Yakitori Bincho
The typical yakitori joint seen around town seems to have a very vague understanding of the term "interior decoration," but in this respect Yakitori Bincho in Roppongi is unique. Immediately when you make it up the steps to its second-floor location, you will see the difference. It is a kind of upscale yakitori restaurant, but with reasonable prices. Nice combination. While yakitori purists may appreciate the ambience of the "dime a dozen" standard yakitori dives under railway tracks, in dark back alleys, etc., it is, however, a pure delight to see how well Bincho has been able to create a very Japanese and cozy atmosphere. The ambience and beautiful interior makes you feel that you are somewhere deep in the countryside of Japan, and not in the "gaijin ghetto" of Roppongi in the thick of Tokyo. The heart of the restaurant - the grill - is in the middle of the main room, and customers at the counter may enjoy watching the cook at work, turning the delicious-looking skewered chicken, beef and vegetables. The menu covers a wide variety of chicken, vegetable and beef, and you may chose one of the 3 set courses, or just order freely from the menu card. A 6-stick course goes for Yen 1,500, and 10 sticks for Yen 2,000. Bincho also offers a special for Yen 3,600 that includes 7 sticks, soup, rice, 2 small dishes, and ice cream. But why not order freely from the English-language menu until your stomach says, "Enough already!" Typically, the price per stick is around Yen 200-400. Six to ten sticks should fill a non-sumo-wrestler's belly. As an authentic yakitori restaurant, Bincho also carries the more exotic selection of "spare chicken parts," which all Japanese seem to love and most gaijin seem to hate more than going to the dentist. Chicken livers, gizzards, and other autopsy leavings may not be your first choice, so perhaps it's better to go for the classic "negima" (chicken and green onion on a stick). But don't forget to try some of the vegetable sticks as well, such as Japanese shitake (mushrooms). Another fine feature of Bincho is their wide selection of sake. Ask the waiter for a sampling of some of the recommended selections. It's well worth it. Or try the "umeshu on the rocks" a sweet and delicious plum brandy. You'll like it. Yakitori Bincho is just a little walk from Almondo crossing in Roppongi. Open: Everyday 6pm-10:30pm. Marina Bldg. 3-10-5 Roppongi, | ||
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