2 of us came here for lunch on a Sunday. The place was 3/4 filled. The set up and atmosphere was nice. Not too upmarket and definitely more comfortable and peaceful than lots of places that cater to families. There were many varieties of lunch sets available, ranging from $25 to $45. There were of course seasonal sets ($68 per person) and a la carte items covering most types of traditional Japanese cuisine.
After looking through the menu, we noticed that there are now more dinner sets ranging from $35 to $46 than before, perhaps aiming for people watching their budget in this time of recession.
There was also a wine list. I believe there is quite a variety but I am no expert in this area.
We ordered 2 lunch sets. A "Tempura & Salmon Sashimi Set" ($36) amd a "Kuriya Bento Set" ($42).
Both sets started off with the a bowl of salad with finely shredded cabbage, green & red peppers dressed in a light dressing. A refreshing start and I prefer this dressing to the creamy dressing offered elsewhere.
A little bowl of oden appeared as part of the Kuriya Bento Set. 3 items were offered. A soft fluffy piece of potato, a tender, melt in your mouth taikon and a fish cake. Yummy indeed.
The 2 bento trays then made their appearances.
The Kuriya bento set offered sashimi (2 pieces of tuna, 2 pieces of sword fish and 3 pieces of salmon),a piece of sesame tofu, tempura (2 big prawns and some vegetabe items), a small piece each of grilled unagi, gindara teriyaki & omelette, chawanmushi, pickle, rice & miso soup.
The salmon sashimi & tempura set offered salmon sashimi (7 pieces, beautifully decorated), tempura (3 big prawns and some vegetable items), chawanmushi, rice, pickle and miso soup.
The sesame tofu turned out to be the discovery of the day. Neither of us has tasted anything like this before. Smooth as silk and lightly flavoured, it was decorated with some salmon roe as topping. What a wonderful and unusual appetiser. Pleasing to the eyes as well as the palate.
The chawanmushi was a just a small 'cup' but full of ingredients, including slices of shitake mushroom, chicken, a gingko nut and a crunchy prawn (as crunchy as those stirred fried in a good Cantonese restaurant) and it was not too salty. This is easily 1 of the best chawanmushi I have tasted anywhere. For once, I hoped that it was a bigger serving (I normally do not like eggs unless it comes sweetened in desserts and cakes).
The sashimi were a fine lot. The sword fish (mentijiki) was especially firm and fresh. They may not be the tip top best cuts but quite good enough for the prices asked for. The slices were thick and fresh.
The tempura items boasted crunchy fresh big prawns and super light batter. The vegetable items included the usual suspects like shitake mushrooms and lotus roots.
The gindara teriyaki literally melted in our mouth. The rest of the items (unagi, omelette) were less outstanding. Pickle, rice and miso soup were standard fare.
Both sets offered dessert in the form of 1 scoop of green tea ice cream (adequate but not out of this world)and a good cup of coffee.
Service was attentive, courteous and efficient. The couple of waitresses we spoke to did know the menu and ingredients sufficiently to answer queries. Green tea was free flow and generously refilled thoughout the meal. I also like the fact that they try to serve the various items in courses such that they do not all arrive together. Fresh paper towels were supplied when dessert and coffee was served at the end of the meal.
They did make a small mistake when we first entered, distributing some salad to wrong customers at our neighbouring table. It was promptly realised and profuse apology was offered. I am sure any reasobale customer would have accepted it.
It was a most enjoyable lunch and we believe we will be back soon for more.