Shiori Dining and Shot Bar
Among Tokyo's many pleasure spots, perhaps Ikebukuro is the least favored and most over-looked destination of the wining and dining crowd. While thousands flock to the stylish eateries of Omotesando and Shibuya, few choose Ikebukuro for a classy night out, figuring instead that it's only good for a round of pachinko and a chat with a coy hostess. But under the shadow of the monolithic garbage incinerator chimney, a handful of glowing embers of cultured light burn late into the night to bring hope to us all. Shiori is one of these points of light. It's schizophrenic name might make you wonder if it is a bar or a restaurant, but a visit will convice you that it handles both duties quite well, thank you. If the wailing of Tom Waites makes you want to drown your sorrows in drink, then choose from one of 400 beverages like the Jungle Fire Sling (Yen 800). And if you want to sober up in time for the last train, then a sampling from the gourmet menu will do the trick. Try the odd ball variation set (Yen 900) for starters, a selection of salmon tartar on French bread, seafood marinade of shrimp and squid, and smoked duck atop a lentil and white bean vinaigrette. Then the house quiche with a delicate crust will make you feel like a real man or woman (Yen 800). Move on to the kohitsubi no kosoyaki, tender cuts of baked lamb on the rib (Yen 1000) and your meal is complete. There are two original dinner courses from Yen 2,500 which offer more gourmet variety and include dessert and Irish coffee, and lunch sets daily at Yen 1,350 offer volume and value. Take a shot of illumination your next night on the town. Taisei Bldg. 1F, 3-25-2 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku (3494-0065) Open 11am-3pm for lunch, 5-11:45pm for dinner. | ||
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