Kyo ya tries to fly under the radar: no sign out front, subterranean entryway, and no website. But when you get a Michelin star rating three years in a row, people find out about you.

Chef Chikara Sono is the master behind Kyo ya's multi-course kaiseki meal, the traditional Japanese tasting menu. You can dine a la carte or opt for chef Sono's well crafted, seasonally inspired 10 courses, including a sashimi plate (see slide show).

We asked the native of Hokkaido, Japan's second largest island, to share his favorite places to eat Japanese food in New York City, his essential cooking tool, a liquor recommendation, and a recipe.

Here are chef Sono's five F.E.D. recs:

FIND...

Indispensable Tool: MORIBASHI CHOPSTICKS

What: Half wood, half stainless cooking and plating chopsticks.

Chef Sono Says: "It's just like a special brush for a painter."

Buy: Available at Korin.

EAT...

Sushi: 15 EAST

What: Small and elegant restaurant with traditional style sushi made by one of the most respected sushi masters in New York, chef Masato Shimizu.

Chef Sono Says: "I love to sit at the chef's counter."

Where: 15 East 15th Street, New York, T: 212.647.0015, www.15eastrestaurant.com

Soba: SOBAKOH (watch video)

What: Traditional hand-cut noodles made right in front of you.

Chef Sono Says: "Try their Inaka Soba."

Where: 309 East 5th Street, New York, T: 212.254.2244

Homestyle: CHIYONO (see slide show)

What: Japanese homestyle cooking in a cozy East Village location.

Chef Sono Says: "Try the awesome Japanese curry, one of my favorites. They serve it only after midnight, Friday through Sunday."

Where: 328 East 6th Street, New York, T: 212.673.3984, www.chiyono.com

DRINK...

Shochu: TORIKAI

What: Japanese distilled spirit that can be as clean as vodka or as nuanced and full-bodied as single malt scotch.

Chef Sono Says: "My favorite is Kome (Rice) shochu (lightly refined sweetness similar to sake)."

Available: Available at these restailers.

More F.E.D.

17 November, 2010 The Cheese Course Cheese recs from cheesemonger Amy Thompson.

12 November, 2010 Chef Jesus Nunez Graffiti artist turned chef.

10 November, 2010 6 Chefs' Recipes Thanksgiving side dishes.

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