As with most things in Japan; we got back to our hotel efficiently. We were a bit tired from the days activities and after a short nap; we decided to stay in the neighborhood for dinner. The Missus was still in "Yakiniku mode" and we had asked Chef Murata (or at least Reiko had) for a nearby recommendation.
He recommended a place named Sansei...….which caught me by surprise, since I'm a Sansei.
The restaurant is located right on the main street; in the lower level of one of the business buildings lining Shinjuku-dori.
The restaurant it self is fairly small, but comfortable. We were seated at the bar and given menus, which the Missus was able to start translating. When the young lady heard us talking we were given English menus, but by that time we were ready to order.
But first, a nama biiru (draft beer), which was nice and refreshing. The Missus ordered some kind of ginseng beer, maekju, which arrived on ice.
A brazier was delivered to the bar; with lit charcoal in it. We were wondering if we'd end up smelling like grilled meat; but a panel was opened up on the bar which did a great job sucking out the charcoal smoke.
We weren't super hungry, so here's what we ended up ordering.
Mushrooms, which came drizzled with gochujang.
I enjoyed the gyutan, the best. It came sliced a bit thicker than usual, but with the wonderful marbling it grilled up nicely. Crisp edges, toothsome centers, and really absorbed the smokiness of the charcoal real well.
The Missus had fallen in love with horumon during a previous visit to Tokyo, so of course we just had to order the offal combination.
The horumon arrived with a typical slightly sweet-salty marinade of sorts. It was bit on the tough side; even for intestines. The Missus enjoyed the liver, never a favorite of mine.
Overall, we enjoyed the yakiniku we had earlier in the trip at Horumon Dedesuke mmore. But this wasn't bad. Plus, it was rather close to our hotel.
Sansei Yotsuyahonten
3-3, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, 160-0004
I ended the evening like I often do when on vacation; with a couple of "cold ones".
The Suiyoubi No Neko; literally "Wednesday Cat" was a fairly enjoyable Belgian White, very "wheaty", with hints of orange and clove.
This time around; the Missus joined me, having some Sparkling Sake and I finished off with a Hitachino.
And some yuba snacks we got in Nikko....which we actually enjoyed much more than the actual yuba we ate for lunch!
We just relaxed and enjoyed our last evening in Japan.
It had gone by so fast......
this sansei literally means mountain star instead of third generation:)
Posted by: kat | Monday, 17 September 2018 at 04:26 AM
Thanks for the clarification Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 17 September 2018 at 06:48 AM
They sell the cat beer at Bevmo nowadays. Hitachino has a brewpub in Akihabara. Yokohama koubou makes good beef tongue.
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 17 September 2018 at 12:41 PM
I gotta get back to Koubou Junichi, it's been a while. We've been to the Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihibara:
http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2016/11/tokyo-otakou-honten-and-a-visit-to-the-hitachino-brewing-lab.html
I also want to check out their beer & Wagyu shop they opened in San Francisco next time we're there.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 17 September 2018 at 12:58 PM
Hi Kirk. Thought I'd dig through some of your past posts for ideas. Excited to be taking my 14-year-old son back to Tokyo in December. We are staying just east of Akihabara. My stomach is already rumbling several months out. :)
Posted by: Janfrederick | Thursday, 12 September 2019 at 01:20 PM
That's awesome Jan! I'm sure you'll find some great eats!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 12 September 2019 at 01:58 PM