birthday dinner at samurai mama.

though a bit too fancy, i love the details of the designs of this restaurant.

all very used & rustic, but beautifully arranged.

their gyoza (that spiral looking thing in 2nd photo) came half steamed & half

baked/pan-fried in a cast-iron skillet. the brown-crisped crêpe-like layer holding

the 6 pieces together. so so so delicious.

we also got some sushi rolls, salmon & yellowtail with shiso,

and sansai (mountain vegetable) udon.

all were so so delicious, beautifully concocted.

i'd started the morning with a cup of coffee and this yummy chocolate

cupcake a had made for me :

a great day it was!