound of brains.
ReplyDeleteTry "Yoisho" in Goodge Street.
ReplyDeleteEnded up there by mistake, couldn't understand the menu or waiters and was stuffed downstairs with the rest of the unwashed. However - the food was good.
Umm. The selection of the live fish from a tank and then its filleting in front me was an experience I will always treasure! LOL. That said the grub was delicious.
ReplyDeleteJapanese food is so delicious - and so healthy! I highly recommend Sakura in Hanover Square. The food is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYoisho is fantastic but you do have to be confident with the menu; incredible gyoza. Sakura is a more friendly place with good food and the prospect of seeing Paul Weller, a plus or a minus you decide. Even better Japanese food can be found at Tatsuso and of course Nobu. I can also recommend several good sushi bars if you want.
ReplyDeleteBe careful of that foreign muck! They put garlick on everything, don't y'know?
ReplyDelete(I see the Tory party's discovery of the modern world is accelerating. Next on the list - colour television)
What about the air miles in sending it all over here. Do you not feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteYou should source and eat local.
Curry, Donor Kabab etc.
You've been living a sheltered life Iain! All Asian food is delicious and mostly very healthy. Best sushi I've had is (Japan obviously) Tokyo central railway station.
ReplyDeleteOh and thanks all for the London recommendations.