地獄の使者h
My best friend in Fukuoka is expected to be working here for less than a year. I was looking for an opportunity to visit during that time. When I found out that the famous restaurant Sushi Matsumoto from Akasaka had opened in Hakata, I knew this was the place to go! We made a reservation for 5:30 pm, a bit early, but when we walked in, the head chef and staff warmly welcomed us. Our seats were right in front of the chef, a special spot! Walking from Tenjin Station, it was surprisingly easy to find the building with the large sign on the second floor. The chef's knife skills were on full display right in front of us, creating a lively atmosphere. The layout of the counter allowed the chefs to work without stress, while the spacing between seats was comfortable. The interior was simple and not cluttered, with a large dish on the wall catching the eye. It seemed like the restaurant was designed to ensure both the chef and customers could enjoy and be satisfied with the food. We started with a toast with beer and enjoyed 7 appetizers while catching up on each other's lives. The seasonal appetizers, featuring ingredients like rape blossoms, bamboo shoots, smoked salmon, and sea urchin, showcased the beauty and taste of Japanese cuisine. The level of quality was already evident at this point. At the perfect moment, the mesmerizing sushi was served by the chef. Starting with the top-quality medium fatty tuna, each piece was a delight. The sushi, including a variety of toppings and preparations, showed the chef's creativity and attention to detail. The standout was the seared gizzard shad with sea urchin on top of the rice. The combination was rich and flavorful, leaving us in awe. The fatty tuna was also exceptional, melting in the mouth without being too greasy. The shrimp sushi was unique, with a perfect balance of firm texture and softness as it blended with the rice. The simmered conger eel, a personal favorite, had a luscious and tender texture that was irresistible. The chawanmushi, covered with seaweed instead of sauce, was interesting and added depth to the flavor. As we reached the end of the meal with the Toro roll, we were served a soup made with sea lettuce, which was simply amazing. The richness of the fish broth combined with red miso was a perfect way to cleanse the palate. The grand finale was a wine jelly made with Amaou strawberries, a local specialty. Even the dessert, which is often a weak point in Japanese cuisine, was flawless. My friend, who is open to all kinds of food, and I, who have specific preferences, were both satisfied with the meal. The staff, although young, handled everything flawlessly from the meal to the hospitality. Their attention to detail and dedication to excellence was truly impressive. If they aim to compete with more discerning gourmets, they may need to focus on developing their staff to match the expectations of seasoned diners. Overall, dining at this sushi restaurant in Hakata was a delightful experience.