I really enjoyed my meal at Sugiyama. There're a few minor things I thought could improve but the nice experience I had easily cancelled out the shortcomings - I felt slightly embarrassed (on their behalf) having to ask couple of times for more tea (the tea cups were small), the tea was too concentrated, and it was cold in the restaurant (from the air con)...
I have read that some people consider traditional meals (like kaiseki, as opposed to the relatively recently invented sushi) authentic Japanese meals. Kaiseki is definitely rare treats for me! It's a shame to see interested passerbys coming in but left because they weren't sure about kaiseki.
On the night we went, there were 3 separate tables celebrating someone's birthdays! And there're only around 20 seats in this generously spaced restaurant! (Compared to the 20 or so seats at the packed Totto Ramen we went the same day.)
Most eating places I've been in NYC are so dark that you can't even see your food. The lighting here is just perfect. The lights around the little tree is a nice touch.
I found it odd at first to be given a tray to use but then I think I knew why! When you have kaiseke, courses come in little bowls and plates. The tray gives them a neat presentation.
Uni and tofu pate. Very refreshing.
Mushroom and spinach salad.
Assorted sashimi.
Gold leaf on sashimi. Weird. Not impressed.
Ice around the bowl of sashimi.
Fresh oyster.
Delicate arrangement of seasonal Japanese fish and vegetables.
Bamboo shoots.
Octopus.
Baby eel. Quite like jellyfish but softer. My fav from the whole meal.
Mixed greens with Japanese mushrooms.
Grilled black cod.
Grilled seafood served on sizzling toban plate.
Grapefruit wine jelly with cream. I could do with more cream but still love it:)
251 W 55th St, NYC
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