Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2010

Newly opened Uzumaki in Karasuyama introduces Tokyo diners to the culinary culture of Shikoku (2F, 4-12-4 Minami-Karasu-yama, Setagaya-ku; http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g439821). More than just an izakaya, the venue hosts instructional events like udon-making classes and awa dance lessons, as well as selling local produce (think soy sauce and yuzu-flavored miso). The food and drink menus feature Shikoku’s renowned Awa brand beef and pork, plus locally produced wheat and potato shochu. Bonus: the wakame, which is harvested from the rapids of Naruto Strait, is offered for free—all-you-can-eat. Starters include raw chicken sasami (¥600) and octopus with wakame in ponzu (¥580), while items from the grill range from a platter of Awa pork (¥850) to beef kalbi (¥980). A dozen varieties of yakitori are also offered (from ¥150), and bowls of housemade udon start at just ¥380.