nao...
When the owner changes, it's natural for the restaurant to change as well. "Sushi Tokami" has discontinued its daytime "Nigiri Course" that had been offered since opening, and now offers only the "Omakase Course" for both lunch and dinner. I revisited to see how things had changed. Despite the changes, the master, Mr. Wada Shunya, served us a variety of dishes today. The meal started with a rolled sushi made with the tip of a tuna head, which spread a rich umami and sweetness in the mouth. The flavors were captivating as always. Next was seared bonito, each topped with ginger, wasabi, and yuzu pepper, enhancing the bonito's fatty texture. The addition of yuzu pepper was particularly fresh and delicious. The smoked firefly squid had a distinct smoky flavor without being overpowering. The flounder, lightly marinated in kelp, had a perfect balance of dehydration and umami, with a satisfying bite size. The "engawa" was a new experience for me, lightly seared to bring out its dense umami within a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each piece of engawa is a rare delicacy, as only four pieces can be obtained from one flounder. The squid ink added a refreshing touch, with a crispy texture and a hint of soy sauce aroma. The thick red clam from Oita Prefecture was incredibly aromatic, with a satisfying texture and a pleasant yuzu fragrance. The grilled cutlassfish, paired with sushi rice, created a delightful combination reminiscent of a grilled fish meal. The kelp-marinated Spanish mackerel was tender and sticky, leaving a lingering umami taste. The lean tuna from Miyagi Prefecture was exceptionally flavorful, with a strong presence of tuna essence. The medium fatty tuna paired perfectly with the rich sushi rice, creating a harmonious and delightful experience. The fatty tuna belly, known for its intense richness, showcased the pinnacle of "Sushi Tokami's" connection with the renowned tuna wholesaler "Yamayuki." The addition of fatty tuna belly was refreshingly light yet incredibly delicious. The white-fleshed fatty tuna, known as "nodoguro," was lightly seared to enhance the dripping fat's umami and sweetness. The "kohada" had a balance of acidity and umami, with a satisfying flavor. The sweet shrimp was perfectly matched in temperature with the sushi rice, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and aroma. The sea urchin was generously served, overpowering the sushi roll with its volume and delicious flavor. The "chicken fish" was unexpectedly rich in flavor, with a satisfying texture. The simmered conger eel was tender and retained its original flavor. The sea urchin and tuna rice bowl was a luxurious treat, with cuts of lean tuna, medium fatty tuna, and fatty tuna topped with sea urchin. This extravagant bowl was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, making a lasting impression.