My hopes for a year of culinary perfection has started on a note so high I almost pity what comes next. Kyoto Garden Sushi located just off Kloof Street is owned and run by American Scott Wood (he started eating sushi in 1974) and the inside is a unity of clean lines and a blending of natural and man-made materials. It’s a thoughtfully planned space for inspiring food.
A welcome glass of Colmant MCC with its hint of green apple and biscotti cleans the palate for the majestic creations to come.
Our waiter, Will, is attentive to the point of mind-reading and it is through his suggestions that we are able to navigate through the extensive 5 page menu and choose our first course, The Sea for myself and warmed scallops for my
other half.
The Sea is a soup inspired by the ocean floor. The broth is everything - a warming hug from your mum as she snatches you out of the cold sea water at the end of a long beach day; a moment of calm before the waves hit the shore in the early mornings. It’s like Hope Cove, my favourite childhood location in England and it stirs more memories the deeper I move my spoon into the bowl, uncovering hidden bites of crab and clam.
The Warm Scallops were scrumptious, soft with a hint of sweetness that complimented the saltier sauce. The presentation was stunning, purple shells against a lime green plate.
The pace of eating is slow, determined, equal to the service. This is not a place to come for a quick bite, this is for savouring food and after the starters we both felt beautifully full but knew we had to continue.
Scott came over to offer yellowtail ceviche (fresh and uncomplicated) as a prelude to our mains – though honestly, with the sight and smells of The Sea still coursing through my being, I could have happily foregone all other dishes.
For my mains, again under Will’s guidance, I chose the Alaska Night, least of all because it instilled images of inky blue skies dotted with the faint glow of stars and a cold chill that took your breath away and most of all because it was a dish of seared salmon, Alaskan giant scallop and crab. My husband ordered the Special Fish which was a piece of moist fish on a bed of rice with some sort of secret sauce that saw the chopsticks thrust aside in favour of a spoon.
You know it’s good food when you forgo your drinking for silent munching and the occasional “mmm”....but I couldn’t resist trying one cocktail. I’m incredibly glad I did. The Green Tea cocktail a mix of gin, lime, green tea and sake was tremendous. If you're not one for cocktails, the wine list is small but thoughtfully planned to offer wines that won't overpower the flavours of the dishes offered. There are also a vast offering of Japanese whiskies.
Now for
some tempura and I have found a new use for lemon and salt. If on my death bed, please feed me copious amounts of Kyoto vegetable tempura with its crisp outside and perfectly cooked veg plus a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of sea salt - I have been eating it wrong for too long.
After our food was finished, both of us were almost deliriously full and we hadn't even touched 80% of the menu...there are so many dishes that I need to consume. So I will be back. I have to go back and you have to as well because the food and the service are really something special and I'm not even sucking up to the KGS because I got the meal for free...yes, I know the train of thought that says a true review must be a paid-for-meal but I would be willing to sell one of my four dogs for another portion of Alaskan crab meat
p.s. I
wouldn't really sell a dog for food....not yet.
Food - I loved every dish I tried and with so much to choose from, it's probably best to go in a larger group so you can share dishes.
Service - Personal and considerate but you could, if you don't like the person you're making conversation with, consider it slow.
Price - This is a pricier establishment so don't be thinking it's going to be Beluga special prices...it's brilliant food so expect to pay for it.
Ambience - Harmonious and friendly.