Bozu

Bozu is one of the sweetest spots in Brooklyn, serving Japanese tapas or small plates which can be paired with Bozu's choice array of saki. Bozu (meaning bald or monk in Japanese) also calls itself a kajitsu-shu or an infusion house, offering 20 different kinds of fruit infusions.


296 Grand Street
 Brooklyn, NY 
T. 718-384-7770.

Blue Ribbon Sushi

A perennial favourite, a friend that never disappoints. Dedicated to producing a casual yet innovative dining experience for lovers of sushi and passers by. Moreover visits to Japanese restaurants always allow me to try a glass or 2 (sometimes 3) of one of my much liked spirits -sake.

Aoyagi Sashimi - live orange clam
Ayu Sushi - sweet fish
Spicy Lobster Roll
Uni

accompanied by 2 delicious Sakes:

Shima Zaki, Ginjo "Uroko"
Kokuryu, Daiginjo "Black Dragon"


119 Sullivan Street
New York, NY
Tel: 212 343 0404

The' Adore

My love Katya,
This is an ode to your
blonde
loveliness, your
little body
that fits into a tea cup.

Made in the
Tri State area.

You ran to
meet me in the rain
at the Spring street station
on the C line. Your
tresses
wet
with rain drops.

The tea salon is lovely
I love
drinking tea with you
And orange juice with
a few ice cubes. For you.
The magenta flower
is for you.


The' Adore
a Japanese tea salon
17 E 13th St
New York, NY 10003
Tel: 212 243 8742

The Kitchen Club

The Kitchen Club is an East meets West fusion restaurant on Prince street in fashionable Soho. The 30's somethings chef and owner Marja Samson's (a Dutch performance artist) Japanese inflected menu is suitable for those that want to fit into the tiny dresses that are sold in chic boutiques near by. What struck me most was the decor - carefree shades of yellows and blues. And the beautiful photographs on those sun lit walls!

30 Prince St # 1
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 274-0025

Type: Japanese Fusion
Expensively overpriced.

Kai

This restaurant sadly closed in late 2009. As it was an incredible example of a fine Japanese Kaiseki, I will always keep this review.

Kai is owned by Itoen from Japan, one of the largest tea companies in the world. It is discreetly located a floor above the company's flagship tea salon which has an incredible selection of teas from India, Sri Lanka, China and Japan. In kaiseki cuisine which dates back to the 16th century, only fresh seasonal ingredients are used, prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavour. Today it has been elevated into an art form that observes the harmony between food and nature and can comprise of ingredients which include fish, meats, vegetables, and noodles. Great care is also taken in selecting these ingredients along with the serving ware which is chosen to enhance the appearance and seasonal theme of the meal. Dishes are beautifully arranged and garnished, often with leaves and flowers as part of this experience.

Personally, Kai is one of the most elegant restaurants in Gotham both in terms of it's service, fare and decor. The dishes can be accompanied by a variety of teas or an elegant array of sakes listed on their beverage menu. With it's sophistication in design and arrangement, this Japanese kaiseki is an oasis of tranquility. A must for admirers of harmony, beauty, wabisabi and elegantly prepared Japanese fare.


Kai was formerly located at:

822 Madison Ave
on 69th Street, New York City
Tel: (212) 988-7277

Jewel Bako

The restaurant comprises of two beautiful rooms or jewel boxes with a wine bar connected to the restaurant. Both of these exquisite places are presided over by the very debonair Jack Lamb and his wife Grace. Delicate silver chairs, low lighting, some of the best sushi chefs in the city, an extremely stylish and knowledgeable staff and the sake list carries some very rare sakes along with a choice of seasonal selections.

Jewel Bako is reserved for those that are are into high quality sushi, sake and an incredible experience. For me, it is one of the top 5 sushi houses in the city.

239 E. 5th St., New York, NY 10003
between Second and Third Aves.
tel: 212-979-1012

Naka Naka

I was looking for a restaurant for the evening and wasn't in the mood for the usual. Definitely something Japanese... Naka Naka is tiny, maybe a little bigger than most New York city apartments. Little details like Origami on the tables, subdued woodwork and a great sound system give this restaurant a very refined elegance.

First course:
Shungiko goma-ae,
Mame Aji nan-ban zuke
Okara

2nd course:
Sashimi morianawe

Dessert:
Mochi and Antnitcu

All washed down with Ichanokura Taru, a sake with an incredibly refreshing aroma of Japanese cedar. This is not a restaurant that is trying to outdo itself by it's decor, sake list or even it's food. But all three come together like a piece of Japanese tanka.

458 W 17th St
New York, NY 10011
tel: (212) 929-8544