サカキシンイチロウ
The cheerful madam from the neighborhood and I went for a yakiniku lunch at "Chosyun-kan". She loves delicious food, and strangely enough, we have similar tastes in food, so dining together is always enjoyable. She lost her husband and now lives alone, not feeling lonely but sometimes wanting to go to a restaurant where she can't enjoy alone, so we often invite each other out. Bistros or Chinese restaurants where sharing dishes is the norm are usually our top choices, but we often end up at a yakiniku restaurant because there's something fun about gathering around the grill with good company. During Golden Week, the casual lunch sets were not available, so the usually bustling restaurant was quiet and relaxing. The restaurant itself is charming, with trees surrounding it, making it feel like a hidden gem in Shinjuku. I was intrigued by the assortment of wagyu beef - kalbi, loin, and harami - each 90g, perfect for a satisfying meal. I also ordered some skirt meat. This place doesn't bother with talking about the beef's brand or aging process. Established in 1954, it's known as one of the oldest yakiniku restaurants in Tokyo. Back in those days, yakiniku restaurants were all about grilling and enjoying the food without fuss, and this place still embodies that laid-back spirit. The flavorful sauce and gochujang were delightful, and we grilled the meat carefully. The kalbi was beautifully marbled, the loin had a satisfying crunch, and the harami had a robust flavor. It felt like every bite was nourishing our bodies. We grilled and shared the meat, enjoying each bite together. The chewy and flavorful skirt meat was also delicious. We didn't order rice but had a small portion of cold noodles instead. The cold noodles here are truly tasty, generously topped with cucumber pickles, white cabbage kimchi, tomato, and pineapple. The thinly sliced steamed chicken breast, half a boiled egg with sesame and pine nuts added to the vibrant mix. The soup was clear with a light thickness, reminiscent of a rich consomme soup, maintaining its flavor even when cold. The acidity from the kimchi and pickled cucumber balanced the chewy and smooth noodles perfectly. Placing the grilled harami on top enhanced the soup's richness and flavor. The combination of cold soup and warm flavors was surprisingly comforting. I finished every drop of the soup. The last time I had yakiniku with Tanaka-kun, it was at this restaurant... I still fondly remember that meal.