みうけん
Around the time when darkness falls on Aoyama Ichome, I visited "The Burn" located on the underground first floor of the Aoyama Building, directly connected to Aoyama Ichome station. This restaurant is popular for its rare domestic dry-aged beef and abundant use of organic vegetables in elaborate appetizers, with an American atmosphere. The clientele here is also quite American, with everyone except for Mi-uken and his wife conversing in English. It felt like I was back at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa with this atmosphere. Excited, my hands were shaking and the exterior photo didn't turn out great, I apologize for that.
Upon entering, the polite staff guided us to our table. The interior lighting was very calming, but as a food blogger and Instagrammer, I appreciated the small table lamps that added a nice touch. They then explained the ingredients used in their dishes, from the vibrant organic vegetables to the surprising rare Holstein beef. I will provide more details on the beef later, so stay tuned.
We started with a toast! I opted for the "Select Non-Alcoholic Beer" while Mi-uken had to drive. Surprisingly, this non-alcoholic beer by Ryoma was quite enjoyable, not the usual chemical taste you would expect. It complemented the dishes well. My wife chose the "White Lemon Sour," a refreshing cocktail with a strong aroma of vodka, a spicy aftertaste of white pepper, and a fresh citrus flavor that she praised.
We were served a baguette with extra virgin olive oil, a delicious and ample portion that was quite satisfying on its own. Then, we tried the "Chickpea Powder Panelle," a light and fluffy snack made from chickpea flour and garlic, fried to a crispy perfection with a salty kick that made it irresistible.
Moving on to the appetizers, we had the "ASC Red Snapper Carpaccio with Nanohana and Quinoa Tabouleh, Tahini Sauce, and Herbs." The dish was a burst of flavors, with green olives, nanohana, quinoa, mint, dill, and a tangy tahini sauce that complemented the fresh red snapper beautifully.
Next, we tried the "Roasted New Onion with Cashew Cream and Almond Crumble," featuring Pedro Ximenez vinegar-roasted new onions with a vegan cashew cream sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, breadcrumbs, whole almonds, and almond crumble for a luxurious touch. The dish was a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the richness of the roasted onions enhanced by the nutty and creamy elements.
Overall, the experience at The Burn was exceptional, with each dish showcasing the chef's creativity and attention to detail. I highly recommend this restaurant for a unique and delicious dining experience.