Mominoki House

Posted on 2006/06/17 03:56:44 (June 2006).

[Thursday 15th June]
In the evening, I wanted to go out with Chie for a "nice meal", so we went to a place recommended by my friend at work - Mominoki House in Harajuku. It's a restaurant that specialises in healthy and organic food, and whilst not being specifically vegetarian, they do seem to understand the concept, and have a number of overtly vegetarian items on the menu. According to this page it has been frequented by famous vegetarians like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Janet Jackson... and now me. Despite the restaurant's minor fame, it wasn't actually all that expensive, perhaps a little more than the norm in Japan, but by British standards very reasonable indeed.

Chie was a bit late leaving work, so I had to make my own way there and wait for her at the restaurant. I think it's actually the first ever time that Chie and I have gone to a restaurant and arrived separately. It was quite exciting in an odd kind of way - a bit like a first date or something.

Anyway, I am pleased to report the place was very nice. I particularly liked the decor. Lots of wood, and a quite relaxed and cozy atmosphere. A couple of the tables were up on balconies too, which was a nice touch. The food was good too - I think we started with a hot carrot salad, followed some vegetable filled gyoza, then a tempeh steak, a seasonal vegetable gratin and finally a sort of vegetable steak. The gyoza and the gratin were particular highlights - the gratin was amazingly creamy considering there wasn't actually any cheese in it - I think it would have been suitable for vegans actually. Apparently the sauce was made from a kind of bean, slightly reminiscent of the refried beans you get with Mexican food. Even the tempeh was good - it's something I've only had once or twice before, and I have to admit to not having been that impressed previously, but this one had a really good flavour and a very interesting texture to it.

So yes, anyway, a very pleasant evening out.

John: I am trying to arrange the trip so that I can stay over for 2 MORE DAYS without my boss in Tokyo... I have to twist a couple of arms yet, but it might be possible... Of course that will be on a Friday + Saturday! :)Let's see if I can do it...

Posted by Lox at 2006/06/17 09:23:20.

Well the people at work told me there are no firm plans at all yet for my next trip to Seattle, but knowing our past record it will almost certainly end up being at the same time you come to Japan!

Posted by John at 2006/06/17 10:06:17.

Do you have any vague idea when your trip will be? This month? Next month? August?

Posted by John at 2006/06/17 10:06:51.

First week of July 99% sure...

Posted by Lox at 2006/06/17 10:38:19.

Well, currently that sounds pretty safe to me... but I don't want to jinx it by being over confident!

Posted by John at 2006/06/17 10:41:58.

Yeah, let's SAY (nudge nudge wink wink) that I am coming the SECOND (Dr.Evil punctuating the word like he used to say "LASER") week of JULY... :D

Posted by Lox at 2006/06/17 10:47:13.

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