“Kajitsu” Kyoto Temple Cuisine in NYC
In celebration of our wedding anniversary my itamae rider made reservations for us at the counter at Kajitsu an austerely beautiful Japanese Shojin restaurant. Shojin cuisine refers to a type of vegetarian cooking that originates in Zen Buddhism. Even though it does not use meat or fish, shojin is regarded as the foundation of all Japanese cuisine, especially kaiseki, the Japanese version of haute cuisine. Entering only gleaming wood surfaces and a naked slab of counter for the chef, Masato Nishihara, are visible along with the etherial waft of Japanese incense. The 28 seat restaurant evokes the ceremonial tea rooms of Kyoto, I felt after a few cups of sake that we might have landed in Kyoto for the ocation. The dishes were beautifully plated and as the food is considered Vegan the sauces, use of tofu and vegetables creates unusually new textures and flavors. The menu changes entirely each month, though house-made soba noodles are a constant. There are four-course ($50) and eight-course ($70) menus: the last includes dessert and matcha. A must for any Japanese food enthusiast Kajitsu is an authentic slice of Kyoto right in the middle of the East Village.
414 East Ninth Street (212) 228-4873.
