Since the restaurant is located in a familiar area, I became aware of its existence as soon as I arrived in Sendai.
However, to be honest, it might be considered a rather plain dish. I couldn’t figure out when it would be the right time to try it. But then I learned that it was mentioned in the book “Delicious Restaurants in Sendai”. So, I decided to make sure to go and try it… and book a table in advance.
I ordered a wine pairing as my drink.
◇ 요리
（１）アミューズ：真鯛（志津川）、宮城サーモン（女川）、甘エビ
（２）Appetizer ①: Apples, Forest Chicken (Ishimaki)… on a tart
（３）アペリティーヌ②：トマト（石巻）、カマス（気仙沼）、エストラゴン（福島県伊達） … 冷製ガスパチョに使用されるカマスの塩漬け
（４）魚料理：鮎、キュウリ（登米）、蓼（福島県伊達）…鮎の春巻と刻んだキュウリのソース
（５）肉料理①：伊达鶏（福島県伊达）、ゴマ河豚白子（秋田県男鹿半島） … レバーペーストと白子のフリット
（６）肉料理②：山伏豚（山形県鶴岡）、つるむらさき（蔵王） …ロティ
（７）デセール：ココナッツ、レモンマートル……アイスクリーム
Minialdices
Lemon Grass (Zuo Wang) … of tea
◇ワイン
（１）シャンパン、ダニエル・デュモン、グランド・レザーブ・ブリュット、N.V.
(2) Loire, Domaine Les Vignes Helbel, Rose d’1 jour, 2022
（３）南アフリカ、ニュートン・ジョンソン・ワインズ、アルバリーノ、2022年
（４）日本（北海道）、カミフラノイ農場、Rerakant、2022年
（５）부르고뉴, 토마스 모레이, 샤사네-몽트라셰, 2921
（６）이탈리아, 크로체 디 메조, 브루넬로 디 몬탈치오노, 2016년
(7) Germany, Wiltinger Schlossberg, “Cantzheim Weingut”, Kabinett, Riesling, 2020
The wines served through pairing are chosen to complement the progression of the dishes. Among them, there is a wine from a renowned vineyard named "Kore" (5)(6). Additionally, other wines are sourced from various parts of the world, offering a rich variety that is quite interesting.
The combination of Amuse and Champagne seemed to somewhat emphasize the slightly fishy smell of the salmon. However, from then on, it became a combination where the wine itself became more interesting. It was an experimental pairing (but successful), where Bruneau and Brand’s roast pork were paired together—a combination that no one would mistake for anything else. In fact, it felt like the wine was the main attraction, rather than the food itself. This is segment 23/26. Only translate this segment and keep the wording natural.
I wouldn’t say the quality of the cuisine is poor. On the contrary, the French cuisine that uses ingredients gathered from northeastern regions is quite effective and even pleasant to taste. However, in this case, it can be said that the level of the sommelier is quite high; it even gives the impression that the dishes are closely tied to the wine they are served with.
Well, originally, "Graal" seems to mean "holy cup." So, perhaps it's a concept like that from the very beginning. For me, who can't stop going to French restaurants just because I want to drink wine, that works fine for me.
The next time you use it, I'm pretty sure you'll want to drink wine...
