孤高のグルメ☆
I want to start the new year quietly, so I like to start by enjoying sushi at the Ginza Kanasaka Honten, where I can savor the sushi crafted by Mr. Kanazaka. I have visited other branches of the "Kanasaka" group, but I never go back for a second visit because the level of sushi by Mr. Kanazaka at the main store is completely different. The interior was renovated in 2020 and now seats only 8 people, with a tasteful decor reminiscent of a tea room. The traditional techniques used in the interior, such as the bamboo small dance mud wall, are quite impressive. The hinoki counter dates back to around 250-350 years, and observing the grain of the wood allows you to transport yourself back to that time. It's a path that even those who enjoy whiskey or wine must go through. It's a shame that they haven't refined it into a pure form. If the reason is to suppress the scent of hinoki, then it's counterproductive. In the year 2000, during a severe economic downturn, a young 28-year-old sushi chef opened his own restaurant in Ginza, causing a sensation among sushi chefs and enthusiasts. He went on to establish many branches both domestically and internationally, producing many famous sushi chefs. The saying goes, "Second-rate leaves behind money, first-rate leaves behind people." It's strange, isn't it? My reviews of Ginza Jiro, Yoshitake, and Shimizu are more interesting and of higher quality than my review of Sawada. Personally, I think the wasabi at Yoshitake is particularly unique and hasn't been mentioned by any gourmands or in any gourmet books. Unexpectedly, my reviews of Sushi Sawada are extremely popular, but Mr. Kanazaka has been in a league of his own since his days at Ginza Kyubey. He has been a top player in the world of Ginza sushi for a long time. Whether you divide the world of sushi by generation, the fact remains that Mr. Kanazaka has been a top player in Ginza sushi since his days at Kyubey. At around 50 years old now, he has navigated through the tempting period of his 20s and 30s, where many men make money, and continues to excel in the forefront. His sushi is the true work of a master. It's wonderful, isn't it? The followers of the Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as the Necessity Museum, are familiar with the numerous wonderful works of Rokushanjin displayed in the permanent exhibition on the lower floor. However, for the past 3-4 years, the other works outside the glass cases have become inaccessible. I'm sorry, that's my fault. I regularly visit Kyoto for both personal and professional reasons, and whenever I want to be alone, I always stop by the Necessity Museum to sit on the top floor sofa and gaze at the trees, often sneaking down to the lower floor when no one is around to admire Rokushanjin's works with the determination to carry a lifetime of debt.