Kawame, Jiyugaoka 川目、自由が丘
Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 7:24PM | Dave 
I’ve intended to write-up my visits to Kawame, Jiyugaoka, for some time now, but like so much else on this blog (and more generally), I’ve never found the time. So, for what it’s worth, here follows my impression of the place following two visits (had to make sure); the first on a wet freezing night in early spring with The Woodsman, the second in May, when the weather was delightful.
Jimmy Dean’s recommendation had done much to raise my expectations of the place, and overall they were not disappointed. Kawame is a tastefully appointed affair about five minutes stroll from the Toyoko line Jiyugaoka station. Set back of the street and recognised by the noren hanging before the entrance, from the outset the appearance of this izakaya suggests an understated, considered dining experience.
The interior is actually rather attractive in a Japanese-modern style, dominated by a gleaming almost room-length counter before an open kitchen of stainless steel, table seating along the right-hand side of the dining area, and to the rear horikotatsu on a raised tatami area. This, it must be said, is less well appointed, and reminded me somewhat of the dining area in a resort onsen or something. The lightning is suitably atmospheric, kind of dark with a soft warm glow emanating from the washi light shades.
Service is pretty good. The chefs go about their business, while a couple of young ladies (pleasing to the eye but not conspicuously attractive) wait the floor. For the thirsty, a selection of sake, shochu, wine, beer and perhaps something for the ladies (I tend to lose interest once sour or any other such beverage is mentioned) are available. If memory serves (a big if I admit) the selection of sake is not vast, although I do recall staples such as Denshu and Kubota, and also the currently in vogue Kokuryu. These, as is the beer, are a little overpriced to my mind. I’m becoming increasingly fed up with steep prices on drinks. ¥700 for a small beer, for example, is just plain annoying. I’d rather they add to the cost of the food (if it’s as good as it is at Kawame), and allow me to take the edge off the joys of married “bliss” without the bill escalating to vertiginous heights.
Anyway, I digress. On both visits, after an o-toshi of some kind of tsubugai that was far too chewy, we had the sashimi moriawase which is nothing short of wonderful. Extremely good value (I’d happily pay more for this rather than being robbed on the drinks menu), being both large, interesting in terms of the fish and shellfish comprising the selection, beautifully presented and very, very fresh. The usual fish are all present as well as one or two seasonal offerings. Great stuff. This alone is the worth a visit.
The tempura is also very good. Again, a fairly decent size and perfectly fresh vegetables and seafood. The batter is very light, although I do prefer a somewhat stronger taste. Still, crisp, crunchy and reasonably priced considering the quality. Onigiri, both nori-wrapped and grilled varieties, are also surprisingly good, being served with a small specimen of pickles.
An excellent salad – lettuce, tomato, daikon, yellow peppers, nori – was notable for its extremely high quality, i.e. small, shirasu. A simple dish, well executed and surprisingly pleasing. Big, soft soramame with dipping salt accompanied the beer perfectly, although I couldn’t help wish for pile of them rather than the handful that arrived.
Some grilled fish – Buri? Hamachi? Uncle N, please let me know – was also excellent. As was the takenoko, although not quite as good as that enjoyed at Sazaya. A kind of korokke of mashed soramame made a nice change, and the grilled jidori ended the meals in succulent fashion.
Kawame is a great little izakaya. Excellent food – well priced – complimented by pleasant surroundings and 
service. A cut above the average, although you pay for it once drinks are factored in. Mostly smoke free, as just one corner of the counter, near the entrance, is reserved for those with a death wish. Great venue for a relaxing meal, although not for a party.
Tel: 03-3722-8088
Reader Comments (4)
I was there yesterday !
And I agree the beverages are too expensive. Draft beer is 650 Yen, for 350ml too much. So for the thirsty German or English or Woods-man I recommend to visit Suntory Jigger Bar (next to Jiyugaoka station main exit, B1) first, happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30, small draft beer 300 Yen. At Kawame I always go for the "Kirei" sake, at an acceptable 700 Yen.
Ok, during Happy Hour Jigger Bar might be okay, but based on our last visit (from what I remember of it) it's not exactly value for money either. that said, it was a lot of fun.
How was Kawame last night? Still on form?
Everything looks excellent. I am definitely envious...Dave, as you know, for these name changing fish (shusse uo 出世魚), the definition is vague and regionally different. Whatever they say is what it is.
Uncle N, I'll take your word for it. Obviously I need to start paying attention and taking notes when it comes to the fish!
And yes, Kawame is good. I'd certainly say it's worth the visit if you ever are in this neck of the woods.