Tis Me Michelle

I got an e-mail about the soft opening of Bar Kada, probably because I always look at booking a res for Soseki and then back off because I really can’t be spending moolah like that. That’s why I feel less bad about my splurge here and omakase’s like Edoboy and Norigami. Girl math, ya know. I got 3 meals for the price of one basically. It makes sense.

Anyways, Bar Kada is the sake lounge counterpart to Soseki. They share a building, so it’s like the next best thing, as a meal and for your bank account. I again dined alone here and had a fantastic time. If I were ever to have a date, this would be an absolutely fantastic option. It’s intimate, with a moody vibe and there is so much attention to detail in the experience itself. I recommend bar seating if possible for a more interactive experience. Of course, if you want the privacy of your own company, go for one of the few available tables. But I love a full experience.

I enjoy sake, but I can’t lie I don’t know a lot about it. I’m the same with wine. I can tell you if I like it or not and that’s about it. My bartender/host was fantastic, and from what I can tell, it’s the standard experience. He gave a full background on each drink he poured me, not just about the type of sake, but about the specific bottle itself along with the ingredients, the region it was produced in, and how it was made. Food and drink are my only hobbies, so of course learning more about it is right up my alley. I opted for the flight with 3 sakes which I let my bartender select and he steered me right.

They have a small, but mighty food menu as well. You actually start with complimentary crisped chickpeas, which is a great bar snack. These dishes are not crazy expensive, but they are on the small side and served on adorable animal plates. It was great-sized bites for just me, myself, and I, but I imagine you’d end up ordering more, if not the whole menu with more people. I started with the sashimi, which was probably my favorite dish of the night. It was light, sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Then I tried the mushroom. Aside from the fact it was just a tad too salty, it was an incredible hearty bite. It was made in a ponzu beurre blanc sauce which gave it a nutty, cheesy taste. I’ve been so obsessed with mushrooms since that I want to recreate it in mi casa.

At this point, I was still hungry but almost at my limit. A family sitting next to me seemed like regulars. I asked them what I should give a try and it sounded like there were no bad options. Both they and my waiter recommended the Tuna Au Poivre. I enjoyed it, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as my first two dishes. Something about the temperature threw me off, but it could have been a me thing. The other dish I was leaning towards was the chicken wings, which I feel like almost everyone got. They looked delicious and came in two flavors, it was going to be too much for just me at that point. So I’m glad I went with the Tuna dish, but I’d definitely try the wings when I go back.

The dessert was very unique. I’ve never had anything like it. I believe I had one of the variations of their coconut pudding. It was accompanied with some kind of fruity jelly, peaches, lime meringue, coconut chips, and some white chocolate. I loved that it wasn’t really sweet at all and rather light, which is honestly a great way to end the meal. There were a lot of different textures that made it interesting. I can’t say it was one of my favorite desserts, but I’d say it was worthwhile.

I really enjoyed this spot. It’s sexy and elevated and also welcoming and cozy. It’s still always a little weird when I go dine alone, especially somewhere like this where it would only be more awkward if I had plopped out a book. So I enjoyed that it was very experiential. This is definitely another splurge, but in comparison to Soseki, a save and a steal.

2025 Update: I went back – girl math fully in tact – still haven’t been to Soseki. Bar Kada was just as fantastic this time around. They now have a pre-fixe menu which I gave a go and it was delightful. I honestly was sad when it was over. I could do a whole post just on this meal (comment if you’re interested). And my server this time was absolutely fantastic again. Super knowledgeable and fun staff making my solo experience a blast!

Rating: 9.4/10