Kyoto Cafe, Eastland Ringwood

It is autumn and the days are getting shorter. The sun still sleeps when I get up to get ready for work these days. Lately, Gaz had the reason to travel together with me to work when usually, he would go on his own much later. He was surprised at how early it felt (oh, he knew exactly what time it was, but his body struggled to accept it!). Thankfully the nights are still warm and the sun sets only at around 7pm. 

We went to Kyoto Cafe in Eastland Ringwood for dinner a couple of months ago. Because it was a very warm summer's night, the outdoor precinct where Kyoto Cafe is located was buzzing. There were diners spilling out from each restaurant onto the outdoor eating area, and people were generally soaking in the warmth before it evaporates when winter approaches. 

Too hot to cook, we decided to eat out and enjoy the air conditioning facilities of a restaurant. 

Gaz ordered the dinner special - wagyu beef set which came with a salad and dessert (not pictured). Wagyu beef slices and veges on a sizzling hot plate accompanied with miso soup and rice. There was a big bowl of salad which was very refreshing. The beef was tender and I like how the diner can control how rare or cooked he/she wants the beef to be. If you wanted the beef to be rare, take it off the hot plate and if you are like me and like your meat well cooked then leave it on for longer!

I decided to splurge and ordered the Black Pork Katsu + Sashimi Set ($31.80). The sashimi costs $5.80 extra to add to the bento. I think I would stick to the normal order next time. Besides, there is enough variety in the bento box to keep me happy and interested.

There was steamed egg / chawan mushi, prawn and vege tempura, the pork katsu, sushi rolls, a young umeboshi, lotus root chips, tamago roll, a salad rice paper roll and various condiments and sauces.

The pork katsu was tender and tasted clean and light. I think this is the difference in taste between Kurobota black pork and the ordinary pork. I also enjoyed the sweet young peach (the green fruit at the bottom right of the picture). I have not tasted one before this - it was sweet, juicy and slightly tangy. Very refreshing.

The prices here may be a bit steeper but the quality and variety of the food is better. They also have a selection of matcha drinks and matcha desserts.