YFC Tour Series - Aficionado Elite Tour

 

The Yokosuka Food Corner (YFC) tour series - Aficionado Elite Tour is the fifth in a series of foodie tours. The Aficionado Elite Tour is for those who desire the "finer" things in life. For those who like great food in a more upscale atmosphere.  "Upscale" here means a focus on the food - none of these fine establishments require you to dress up, but they all have great ambiance.

 

Maido Kushiyaki and Wine

Shiso cheese roll, chicken and shitake mushroom tsukune, and a Maido salad in the back 

Our first stop for the Aficionado tour we start out with yakitori - wait! what? - Yes, aficionado and yakitori can be used in the same sentence. To experience this we will go to Maido Yakitori in Kanazawa Bunko, where chef Suzuki-san has indeed mastered the art of yakitori. Actually it is more appropriate to call it by its proper name - kushiyaki. I'm speaking to an audience that knows their food of course, so I will not bother explaining the difference.  

If you come here, you have to try the tomato (bacon) roll - they'll melt in your mouth. Wait until they cool down before biting in or it may melt your mouth. During the day they are smoked in his homemade smoker using cherry wood.  Although I have no way of verifying this, I'm fairly certain other yakitori places are not taking this extra step.

Be sure to try one of his creative salads, but you also can't go wrong with the Maido house salad. Also on the must do list is the shiso-cheese pork roll which is the next thing sure to melt in your mouth. Tsukune and tsukune stuffed mushrooms cannot be missed. Round it off with one of his homemade soups. I recommend the duck tsukune with grilled leak soup or the rice porridge with duck tsukune and leak (a pattern is developing). Of course, don't forget a few sticks of Grade A5 Wagyu beef that will be the third thing to melt in your mouth. This will also bring that bill up so you feel like a big shot spender. I explain grade A5 more in my original post.

A nice glass of Guinness, pale ale, or some of his homemade Umeshu (plum wine) should compliment your dinner. The owner is quite a wine aficionado as well, so maybe get a bottle. Ask what homemade seasonal sorbets are available. Reservations recommended but not required.  It may be hard to do over the phone in English, but I've had success sending them a Facebook message a few days ahead of time in English. An excellent English menu with pictures is available as the restaurant, courtesy of moi.

Kani Koura Honten

The next stop is for all things crab at Kani Koura Honten. With a multitude of set meals to choose from you are sure to find one to please even for the most aristocratic among us.  Here you will enjoy crab in every course except dessert.

Most set meals will leave you full by the end of the meal. Keep in mind this is not an all you can eat crab place, and you'll find no butter.  The most expensive course is about $100 and will give you 13 courses delivered individually to your table. But something in the $40-50 range usually works for us. The staffed is dressed in kimonos making you feel special. Plenty of free parking. For reservations, they are possible over the phone with limited English, but I'd stop in a few days before just to be safe.

Otsu Garden

Our third stop takes us practically across the street from Kani Koura to Otsu Garden. They are a high end Kalbi Yakiniku destination. Kobe beef is not good enough, no, they serve Matsuzaka Beef. This prized beef, many say, surpasses Kobe beef ...So expand your beef vocabulary beyond Kobe and learn what this Matsuzaka is all about.

Be carefull of the set meals, as many will serve you "tongue." I know, some like tongue, but I would order from the ala-carte menu provided on the link above (the restaurant does not have an English menu, although I think a fellow aficionado did deliver one to them).

Try to sit on the second floor. It's a very nice setting and smoke free. The food here is very good quality. Be sure to order some of your favorite Korean soups and stews here as well. They're all good.

Reservations are recommend.    For reservations it would be best to stop by in person ahead of time, and bring the reservation aid on the Key Food Kanji page to help you. English over the phone will not work.

Restaurant Don

Fourth on the list (but not in any particular order mind you) we head to the Sagami Coast to Restaurant Don. An Italian/French restaurant with a most grand view. Check the sunset time on their website and them call them for a matching reservation (English on the phone is OK here if you get the right person). In warmer weather you can still outside just above the waves, or try to get a window seat. Behold the beauty of the sea and Mount Fuji in the distance. An extensive menu awaits and I cannot recommend any particular dishes, they are all sure to please. 

Hananoya French

For go-ban you have to head over to Hananoya for some awesome French cooking from one of the top chefs in Yokosuka. He learned the ropes from Chef Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel in New York.  Hananoya has a very unique menu with several interesting items. But if you choose wisely you'll be in for an excellent meal. The menu may have changed since I posted it, but an English menu should be available at the restaurant. I'm also told they have an excellent course menu which would be good for going away parties. Some English is OK if you stop by in person, otherwise it may be difficult over the phone. Find this awesome spot in the alley next to Pepper Lunch.

Hotaru

Hotaru is a basement hideaway whose existence was hinted at for a long time, and only recently revealed. This secret place is related to the Banzai chain.  You'll find many outstanding and creative dishes here in this small place.

Even though it's below ground you wouldn't know it, given its very pleasant atmosphere and warm tones.  It would make a wonderful place to bring your significant other. Despite its great food and atmosphere, the prices are very reasonable making this a true Aficionado find.

Interestingly, this is yet another great place next to Pepper Lunch, beneath it actually. So easy to find, but so easy to go unnoticed as well! How many of you have missed it?  

La Corte

For number 7 we have a restaurant with European flair. La Corte is well hidden from the main street. The path there is far from a red carpet. But when you arrive you'll be quite impressed.  If you're intent on going please try to make a reservation first (see the form on the Key Food Kanji page), especially if going on a weekend.  But the owner speaks pretty good English and I've made reservations over the phone.

The interior is quite nice, but if the weather cooperates head outside to the open air courtyard. During cooler weather they have some nice table-side heaters.

Lisa's Cake Market

Lastly dessert: Head to Lisa's Cake Market and pick up one of her white chocolate matcha cakes (limited availability) or get a made to order cake for a special birthday or other event. She does special events for high end clients, just like you. She used to be an instructor at a world renown pastry school so please come visit her. She speaks good English.



Have I missed any? Quite sure I have, as there are many fine places in town for a great meal, but these will serve you well.