JPN: Kagetsu (華月)
A taste of Japan's most luxurious lobster!
Since I was in Mie Prefecture, I couldn't pass up the chance to to try one of its culinary treasures: ise ebi (Japanese spiny lobster). What makes it truly special isn't only its exquisite taste, but also the cultural significance it carries. In Toba City, Kagetsu is one of the restaurants where visitors can savour this celebrated seafood.
Ise Ebi Zukushi Course (伊勢海老づくしコース) ¥22,000 (~S$192.45)
Taste: 9/10
An unfolding journey of flavours and textures, here's the multi-course dinner in the exact order each dish was served.
Appetiser (Set Menu)
To begin the meal, a small bowl of simmered kelp curls was served to whet my appetite. Each strand offered a delicate balance of the sweet and the savoury.
Sashimi (Set Menu)
A testament to the freshness and quality of the seafood of the region, the second course was as much a work of art as it was a meal. At the heart of the presentation lay the head and tail of a magnificent lobster, framing its sweet, succulent flesh that practically melted in the mouth. Complementing it were thick slices of tuna and sea bass that were smooth and firm in texture.
Dengaku (Set Menu)
A quiet elegance served in a bowl, the steamed vegetables with sweet miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) paste were really enjoyable. The tender radish and juicy tomato aside, it was the earthy depth of the eggplant that truly stood out for me.
Grilled Lobster (Set Menu)
Beautifully caramelised at the edges, the grilled crustacean offered an inviting interplay of oceanic richness and heady smokiness. Its meat was springy with each bite releasing a burst of natural sweetness. A delicate stalk of pickled ginger with a vibrant pink hue accompanied the lobster, adding both a visual accent and a refreshing contrast.
Chawanmushi (Set Menu)
The meal continued with a traditional steamed egg custard. Topped with delicate pieces of seaweed, the simple dish promised a silky smooth texture that was so comforting.
Deep-Fried Lobster (Set Menu)
Lightly battered and fried for just the right amount of time, the other half of the lobster lobster emerged golden and crispy. As I sank my teeth into it, it delivered a satisfying crunch that gave way to the sweet. bouncy meat within. The small wedge of lemon provided a refreshing citrusy counterpoint to the richness of the fried lobster.
Steamed Lobster (Set Menu)
The steamed lobster, with its vibrant orange shell, was simply delightful. The steaming process left the meat incredibly moist and tender, preserving its natural sweetness in a way that was distinctly different from the earlier versions, which was further accentuated by the vinegar served on the side.
Steamed Oysters (Set Menu)
For someone who usually have raw oysters, I found the steamed ones to be less exciting. Still, they carried fresh, briny flavours that lingered pleasantly on the plate.
Rice, Pickles and Miso Soup
For the carbohydrate, a mound of rice mixed with chopped mountain vegetables was wrapped in a bamboo leaf. On the side were some pickles and miso soup, its broth enriched by the lobster head I'd met earlier in the sashimi course.
Custard Pudding (Set Menu)
The grand finale of the feast was homemade custard pudding that warmed my heart. Pale yellow and smooth in appearance, it was studded with tiny specks of vanilla beans. Thanks to its creamy texture and gentle sweetness, each spoonful was pure bliss.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 9/10
Ambience: 8.5/10
Service: 9/10
Overall: 8.5/10
After dinner, I was kindly offered a ride to Toba station, which was a thoughtful end to a memorable meal. Pika's advice: If you're looking to try ise ebi without splurging on dinner, lunch is a great option with prices starting from ¥4,950 (~S$43.05).
Kagetsu
(奥野家)
18 Ujiimazaike-cho
Ise, Mie
Japan
(Daily: 10.30am - 4.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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