ガレットブルトンヌ
I don't know how many sushi restaurants there are in Tokyo, but there are only about 5-6 shops that continue the traditional Edo-style techniques. One of them is here. The master, Mr. Akiyama, is 79 years old. He runs the shop with his son, and he still handles all the sushi making. I visited here because I wanted to try a rare cut of tuna called "hineta" that can only be found here. It can only be taken from one tuna, about 7 pieces in total. Even if you request it when making a reservation, there are times when it's not available. The shop has the appearance of a traditional sushi restaurant from the good old days. There are about 8 seats at the L-shaped counter, and there is also a refrigerated showcase. It was my first time visiting, but the master was very friendly and explained everything in detail. When I sat down, they were just preparing the tuna, and they showed me the "hineta." The master explained the traditional Edo-style work for each piece of sushi, and it was very educational. First, I had a plum wine soda, and then the meal began. Here is what I had that day: Tuna with wasabi, octopus from Kishu, flounder from Aomori sprinkled with kelp, skewered bonito from Miyagi, squid with sea urchin, medium fatty tuna, lean tuna, natural yellowtail from Oita, flounder marinated in kelp, squid sliced into 3 pieces, saury, shellfish from Mikawa, white fish with roe, natural shrimp, cod milt, sea urchin from Akkeshi, conger eel, and three kinds of tuna roll. The meal was finished with a shiny sun-dried gourd, a bowl of soup with new seaweed, and various other delicacies. The master demonstrated the essence of traditional Edo-style work while incorporating his own unique techniques throughout. It seems like he continues to evolve while maintaining the traditional skills. I can feel his philosophy of "things that don't change, things that change." I look forward to visiting again when the season changes.