Izakaya Shinjuku - a part of oasis in a desert for Japanese businessman - SAKEMARU - Artisan Sake Online Boutique+Subscription

Cuppage plaza is just like an oasis in a desert for Japanese business men after work to enjoy night life.
Among restaurants in the Cuppage plaza, Shinjuku has the most authentic Izakaya atmosphere.
Just like their name of the restaurant “Shinjuku” this atmosphere reminds me of nostalgic narrow Izakaya in Tokyo.

I had two kind of sake to pair food with, Dassai 50 Junmai Daiginjo from Yamaguchi prefecture and Ginjo Hakkaisan from Niigata prefecture.

Dassai has bland aroma, smooth sweetness and its umami spread in middle of tongue.

Hakkaisan has mild sourness turn to bitterness. Both sake are standard sake that goes well with food.
First dish was a butter grilled razor calm with mushroom. Butter helps to inflate the taste of calm.
Bitterness of Hakkaisan matches with taste of calm. Dassai’s bitterness and sourness melt together and umami taste remain on tongue.
Rich dengaku miso mixed with meat and mushroom on grilled eggplant has a good mixture of juiciness of the vegetable and the source.

Hakkaisan goes well with this dish by tying the taste with its bitter and sour taste.
Dassai taste goes over the taste of miso, then sourness and sweetness gradually spread.

Grilled atka mackerel has fatty meat, and with sweetness of Dassai let fish umami stand out.
Hakkaisan goes on a tongue and ties the taste with its bitterness. Pressed mackerel sushi’s sweet vinegar taste blend well with Hakkaisan. Dassai meet with umami of the sushi.

There is an easy at home feeling with classical Izakaya food at reasonable price. I recommend visitng for small gathering, after work or between night out for Izakaya delicacy!