Box Lunch

Following on yesterday's post, if you remember, we were to attend a birthday dinner which was at a place of my choice.  It is one of the historical landmarks of Sendai, for its being the location of generations of the Date clan (which founded the city).  Located about 45 minutes away from the so-called center of the city, the area is a strange mix of country and suburb, with the suburb winning out.  Yet, somehow, this place can exist- probably because of its claim to heritage.

Now that it is a restaurant, for special occasions (or an extravagant regular meal), the chief interest is that a portion of the meals are contained inside a "tansu" box, which is also one of the great artistic crafts of the region. Thus, the name for the set meal is "Tansu Ryori" (tansu cuisine).  As to be expected, it is a culinary and visual delight.

Although we could not book a private room, that was perfectly all right when I realized where we were seated- in the drawing room or study (known as the Shoin).  There was a looming samurai outfit of the Date clan in the "tokonoma" (a recessed space), which was right at our table.  The other clients who decided to make it a special night spoke so quietly that it was a pleasure to be there, and soon enough, they had all gone, leaving us alone in the giant space, so that it was a private room after all.

open the drawers and voila!

and more!  and more still not in the box...

night falls.