Spago Maui, Nov 2009

Wagu melting in the plate.  "There is another half in the kitchen?  Save it for me.  I will be back tomorrow."

local water melon radish, so pink so fresh

udon ***

World's best udon is at Kagawa Japan.  Sam and Frodo udon hopping breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 3 days :P

 Classic Japanese cold udon

close shot of the most chewy noodle in the world. 

pumpkin tempura is sooooo gooood, Michelin star good.

another bowl of classic Japanese cold udon.  can you tell which is my fav?

even the regular izakaya serves good udon

old style udon shop

Chinese style cold udon

plain udon

Ajiro

Located across from Zen temple, the name "Ajiro" (hats worn by zen priests) is so proper.  It also set our expectation of the kaiseki lunch, simple and true to the nature. 

Kikunoi

Kikunoi presents layers of natural flavors from ingredients from four seasons.  It reminds me Saison of San Francisco.

KURUMI-DOFU (Walnut Tofu) as the sakizuke course is refine, smooth, pudding-like texture totally different than the soy bean tofu, and bits of crunchy walnut inside.  This is a traditional sesame tofu added walnut flavor.  If you like to try Japanese sesame tofu, Nami Nami at Mountain View CA serves sesame tofu daily. 

OCTOBER HASSUN
Between a small cricket cage and a leaf of kuzu arrowroot, chef presented fall delicacies: barracuda sushi, salted ayu entrails with trout roe, grilled chestnuts, hamo roe mousse, "ginkgo" sweet potato, jade ginkgo nuts, green tea noodle fans.

Chicken rice to go.