Echigo Home Cook
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Address: 870 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Visited on June 29, 2024
At my first time in Echigo, I was immediately struck by the style, which is so delicate that it almost doesn't belong in the Mission District. One immediately sees it at the moment the foot steps into the doorway: flowers, curated bottles and artworks on walls, low-height decorative lights, and shades from cacao to pine. More commonly, a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco can be described as tidy and simple. At here, an additional layer of elegant exuberance must be put in place.
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This is kindness expressed in a form of politeness.
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The food was delicious. Fried tofu was served as an additional bonus. The curry had a surprisingly soothing effect on the mind, and it lasted long after the food was finished, hitting the point of "comfort food" that they put in their brand. "They have nice options of sushi." Said a sushi lover of us whose judgment was valued. Fruit- or rice-based, options of sake were offered, at least some of them were directly imported from Japan. The employees were very polite.
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We were able to see and hear each other clearly around the small table, making it easy to chat. This is probably one of the biggest reasons to visit the place, besides the aesthetics in visuals and quality in cuisine: to enjoy a comfortable get-together, and some slow-paced conversations with others.
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