大田区のクロ・ド・ラ・ロッシュ
Today, I had work in Ningyocho in the afternoon, so I decided to stop by Suitengu Shrine for a meal before heading there. It had been about 10 years since I last visited this Sanuki udon restaurant, and it seemed to be even busier than before. Despite the constant flow of customers, there was no line. The operation was well organized, and the hospitality was decent. I ordered my favorite Kama Tamago Udon (medium size for 700 yen), Toriten (150 yen), and Half-Boiled Egg Tempura (150 yen). Having spent 4 years working in Shikoku, I consider myself to have a refined palate for Sanuki and Iyo udon. The udon at Ya Ya had an amazing aroma of wheat when I chewed it. The glossy shine of the udon in the photo was very appetizing, and the actual taste did not disappoint. Ya Ya has achieved a high level of completion as a Sanuki udon restaurant. I believe that even if they were to open a branch in the countryside of Kagawa, it would become popular. The strong aroma of the wheat flour, the al dente texture of the noodles with a slight firmness, and the glossy appearance all contribute to the appeal of this udon. In Tokyo, I am not aware of any other restaurant that serves such high-quality authentic Sanuki udon. Ya Ya seems to have improved their skills during my absence. However, personally, I prefer the slightly softer texture of Iyo udon. The wide variety of udon cultures in different regions such as Inaniwa, Yamagata, Himi, Komatsu, Kozo, Tokorozawa, Yamanashi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and others have been firmly established. It all comes down to personal preference, and there is no definitive "best" udon. I hope Ya Ya continues to pursue their own unique path. Their commitment to quality improvement and dedication to their craft is reminiscent of Joseph Colin's bold efforts in the world of Domaine wines. Ya Ya's Sanuki udon is like a fine Premier Cru from Domaine Joseph Colin in the 2020 vintage. *The Colin family tree has branched out so much that it can be confusing. I bought this bottle without much thought up to 10,000 yen, and I enjoyed it with homemade sushi rolls at home. I thought it might still be young, but it had a good balance of acidity and a subtle oak influence, making it quite easy to drink. It felt like a Burgundy Blanc that matures with grace and allure as a wealthy girl grows into a woman. I would love to try it again.