Restaurant SEO

This morning, I flipped to the Tokyo On The Hudson article in New York Magazine, and I immediately set about checking out some of the recommendations.

Unfortunately, I was to find that the article would lead me astray. Walking up and down 9th Ave., I was sure that I'd somehow missed the new Kyotofu dessert bar, but the treat emporium was nowhere to be found. Finally I realized that the half-painted, permit-plastered space at 705 Ninth Ave. was the site of the very unfinished Kyotofu.

My second stop was Conran's, where I intended to check out the Japanese style exhibition and perhaps buy some tableware. When I breathlessly asked where the items were, I was told that the exhibition didn't start until Thursday.

Now I was crestfallen, and hungry to boot. Thankfully, I happened upon Restaurant SEO, a small, authentic Japanese restaurant which features a peaceful rock garden. I sat down and devoured a tuna roll, which had a perfect tuna/rice ratio (tuna rolls at inferior establishments often skimp on the rosy pink fish). Then I enjoyed a bowl of surprisingly delicate tempura udon made with thin, slippery inaniwa udon noodles. (Previously, I had only been acquainted with the thicker variety.) The tempura included lightly fried Japanese eggplant and shrimp. A bowl of ume plum rice with shredded shiso was also served, but I would have been satisfied with a tiny plate of pickles. At meal's end, the waiter brought me a mug of roasted green tea. As I sipped it, I was thankful that at least one of my three missions was successful!

Restaurant SEO: 249 East 49th St., (212) 355-7722.