Honoka, Musashi-koyama 穂のか、武蔵小山

Regrettably, I had declined the opportunity to dine at Honoka, a delightfully understated little izakaya but a minute’s stroll from the south exit of Musashi-koyama station, when the chance first presented itself. After listening to the Woodsman’s account of the visit, and pouring over both Mullers' and Poshand’s retelling of the happy tale, I jumped at the chance to take the Woodsman up on his offer to introduce me to the place. And what a place it is!

The charming aspect of the shop front immediately communicates the intent of this izakaya, being adorned with a sugidama and bedecked with wooden plaques proudly displaying the names of the sake breweries currently represented on the ample – some forty or so varieties – and detailed sake list (so detailed, in fact, as to clearly record the date upon which each bottle was opened).   

Stepping inside, one is greeted by a narrow, cosily appointed L-shaped counter at which 8-10 may be seated, at a push. Décor wise, lots of wood. Brand promise wise, lots of good sake and lots of good food. Even the service was good. Our host for the evening was particularly attentive – without being overbearing – and although he did have a little of the “oh my god! Foreigners!” about him, he proceeded to educate us with regards to each dish and morsel, to the extent of bringing out his encyclopaedia of fish in order to show us pictures of those poor creatures upon whose delicious, uncooked flesh we were to dine. While we’re talking of service, the personalised “reservation” and “thank you” notice waiting for us out our spot at the counter was a nice touch.

Before we go any further, I’ll own up now; I took notes, in particular regarding the sake, but for the life of me I can’t locate them. As such, there will follow some vague recollections and photos. For a more attentive guide to an evening’s dining pleasure at Honoka, you need do no more than click on the links cited above.

The o-toshi served up at most izakaya usually provides a good indicator of the quality that can be expected through the course of the meal. Honoka’s appetizer (a snail that wouldn’t budge, some edamame, and some other stuff) suggested a considered, somewhat refined approach to classic izakaya fare. Nothing outrageous, nor adventurous, but even the most commonplace of dishes was done well, both in terms of presentation and taste.

To accompany the various excellent sake we started off the meal-proper with a sashimi-moriawase; fresh, decent portions, interesting. The highlight among the sake was, as had been foretold, the Houou Biden, which came accompanied with a bottle of the well water from which it is crafted. Enchanting.

There followed a decent enough salad, a perfect fried pork cutlet (juicy!), and a potato fry, which was also quite wonderful. I mistakenly ordered the regular onigiri (the Woodsman had recommended the fried variety), but it was wholesome all the same.

Again, great place, great sake, great food, and a great find (well done my dears!).

Update 04/10/10: Some notes recovered; regarding the sake, the Chokaisan was rather good, while the Shirataki was way too dry. 

Tel: 03-3792-3232