Last night’s wine tasting at Tsuru simply confirmed what’s become obvious to Londonist: Tsuru is a phenomenal restaurant serving up some of London’s best sushi and Japanese dishes. Beyond that, it helped us realize that, yes, sushi and wine can accompany each other in delicious harmony.
The evening featured six wines (three whites and three reds – yes even reds can go with Japanese food) paired with a hearty handful of yummies (tuna and salmon nigiri, veggie and Cornish crab maki, chicken yakitori, beef sirloin with passion fruit, sweet potato and shrimp tempura). On hand to guide us through the pairing was Damian Tillson, from Sotheby’s Wine Department, whose “experiment and have fun” attitude toward food/wine matching perfectly suited Londonist’s approach to the evening. And thanks to Damian’s discerning selection of wines, experimenting couldn’t have been more fun (or have tasted better!).
Still, picking a decent wine to go with delicate sushi dishes or one that’s capable of holding its own beside more vigorous flavours such as katsu curry or teriyaki can be daunting. With Tillson’s help, Tsuru has come up with an admirable wine menu. Londonist went gaga over the fresh and lively Sybille Kuntz Reisling (try it with the salmon nigiri), while having no problems whatsoever downing the dainty Cave Hunawihr Haut-Rhin Pinot Blanc or the peachy and springy Austrian, Grüner Veltliner, from Stift Gottweig. As for the reds, Londonist’s dining companion couldn’t gush enough about the meaty Escobera Jumilla (Tsuru’s house red), while the Bourgogne Pinot Noir from Domaine Dureuil-Janthial went as well on its own as it did with the tuna and the chicken. A great meal with the right bottle of wine is such a treat. Tsuru’s the place to get it!
Tsuru is located at 4 Canvey, SE1 9AN. Check Tsuru's website for more info about the restaurant and any upcoming events.
Photography by Chris Osburn
