Orenchi, Musashi-Kosugi おれんち、武蔵小杉
Friday, April 30, 2010 at 2:59PM | Dave 
Earlier this week, with the Golden Week feeling already sinking in, I left the safe confines of Tokyo and crossed the border over to darkest Kawasaki to join The Woodsman in Musashi-Kosugi for an evening’s indulgence at Orenchi. Good food, better sake and a smoke-free environment were promised, and there was little reason to doubt.
A ten-minute walk from the south exit of the station, Orenchi isn’t much to look at. It has a decidedly dishevelled aspect, which is faithfully maintained inside the place too. Tardis-like, all the clutter, bric-a-brac, yellowed walls, wooden counter, washitsu and smoking room are contained within a floor space that you’d never imagine from the outside. Not that the place is dirty or in need of bulldozing, it’s merely one of those lovely, worn looking establishments that a connoisseur would call a “real” izakaya.
Our visit did not start well. The oba-chan that greeted us was more than a little surprised to hear we had made a reservation. After much hustle and bustle, and shuffling of note pads, it was determined that we did have seats reserved. Why the confusion? The nice lady had ingeniously managed to render The Woodsman’s name in kanji, and as such was not expecting any gaijin to turn up unannounced! Her linguistic adventurism didn’t end there, as throughout the course of the evening she (while enduring my incoherent descriptions of dishes we wanted to try) managed to meet my risible Japanese halfway with smatterings of English. To her credit, and that of the other ladies and gentlemen responsible for the comfort of Orenchi’s patrons, the service was excellent throughout. Kind, patient, jovial. Indeed, most of the customers present were also rather friendly and not in the least hesitant in striking up conversation with a couple of hairy barbarians.
And the food? Pretty good actually. With hot towels came an o-toshi of some kind of vinegary fried fish, the name of which escapes me despite having eaten it on countless occasions. This was washed down with some real ale. Baird’s Red Rose. A tasty beverage certainly, although I’m less certain that I’d be able to drink more than a couple. Maybe I’ve been married to Yebisu and Premium Malts for too long, but I find the taste of real beer a little overpowering nowadays.
Following form, we ordered the sashimi moriawase, which as well as being reasonably fresh and delicious, was notable for the ski-like dish it was served upon. A good two feet in length, and rather weighty, it was a novel way of presenting the fish, and made a change from the usual beds of ice and shredded daikon. Two slices each of eight different sashimi (the usual suspects), which went very well with the first sake of the evening, Kaiun. This was very drinkable indeed, so much so that I took no mental note of its region or ought else. Anyway, it didn’t last long, and neither did the Tengumai, another old favourite.
Following yet another of my vivid “descriptions,” the chef managed to produce a gorgeous dish comprised of fried garlic potatoes generously coated in a tomato sauce, and topped with molten cheese. Very garlicky, very tasty. Thinking back on it, I now wish we’d ordered it twice. The yamaimono, and tofu salad were both satisfactory, and supplied in ample quantities, but failed to excite somehow.
Next up on the sake list (drier at the top of list and descending into sweet hell toward the bottom) was the Hidami, which neither of us thought much of. All the sake is available in 60ml, 120ml or 180ml servings, so if I’d been a little more thoughtful (less inebriated?) it would have perhaps been better to sample unknown sake in 60ml shots. Will remember for next time. To round of the meal, a crunchy, bony deep-fried fish fin of some kind and then simple, homely yakionigiri to soak up the sake in order to make room for a last glass of draft Malts.
A thoroughly enjoyable izakaya, Orenchi scores pretty well on the food front, is excellent (and fun) in terms of service and atmosphere, and provides some nice sake. Prices were probably reasonable, although the bill can stack up if you get carried away with the drinks. The menu is crammed full of various dishes and, despite being a little hard to read (kanji and small print are not much fun), is updated, and printed, daily (you see, Woodsman, I remembered!). Although it was not available at the time of my visit, they apparently serve a wonderful moriawase of five grilled fish. This will be the excuse for my next visit.
Tel: 0285-23-6739
Reader Comments (6)
Looks great and it's not far from me! will check this one out too, probably this weekend. thanks!
Loco
Well worth a visit!
I intend to vist again at some point too.
Let me know what you think of the place.
Does anybody have better instructions how to find this place. I walked around and I also asked a local guy who searched on his iPhone...no luck! I'd like to go tonight (friday)
Here's a link to the map. Hope it helps!
http://home.f08.itscom.net/orenchi/accese.htm
Wow...I went with 2 local guys who have worked in Musashi-Kosugi for many years and they were impressed too! We sat at the "bar" and had great food, a friendly staff to chat with, and Baird's IPA on tap. It was a little tricky to find, even with their seeing the map link above (and trying the incorrect phone number), but it was worth it! My colleagues kept asking "how did you find this place?", while teliling me that this place has extremely high ratings on their restaurant review iPhone App. Thank you!
Glad to hear you found Orenchi, and that you had an enjoyable visit! The Baird's does add to the experience!