"Mitomiemon's Gourmet Site" has been launched. Homepage: "https://blog.33inc.jp/," Instagram: "@mitomi_emon." I visited the eel restaurant "Ginza 4th Generation Takahashi-ya." The name "4th Generation" implies a rich history, so let's delve into that. The first generation established an eel restaurant in Saitama Prefecture, and it was during the reign of the second generation that the name "Takahashi-ya" was established. The third generation honed their skills at the restaurant "Matsu no Chaya," founded by the Mitsui Zaibatsu, and the fourth generation finally arrived in the Ginza district. It's been 150 years since then, making it a venerable eel establishment. Due to its proximity to the Kabuki-za theater, instead of a regular sign, they have numerous votive plaques hanging at the entrance, with Kabuki actors passing by frequently.
While their main dish is the eel rice bowl, they also offer kaiseki courses that evoke the restaurant's historical roots. During Golden Week, they mentioned that they didn't have any fresh eel in stock, but they usually offer rare natural eel. Even among farmed eels, they are renowned for using the high-quality Mikawa-Isshiki eel. The "Wari-kitate Unagi Gozen" (with white charcoal grilling) is priced at 8,000 yen. It starts with the presentation of the eel itself, where they allocate one-fourth for white charcoal grilling and three-fourths for the eel rice bowl. First, the white charcoal grilling has a satisfying crispy texture, followed by the rich and high-quality eel fat. In the eel rice bowl, the sauce is light, allowing the eel's flavor to shine. While Edo-style eel is often described as fluffy, this eel stands out with its smooth texture. Thanks to that, you can savor the flavor that melts in your mouth. The freshly ground Sansho pepper is aromatic, making it a delightful addition to enhance the flavor. They also provide egg yolk mixed with eel sauce for flavor variation, although this might be a matter of personal preference. Thank you for the wonderful meal!