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Imagine my delight when a Japanese friend told me about new restaurant Soseki‘s ‘soft opening’. I love hearing about new restaurants anyway, but when I found out that the food was going to be free during this period, I immediately made two reservations for this week – lunch for one, and dinner for two. It’s rare for me to eat twice at a restaurant within such a short space of time, but I thought it might give me a better overview of kaiseki kappo, which ‘originated in the high-class restaurants for wealthy merchants living in nineteenth century Osaka’ and is a more informal, less expensive version of the classically prepared kaiseki ryori…
mmm that chawan mushi looks wonderful.
Great photos, Helen. I’m hungry already. I’ll look forward to trying out Soseki, perhaps after it’s been open a while. How fun to have visited during the soft launch, though!
Thanks for the help! I will play around with that option when I have some time then.
While I have your attention…I need to buy another camera (mine is literally falling apart) and I remember your recent search for a new one. You settled on the Sony, right? Your pics look great, but how happy are you with it generally? I have a Canon 850IS that I love and was considering updating to a newer version, but would stil love to hear your thoughts.
Finally, is it true that the food at Soseki is free!?
ohmygod, that is amazing!!! Is there a limit on how many can go in one time?
Tess – it was delicious, and so delicate that each time I dug my spoon into it, it would break apart. Very tricky to eat!
RWAppleWannabe – thanks! I had to abandon the confounded ring light, which I don’t recommend for restaurant situations. Go when the chefs have warmed up a bit, I think
Food Snob – it’s a great camera, in my opinion, so I’m happy with it.
Vivi – the original email said you can book for up to 12 people, but you’d better check when you call!
Soseki looks great. Do you know who owns the restaurant? Is it a one off or are there plans for more? I am in London soon and will definitely give it a go. Although you did not drink any wine …what was the wine list like?
Sorry, I can’t tell you much about the wine list, as I was paying attention to the food! I think Caroline Bennett is behind it (she used to be connected to Moshi Moshi. Don’t know about the plans for future restaurants either…
Hello,
That’s looks nice “Kaiseki Ryori” restaurant!
I would like to go there onetime!
foodeiguide, how were you able to eat there during the soft opening???
I’ve just called the restaurant to make a reservation but I was told to wait till their grand opening on next Wednesday…
They said the soft opening is for the staff members only.
Does your Japanese friend work there or something?
Anyway, the food looks really nice so I will definitely go there some time.
I think they are trying to keep numbers under control – the lines are flat out busy with people trying to make reservations.
That said I had no trouble getting two of us in last night; the meal was above average but the restaurant clearly has work to do before opening fully…
Tempura pumpkin… very nice.
Kumiko – of course it was only the soft opening, so it should be much better later
Toto – a Japanese friend told me about it, so I called up and made 2 bookings. The woman at the restaurant said one person had made 5 bookings, and there was no limit. Perhaps they have been inundated with calls since I reviewed it!
bluhorseshu – as above, I think they’re really busy now. But glad to hear you made it there!
Helen Yuet Ling