How I did it: I've eaten deer many times, but this is the second time I've eaten reindeer.  The first time was a few years ago at a Russian restaurant in Shibuya, and that was a reindeer sashimi with a dip sauce.  I had been eyeing the Swedish restaurant down the street from me for some time.  I noticed reindeer steak on the outside menu and thought how appropriate it would be to eat it on Xmas.  SYL looked at the idea as something akin to sacrilege and refused to go, so just J2 and I went.  The course included various freshly baked rolls (I liked the anise bread the best), a salad with an anchovy dressing and oysters gratin in the shell (really tasty).  Last came the man dish, the reindeer steak (sweet potato and regular potato on the side with a small cup of fried red and yellow bell peppers and some micro tomatoes).  The steak, cooked medium rare, just how I like it, had a chocolate sauce on it.  The meat was very tender and dark red.  The taste was noticeably different from beef, really, really good, and left us longing for more (but it wasn't cheap, so more will have to wait).  We definitely want to go back, but next time go for the $75 course (the chef's special) which includes a reindeer sashimi salad and steak.  Other dishes are left up to the chef.

Lessons & tips: Be adventurous in eating.  Try new things.  Don't let children tell you that you shouldn't eat something.  What do they know?

Resources: Having a Swedish restaurant down the street with a big menu posted outside.

Dec 26, 04:15AM PST | 0 comments | 9 cheers