tubutubudesyu
AZ/Beefun Higashi Osaka Today, work ended in the Umeda area, and after taking a break, I contacted my friend Sige Usa. "Looks like we can meet up," was the good response. It's really hot today. "I'm sweating a lot," I said as I wiped my sweat, and soon Sige Usa arrived to join me. "Let's eat something spicy to make us sweat even more! How about Indian, Thai, or Mexican? ...No, let's go for some spicy Chinese food," we decided as we walked and searched for a place. After a bit of walking, Sige Usa mentioned a place in Shinbashi, Tokyo, that she had been to before, the "AZ/Beefun Higashi Osaka" branch. "The Tokyo branch is always very popular, located in a building in front of the Shinbashi station. At lunchtime, many people buy a lot of dim sum (parts-an) to take out," she shared. As we walked and listened to more of Sige Usa's information, we found the sign in a narrow alley that led us to the restaurant. We arrived at a lovely place after descending the stairs to the underground area. While the course meals are usually by reservation only, we decided to go for a la carte today. As we checked the menu, the staff informed us that the appetizers come as a set even for a la carte, so we placed our order. We ordered some beer to start as we were feeling thirsty. Looking at the recommended menu on the blackboard, I was delighted to see Mapo Tofu on the menu, specifically the Beef Tendon Mapo Tofu. We also decided on the homemade dim sum, the pan-fried dumplings with chives and shrimp. We also wanted some vegetables, so we ordered the stir-fried Chinese broccoli. We were wondering if this would be enough to fill us up, and the staff suggested, "Why don't you start with this and decide if you want more after eating?" A great suggestion indeed. As we discussed, an amuse-bouche was served. It was celery and octopus in a spicy sauce, garnished with chili peppers, and it looked fantastic. The taste was exquisite, with the celery and octopus pairing perfectly in the tangy and spicy sauce. We were in a happy mood with our hunger satisfied, and we cheered with a "Kanpai!" Unfortunately, we forgot to take a photo as we quickly finished our beer. Sige Usa, who always finishes her beer in a flash, checked the drink menu. They had a variety of drinks from beer to sake, Shaoxing wine, and cocktails, but Sige Usa was interested in the wine cellar at the entrance, so she asked for the wine menu. She seemed to be eyeing the sparkling wine next. She ordered the "Montsarra Cava Brut N.V" from Catalonia, Spain, and we were ready for the meal to be served. The appetizers arrived, and they were outstanding. The steamed clams marinated in Shaoxing wine were cooked to perfection, and the beef tendon was served with a mustard and Sichuan pepper sauce. The thick slices of char siu were slightly sweet with a crispy exterior. The tofu noodles were in a spicy sauce. The pickled scallions were a refreshing palate cleanser for the next dish. "Wow, the balance of flavors in these dishes is truly amazing," I remarked, as the background music played cover versions of Beatles songs. Sige Usa was in a cheerful mood, singing along. The pan-fried dumplings were filled with a mix of meat, shrimp, and the wild flavor of chives. The Chinese black vinegar served in a cute container added an extra touch to the dish. It was truly impressive. Next, the main dish of Beef Tendon Mapo Tofu arrived. The aroma of Sichuan pepper filled the air, and the melting tendon meat paired with the spicy but delicious Mapo sauce was a delight. It was delicious but spicy! A satisfyingly endless heat. The stir-fried Chinese broccoli was not only crunchy but also had a crispy texture from what seemed to be wonton or fried onions. It added a nice umami flavor to the dish. Although we were already full, we couldn't resist ordering the signature Parts-an and Beefun dishes of the restaurant. We also ordered a white wine, RWO Wolfleben Riesling Zero Antlan, to go with the meal. We finished the wine quickly, but we couldn't finish all the food. In the end, we took home five Parts-an dumplings along with us.