This was the setting, the verandah of a modest tea house, overlooking a pea-green pond...
This was the menu; the oshi-zushi of anago was sold out, so we plumped instead for the ¥3,500 hiru no kaiseki 'ume' set course.
And this was what we ate. 1st course: sakizuke...
2nd course: mukozuke...
3rd course: yakimono...
The selection of simmered seasonal vegetables included this roll of fish surimi studded with zenmai bracken...
5th course: aemono...
6th course: shokuji (gohan; akadashi; konomono)...
And to close: kanmi and ocha...
It was all very light and simple, but classic. And the food was much better than we expected — not overly sweetened, nor too salty. Perfect for contemplation of spring's glory...
Moved to poetry:
Petals fall into the old pond. No sound at all.
PS: I never got around to putting up some info about this place. So here goes:
It's called En [円] and it's right by the exit of Kita-Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line)
Here's a link to En's home page...
And here's a map link...
PPS: Now (as of late 2010) En boasts a Michelin star. Got to agree — as far as the view and the food goes. It has to be said, though, the interior is very humble.
PPPS: And now (as of December 2011) En has two Michelin stars to its name!
PPPPS: My JT column on Kita-Kamakura En ran in April 2012.
