蓼喰人
I had heard about a stylish bistro in Higashi-Nagasaki and had been wanting to visit it for a while. I had some business in the area and decided to stop by just before noon. The restaurant was located about a 5-minute walk from the north exit of the station, in a quiet residential neighborhood. It was a nice-looking establishment on the first floor of an apartment building, with a spacious floor that had four tables and a private room in the back, accommodating over 20 seats in total. The staff, all well-dressed women, greeted me as I entered. There was a couple in the reserved private room, and I was seated at a 2-person table near the entrance. The chef had experience in both French and Italian cuisine, which was reflected in the lunch menu that offered a variety of options including hamburgers and omelettes alongside the "Western lunch" selections. I opted for the "Sante Lunch" which included a choice of appetizer and a main course for 1,700 yen. I also ordered tea (+150 yen) and dessert (+400 yen) separately. The appetizer, a "Marinated Sardine with Orange Flavor," was served first, accompanied by a mixed salad. The sardines were marinated in a vinegar infused with orange juice and garnished with orange segments. Garlic oil-toasted bread crumbs added a nice touch to the dish. The overall flavor was subtle, but I felt it could use a bit more salt or vinegar to bring out the flavor of the sardines. The mixed salad was dressed with an original French dressing made with domestically grown onions, which enhanced the overall taste. The main course, a "Spicy Chicken Thigh Steak with Parmesan Risotto," was presented on a flat round plate resembling a stone slab. The generously sized chicken thigh was perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and juicy meat. The Parmesan-infused risotto was topped with a fresh tomato sauce, and the side vegetables included carrots, red turnips, burdock roots, zucchini, and wild chives, all poached to retain their natural flavors. The vegetables were slightly undercooked and could have been softer. I ordered a glass of red wine, which was on the pricier side at 950 yen per glass. The Veneto's "Casa Defra Colli Berici" had a deep red color and a delightful aroma and taste. The bread served was a homemade focaccia, which was delicious. I wanted to have more but refrained due to the generous portion of risotto. The dessert of the day was a Sicilian "Cassata," a semi-freddo dessert made with dried fruits, crushed nuts, and ricotta cheese, giving it a rich flavor. I chose coffee for tea, which had a robust flavor. Overall, I was satisfied with the taste and portion size, and the total bill came to 3,600 yen including tax. The wine was a bit expensive, but it was of good quality. However, there were a few points that caught my attention. The appetizer was served on a shallow glass dish, making it difficult to cut with a knife due to the lack of a tablecloth. The flat plate for the main course made it challenging to scoop up the risotto, and the material was noisy when utensils touched it. The atmosphere of the restaurant was slightly let down by the cheap-looking tableware and the small, uninviting tables. Despite these minor issues, my overall impression was not negative, and I found the restaurant to be reasonably priced considering the quality of the food and service.