After finishing my plans in Machida, I decided to have my long-awaited dinner at the restaurant that I had bookmarked. As soon as I entered the store through the underground staircase, I saw a live fish market inside. There were live kawaihagi and ebi there, and they would prepare them for me to eat. Since I was alone, I decided not to eat all of them and instead choose other dishes to enjoy. Here are the dishes I ordered and my thoughts about them.
◉ 4 종류의 튀김 스시
ホウボウ、鰆、勘八、本鮪に加えて、しらすの煮凝りも提供されます。突き出しにある刺身は、その鮮度と美味しさで、心から感動します。
◆ロ万（福島県）
This restaurant gave me a strong intuition that I should order Japanese sake. So, I chose the famous sake from Fukushima Prefecture, Rōwan. It definitely feels like the perfect setting for an exquisite dinner.
◉ Crab-filled Croquettes
It’s not "Kani Cream Croquette," but rather "Kani Extraordinarily Rich Croquette." As the menu name suggests, this is a masterpiece that allows you to enjoy the taste and flavor of crab. The sauce is also incredibly delicious, and Japanese sake goes well with it. It’s definitely something you should order, even if it’s not a must-order item. I felt so tempted to order another one after ordering this.
◉ Grilled bonito fish cooked with straw-baked method
The beautifully prepared bonito fillet combines its rich flavor with the aroma of roasted wheat, creating a truly intoxicating and exquisite taste. It was recommended by the assistant manager, Mr. Nagakura, and I was able to reappreciate the true merits of bonito once again. I was very satisfied. Apparently, bonito becomes skipjack during winter, so I plan to visit again in another season.
◉ Fried Japanese mackerel fillet
The fish was so delicious that I decided to add more tsukumaki (side dishes). The sashimi of fresh tuna is truly enjoyable because it has been properly marinated. It combines perfectly with Japanese sake, highlighting the simplicity of the dish. It was also very helpful that they adjusted the portion for each person, which I found extremely kind of them.
◉ 蕪
By using low-temperature cooking, it creates a texture and flavor that are unlike both stews and pickles. The bitterwort, which has been infused with the flavors of the broth, is incredibly delicious.
◆Appearance: Yamatano Suga
The second glass recommended by the young Japanese sake specialist at Sakusaku-san was also excellent. The combination with Bungo was even better, and our eating and drinking became much more enjoyable.
◉ Katsu of fresh tuna
I had decided to order this dish. The red flesh of the salmon had a rich flavor, and its vibrant color immediately gave me a sense of luxury. It was so excellent that I couldn’t help but wonder if this really was a traditional Japanese izakaya. This is one of the dishes I personally insist on ordering. The soup made with the broth from the salmon sashimi was also incredibly delicious—I simply couldn’t forget it.
◉ Kuroboshi Wagyu's Wristlock
For the main course and dessert, there are also meat rolls. Both the fat and the lean parts of the black Wagyu beef are outstandingly flavorful, making it a truly delicious experience. The combination of these ingredients creates an unforgettable sensation in the mouth. Next time I visit, I’ll definitely order a couple of servings.
Although it was a single person's meal, I was able to enjoy the experience while chatting with Mr. Nagakura, the assistant chef, at the counter. I am deeply grateful for his skillful cooking and his warm hospitality. It was also enjoyable to witness his precision in handling the food. All the dishes were outstanding, and I really wanted to try every one of them.
I would like to try also Kawahagi and Ise kama, so I've decided to visit again. Thank you very much for the delicious meal.
