I know it is, but I am dead serious. Now remember, I'm not claiming that Japanese cuisine is the best, and I also would quickly agree that you can find better Italian food in Italy, and better French food in Belgium. I would also agree that in any major city in the world you can find top restaurants that will compete head to head with the top restaurants in Tokyo.
But what I am saying is that the average quality of the average restaurant in Tokyo is in a separate class as compared with just about any other city in which I've eaten.
And I eat in a lot of cities.
Furthermore, I would contend that outside of the host cities, Tokyo probably has the best and most authentic international cuisines served up in their local retaurants. That's right! The next best Italian food outside of Italy is in Tokyo!
How can this be, you ask? Isn't it all just a bunch of raw fish in Japan? Nothing could be further from the truth.
First of all, consider the near pathalogic focus on "quality" in Japan. This permeates throughout all industries and pretty much ensures that the restaurants are working with some of the best, freshest produce, meat and fish anywhere. Any fisherman will tell you - the best local fish gets sent to Tsukiji.
Next consider the propensity for imitation in Japan. If a chef wants to learn French cooking, chances are they learn French and move to France for few years to learn the trade. In fact, I was once told that the french restaurant in the Palace Hotel serves "more authentic classic French food than you can even get in France"! (The reference was meant to highlight that cuisine in France has evolved and become healthier, cutting out some of the heavy creams and butter used in cooking, but that it was still done the old way at the restaurant. Whether that is true or not, I can't say, but you get the point.)
Finally, add the elements of design and service into the mix. No first timer who visits Japan is ever nonchalant about the service here. From automatic taxi doors and white glove drivers, to helpful hotel staff (and they don't even expect a tip!!!), the customer service in Japan is second to none. If I ran a customer support operation at a company, I think I would make field trips to Japan a requirement (a good excuse to eat more food too!). So great service is expected, but what many don't expect is the spectacular interior design. Japan has become a leader in design and it shows in the retaurants - extremely comfortable and welcoming interiors which match the overall experience.
When I spent a couple of years living in Tokyo in 2001 (my 3rd stint), I enjoyed many of the top class retaurants here. I still do on occasion, but what I truly get a kick out of is finding the hidden gem in the back streets, turning out extraordinary food for a reasonable price. I figure that when you get a good meal when you pay a premium price, that should be expected, but it's the owner/operator joints that really shine when they get it right.
I'll try to keep this blog fresh with new "finds" and if anyone finds their way here and has a suggestion, please let me know and I will gladly give it a go.
For now, "Itadakimasu!"
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