Kajitsu
Lunch Tu-Sa 11:45am-1:45pm; Dinner Tu-Su 5:30pm-9:15pm
I never had the experience of fine Japanese vegetarian dining when Kajitsu was on 9th Street, but was eagerly anticipating my meal when I was approaching 39th. Another vegetarian friend, who I knew would appreciate both the ambiance and the food, joined me at Kajitsu for lunch. In the upstairs minimalist environment, where a wood ceiling and one piece of Japanese art hung on the neutral toned walls, we dined next to a window looking down on the side street. Placed on the tables as we sat down were square wood trays that had a hammered piece of metal allowing the chop sticks to rest. A large canvas bag was brought to us to place our belongings and a warm washcloth was provided to cleanse our hands and face. Seated comfortably, ready to order, and with only four choices, one would think it would be easy, but we were eager to try everything. In the end, we each selected a noodle dish – one with a spicy miso sauce topped with mixed vegetables and the other with a few pieces of a tart plum and sliced daikon in a warm broth. On the side, a bowl of white rice was offered with one main course and three tofu skins wrapped around rice with the other. The menus change monthly, both for dinner and lunch depending on what inspires the chef at the market. Although only eight tables in the main dining room, there is also seating available at a counter in the next room. Downstairs, there is another small restaurant, Kokage, where meat, fish and eggs are on the menu.
