In a subterranean corner of Manhattan’s East Village lies Tsukimi, a newly opened modern kaiseki restaurant that takes its name from the Japanese tradition of viewing the moon during the mid-Autumn festival.
Founded by partners chef Takanori Akiyama and general manager Karen Lin, the elegant restaurant touts an eleven-course tasting menu that follows a traditional flow while incorporating bold and contemporary, yet welcoming flavours.To match its elevated approach, the restaurant boasts a unique 14-seat counter that makes for a memorable dining experience.
Designed by Studio Tack, this centrally located bar is flanked by a sequence of mirrored archways that intentionally frames the individual seats – a gesture that produces a sense of permanence and place for each of the diners present. Artisan-made ceramics and serving ware, each carefully chosen to complement each course, are consciously kept on display in open shelves that also run the lengths of the counter. Other materials such as refined millwork, hand-rendered plaster and un-lacquered brass bring an uncontrived natural beauty to the dynamic, yet intimate space.
Currently offering one seating that commences at 7pm, the 2.5 hour experience of dining at Tsukimi incites contemplation, gratitude, ritual and ceremony – elements that rarely exist together elsewhere in New York City. §
