For Toshi sushi fans (Kaygetsu): last chance to have his sushi ever before he retires in October

[K K]

From Kaygetsu's email newsletter:

"It has been seven years since we opened Kaygetsu in April of 2004 with a goal to let people in the Bay Area know there's more to Japanese food than just sushi and teriyaki. Now, after seven years, we think we have accomplished that; and we can't thank you enough for all your support. Kaygetsu has been like a little child that needs a lot of attention; and it is a bittersweet moment as we announce that the time has come for us to let it go. We have decided to retire from the restaurant business.

The new owner will take over the restaurant around mid-October. After that, we'll be working somewhere, but not as much as we do now. We'll give you updates as we know the details. We hope we'll have a chance to say good-bye to each one of you.

Toshi and Keiko"

-----
Kaygetsu Restaurant
325 Sharon Park Dr Ste A2, Menlo Park, CA 94025

[K K]

Their final goodbye letter got sent out earlier:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaygetsu's last day was Friday, October 7th. Many of you who were able to join us on our final days expressed sadness - that you would miss Kaygetsu so much. You told us how much Kaygetsu meant to you. Some of you cried and didn't want to say good-bye. Our staff (who shall remain nameless) was printing a check; and the check got wet with her tears.

Toshi and I feel so fortunate that Kaygetsu was loved by so many people. We really can't find words to describe our gratitude. We'd also like to thank chef Aoki and the rest of our staff who helped us create a very special place called Kaygetsu. We felt sad to be saying good-bye to so many customers. But, at the same time, we realized we now have a lot of good friends.

Many of you were wondering what's next for us. Toshi has accepted an offer from Apple to work at their headquarters in Cupertino several months ago. He'll start working there in November. I (Keiko) am giving myself 3 months break to think about what to do next. Being a CPA in my previous life, I might get back to accounting field or do something else.

We have one favor to ask you. If you could send us an e-mail about any episodes or memories relating to Kaygetsu, we'd appreciate it very much. We'd cherish that as a part of Kaygetsu history.

We'd like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Arigatou gozaimashita.

Sincerely yours,

Toshi and Keiko Sakuma
Owners
Kaygetsu Restaurant

[K K]

Last day will be this Friday 10/7, they are already full and cannot accept any additional reservations.

"Since we made an announcement that we're about to close the restaurant at the end of August, we have been inundated with reservation requests. Many of you wanted to dine with us for the last time.

It is difficult to describe our feeling as our last day is now set to be Friday, October 7th. We have been extremely busy these past few weeks; and we apologize for not being able to send you this e-mail to let you know our final day. It is sooner than we've expected since our transfer process took shorter than we have planned for.

We tried our best to accommodate as many customers as possible.; but we're sorry if you couldn't get in for the last meal with us. We really didn't realize Kaygetsu has been such an important part of many of your lives. We've put in a lot of hard work into Kaygetsu; and now we can say that it's been a worthwhile effort.

We are so grateful for your support over the years. As for our next chapter, we'll be sending an e-mail shortly after October 7th. Thank you again.

Sincerely yours,

Toshi and Keiko Sakuma
Owners
Kaygetsu Restaurant"

-----
Kaygetsu Restaurant
325 Sharon Park Dr Ste A2, Menlo Park, CA 94025

[bbulkow]

That quote is sad but reasonable: "We really didn't realize Kaygetsu has been such an important part of many of your lives. We've put in a lot of hard work into Kaygetsu; and now we can say that it's been a worthwhile effort. "

Kaygetsu is a great restaurant - really great - that never got its spot in the sun. It's in the very top rank of Japanese in the bay area. I've only eaten there a few times, but it's on my "top 100 bites ever" list.

-----
Kaygetsu Restaurant
325 Sharon Park Dr Ste A2, Menlo Park, CA 94025

[ckshen]

article on Chronicle about the closing:
http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/...

[vulber]

i've always thought kaygetsu was better than anything i could get in SF; this is indeed sad

[K K]

Not kaiseki but in SF there's Kappou Goumi on Geary and Kappa upstairs from Denny's, really good for what they do.

[vulber]

i realize; those are both on my to-try list

[ccl1111]

Saw mention of Kaygetsu which I love so hit this thread. Thank you, thank you, thank you, KK! Here on business (as I was when I went to Kaygetsu years ago) and hit Kappou Guomi tonight stemming from your recommendation. It was amazing.

Had the unagi sunomono which was incredible. Fatty, warm sweetness of the unagi was awesome with the cool vinegared vegetables (cucumber, daikon, lotus root) & peaches. One of those dishes that just floors you.

And the ochazuke with ikura was phenomenal too. Delicate flavors but paired together perfectly. The swap of a gorgeous bonito broth for tea was also wonderful.

Other 2 things I got I also loved (bonito sashimi & agedashi mochi) but the first two I mentioned just floored me.

Thanks!!!

-----
Kaygetsu Restaurant
325 Sharon Park Dr Ste A2, Menlo Park, CA 94025