Glowing Restaurant Review: KAJITSU

The name “Kajitsu,” meaning “fine day” or “day of celebration” in Japanese, was chosen by the owners of this fine restaurant in hopes that special occasions would be celebrated there.  Kajitsu, located at 125 E. 39th Street in New York City, specializes in Shojin cuisine, a type of vegetarian cooking which originated in Zen Buddhism. 

Although Shojin cuisine does not use meat or fish, it’s regarded as the foundation of all Japanese cuisine, especially “kaiseki” which is the Japanese version of haute cuisine. The dinner at Kajitsu is presented as a multi-course meal in which fresh, seasonal vegetables are prepared in ways to enhance the flavor of each component, with the finished dishes beautifully arranged on plates. This is typical of shojin cuisine, which is still prepared in Buddhist temples throughout Japan. The dishware used in the restaurant is unique, imperfect and stunning, and was specially selected for the restaurant. They include pieces created by master Japanese potters over 200 years ago, as well as works by modern ceramic artists. Since the unique color and quality of these pieces cannot be reproduced, the dishes are carefully repaired if they are chipped or damaged. This is indicative of Kajitsu’s deep respect for the work of the old masters, and for the shojin tradition of frugality and respect. 

We both chose the Chef’s Seasonal Special Menu which consisted of 8 courses, accompanied by wonderful sake. We immensely enjoyed each course, and I could only describe the experience of eating the beautifully presented food as “an event,” as opposed to a “dinner.” We were also seated at the chef’s counter which enhanced the experience because we were able to watch the chef’s artistic preparations. I found the restaurant’s minimalistic decor to be calming and serene. 

Read more about Kajitsu, the menu items we ordered and my review at: http://veganamericanprincess.com/kajitsu-a-restaurant-for-a-fine-day/#sthash.Czrr4ucU.dpuf

Ellen Francis & Debby Sunshine

Vegan American Princess

Voted #2 in Skinny Scoop's Top 25 Vegan Blogs of 2013

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