IBanez.PGM700
Menu Moliere
Cold corn soup
Edamame fritters
Seasonal vegetables
Grilled surf clam
Lemon tea sorbet
Ezo deer steak
Milk sherbet
This restaurant is a place my parents used to take me to often. When I moved to Hokkaido, I really wanted to visit, so I made a reservation in advance. Unfortunately, it was fully booked when I tried to reserve during my move, so this time I called on the reservation start date in September. Once inside, I ordered some champagne. The course started with the soup, where you bite into freshly boiled hot corn and pour in the cold soup. The contrast between the hot corn's slight saltiness and natural sweetness and the cold, condensed flavor of the soup was interesting. Next came the fritters, fried for just 20 seconds. Eating them with your hands, you get the subtle greenness of edamame, saltiness, and the umami of the oil all together, making it delicious! It makes you want a beer! The seasonal vegetables were boiled broccoli from Biei, which was already delicious on its own. But when dipped in a sauce made of a soft-boiled egg yolk, fresh cheese, vinegar, herbs, and spices, it became even more delicious! Grilled surf clam from Funkawan had a smoky aroma from the charcoal grill, with a firm texture. Enjoyed with myoga, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinegar sauce, it was refreshing. The surf clam risotto had a large sautéed surf clam, buttery rice, and a broth sauce that blended perfectly. The diced daikon or turnip added a nice texture! The lemon tea sorbet by itself had a mix of sourness and astringency, truly capturing the essence of lemon tea. Pouring a pear fermented distillate on it made it refreshing yet mysteriously luxurious. The main dish was a medium rare roast of Ezo deer from Shiranuka. When the cloche was lifted, all that was visible were beets and sauce, which left me puzzled until the beautifully ruby-colored deer meat smoked with cedar leaves appeared! A gratin made with Shiranuka potatoes was also served! The deer meat, with a slightly spicy sauce, was incredibly tender, with a smoky flavor and the pure umami of the deer meat blending together, making it so delicious that it gave me goosebumps. I doubt I'll ever eat deer as good as this again! The potato gratin showcased the sweetness and deliciousness of the potato itself. Just this could easily fill two bowls! The milk sherbet for dessert was already delicious on its own, but when sprinkled with olive oil and pepper, the flavor expanded significantly! Eating it alternately with the fried bread provided a fun contrast of warm and cold! Finally, I took a break with a fresh herb tea, which was incredibly delicious! Having a lemon jelly with the tea provided a calming effect with its acidity and herbal aroma. Overall, the experience felt like fully enjoying Hokkaido. Each dish highlighted the deliciousness of the ingredients, as well as creative seasoning and playful presentation. The atmosphere of the restaurant and the hospitality of the staff were top-notch. Even someone like me, who doesn't often dine at fine establishments, could recognize the high level of quality in every aspect of this restaurant. When I embark on another Hokkaido expedition, I will make a reservation two months in advance to ensure a perfect dining experience!