Happy Lunch is an Italian restaurant in a residential area.

（2014년 4월）
突然思い立って、久しぶりに覗いてみました。
It has been over a year since our last visit. However, the Italian tricolor flag in front of the restaurant remains the same, as does the atmosphere and the delicious cuisine. I am very pleased to see that nothing has changed.

Previously, it was a special offer for the New Year’s holiday.
Today is the regular lunch time.
A meal that includes a soup as a substitute for the appetizer, pasta, side dishes, desserts, and drinks, priced at 2000 yen.
With such a menu and this taste, I really think it's quite affordable.

During lunchtime, a group of people was having their lunch.
I sit at the central table.

The soup is a radish-based soup.
Slightly sweet and has a sophisticated taste.
I really want some wine.

There are two types of bread available.
And the pasta.
Ario o Ario of bamboo shoots and basil.
The noodles are a type of Thai-Style Aattere.
Not very wide, probably a Taito-ori style.

The plates were also heated, and the pasta was perfectly hot.
Despite the intense heat, the noodles are firm, and the bamboo shoots are crispy. This truly showcases the advanced techniques used by the chef.
The person who went with me ordered tomato sauce.
This was also from Taiaattele. Just like the previous dish, it was made with al dente noodles.
I was satisfied with the authentic pasta.

The second item is a poke of shiba.
Sterilly grilled, decorated with basilic sauce.
The skin is crispy and fragrant.
Soups, second courses, a bit French.

As I mentioned before, the chef and his wife reside in Aosta, located near the French border in northern Italy.
In the area, there is a town called Coullmoyer where one can climb Montbrun.
As the name suggests, it is located in a French-speaking region, but its country of origin is Italy.
That area can be considered culturally French, yes.
Naturally, the cuisine also adopts a French style.

Dolche is a gelato served between slices of pie.
It's simple, and the pasta is suitable after the second order.
Finally, espresso.
In restaurants in Kobe, it's probably the dark version.
This restaurant reminds me of authentic Italian cuisine.

It's not really a celebration, but it was a satisfying holiday lunch.
Thank you very much.


（January 2013）
In the morning newspaper, there was an article about this restaurant. So, I immediately went to try it out.

Location: Chiba West District, Tatsumi Ward.
It’s right in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood.
It’s not a restaurant that you can enter just anywhere along the street. It must be a hidden shop, visited only by those who are well-versed in Italian cuisine or those who have seen the guidebook.

As shown in the photos of other people, ordinary houses have been transformed into restaurants.
Since a Italian tricolor flag is displayed beside the entrance, it is immediately clear that this is an Italian restaurant.

Inside, it's really cozy and compact.
There are 8 counters.
There are only two tables that can accommodate four people each.
The area behind the counter is an open kitchen.
The name of the restaurant, Kuchina Theater, means that it resembles a theater, with a kitchen where dishes are prepared.

It is run by a chef and a beautiful wife.
Both husband and wife have reportedly received training in Aosta, in the northwestern part of Italy.
The cuisine is basically Northern Italian cuisine, such as that from Turin or Milan.
Rather, it's a casual kind of restaurant.

Today is New Year's Day, so only special lunches are served.
Appetizers, first courses, second courses, desserts, and coffee – a full Italian meal.
Price is 2500 yen.
Normally, there are also lunches that are a little cheaper.

The entrées consist of five dishes that are well prepared.
Salmon, frijita, radish, vegetable stew, and roast beef.
All of them were prepared with great care, and they were truly delicious.

Primo is spaghetti.
A recipe that combines vegetables and ham – Ariooario.
The oil content was a bit strong, but by controlling the amount, it was managed to be refined and deliciously prepared.
The noodles were perhaps too al dente.

The second course is a stew of boiled tuna, served with tomato sauce.
Just like the image of a festive New Year's Eve dish, isn't it?
The tomato sauce is probably homemade from tomatoes.
We topped the bread with sauce, and it was delicious.

Dolcheにはジェラートとキンカンがあります。
Kinkan and ice seem to have a good compatibility.

Finally, espresso.
Unfortunately, the heat might have been a bit insufficient.

Early in the new year, enjoying a authentic Italian meal at noon.
It seems like this year will be a good year as well.
Thank you for your hospitality.