蓼喰人
After enjoying a pleasant time at "Gurasara," I decided to take a stroll around the area. Walking down to the left from the torii gate of Akagi Shrine, I found myself in a neighborhood that holds many memories from my student days. This area, descending from the heights of Ushigome towards Waseda and Edogawabashi, has long been known for its concentration of printing and bookbinding factories. While relatively close to the Tozai Line station, it's not quite as glamorous as the well-known Kagurazaka district. However, in recent years, sweet shops and hobby stores have started popping up in the narrow alleyways, giving the area a new charm. I had heard about a pancake specialty shop nearby, so I decided to check it out. The shop, known for its hotcakes, used to operate as a dual-style establishment with a French restaurant called "Yoshoku Orhon," but since last October, it has been operating independently. The building itself used to be a workshop called "Kumagi Orimotosho," reflecting the local history. The shop is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the afternoon, and luckily, it was a Friday when I visited. When I arrived around 1:30 pm, the shop was open as scheduled. The entrance to the small building was up a few steps from the corner, with another izakaya located in the basement. Reservations are usually required, and it can be difficult to get in without one on busy weekends. However, I was warmly welcomed by a well-dressed young male staff member when I pushed open the door, and I was seated at the counter, which was fortunately available. The shop's specialty is hotcakes, but they also serve a popular meat pie that was a hit from the days of "Yoshoku Orhon." I decided to go with the classic hotcake this time. The French-style hotcake arrived after about 10 minutes, a 15cm diameter disc with a height of 2.5cm, perfectly browned and topped with a round pat of butter, with syrup on the side. The sides were neatly shaped, likely baked using a ring mold. The staff mentioned that they use almond powder in their hotcakes, which may be why they are called French-style. Upon cutting into it, the hotcake had a dense yet fluffy texture, and the butter on top was of high quality, adding a delightful aroma and taste. Drizzling the unique caramel syrup over it enhanced the flavor without being overly sweet. I was also served a cup of Earl Grey tea, which had a beautiful color and a refreshing aroma. The hotcake was priced at 880 yen, which I found reasonable considering the quality and portion size. I savored the rich flavors and had a truly elegant experience. The staff's calm and friendly service added to the positive impression. While it may be challenging to visit due to the limited opening hours and reservation requirements, I found the shop to be quite charming and would love to return if given the chance. I'm also intrigued by the meat pie, so I'll definitely consider getting it for takeout on my next visit.