辣油は飲み物
I first visited Ichigo San in August 2015. At that time, there was very little information available online (no score on Tabelog!), but now it seems to have established a solid reputation. However, it is not overly crowded, as evidenced by search terms like "hidden gem in Sengoku-yama" on Google. Personally, I think this level of popularity is best. I'm not a fan of restaurants that debut with a lot of fanfare from famous establishments, as it tends to attract a certain type of clientele. When people start boasting about their experiences at various restaurants, it can be disappointing for true food lovers. What matters is the love for food itself, not bragging about where you've been or what you've heard about other places. Anyway, when I visited Ichigo San again recently, I was once again impressed by the high level of satisfaction. The unique and delicious shari, skillful work, and distinctive creations all come together to create a charming experience that sets it apart from other restaurants. I also tried their sake for the first time, and it was well thought out. The cooking was not overdone, yet intricate, and it perfectly complemented the delicious fish served at the sushi restaurant. The shari was larger in size and cooked to a firm texture, but still melted in your mouth. It had a distinctive acidity and aroma, different from the red vinegar shari commonly used nowadays. When I inquired about the brand, I found out it was Mitsukan. It was an interesting experience to taste the shari made with red vinegar that was different from what young, up-and-coming chefs use. Even though the appetizers were delicious, it did not turn into a "drinking sushi" experience, staying true to its identity as a sushi restaurant focused on nigiri. For 18 pieces of nigiri, tamago, soup, and a glass of sake, the total cost was 10,400 yen, and for a light appetizer of 16 pieces, tamago, soup, and dessert, it was just over 10,000 yen, which is truly commendable. As for COVID-19 precautions, they had spaced out the seating and provided disinfectant towels before the oshibori, which was reassuring for those concerned. The Japanese sake I tried this time was made by Tsuchida Shuzo, a junmai ginjo brewed with kimoto yeast, Hidamari, a junmai ginjo by Hidakami, and Kamenoi Shuzo's Kudoki Jouzu, a dry junmai ginjo. The appetizer was homemade, which was a pleasant surprise. Water eggplant pickles are a delightful summer pickle, and while many places use store-bought ones, this one had a fruity aroma and natural umami from the kombu. The flounder from Oma was steamed and served with a fish broth sauce poured over it. The sauce is usually made with shari, but this creative twist was elegant and flavorful, not overpowering the delicate flounder aroma. The pickled ginger had a sweet taste with a lasting spiciness, serving as a palate cleanser. The tender and sweet red squid released its sweetness instantly, allowing the shari to shine through without delay. The ginger provided a rhythm to the overall experience, balancing the mildness of the squid. The yellowtail collar was rich in fat, enhancing the flavor with each bite. The firm texture and intense umami made for a robust eating experience. The saury, marinated in kombu, was packed with umami and had a concentrated texture. Its thick flesh required a strong bite to fully appreciate the flavor.