I thought there weren't many options at this co-op, but I tried the Tomato Keema Curry for 528 yen. Surprisingly, the flavor was really well-balanced and delicious. It made me wonder if curry tastes better in maritime-related places like the navy or the coast guard.

I had lunch at my alma mater's cafeteria for a casual meal. The extra-large soba for 440 yen seemed expensive for students. I was a very poor student 30 years ago, but being poor felt like a privilege back then. I managed to survive on just spare change until I received my part-time job pay for the week, and I enjoyed myself without any worries. The cafeteria looked too clean to evoke nostalgia, but the soba was quite delicious.

The entrance of the cafeteria has a cool vibe, but once you're inside, it feels like a typical school cafeteria. It is operated by the cooperative, and you can choose from à la carte options or set meals. I opted for the "Manpuku Set Meal" for 500 yen, and I chose barley rice at no extra cost. The meal included pork and leek stir-fry with a warm egg on top, which was a bit strong in soy sauce flavor when eaten alone, but balanced well with the egg. I chose eggplant as my side dish, and it was surprisingly delicious. Overall, I left feeling satisfied and full.

Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology's Etchujima Campus has a cafeteria that is open to the public. Despite knowing that it is open to the public, entering a university campus still feels awkward and nerve-wracking. About a year ago, I visited the cafeteria at Toyo University's Hakusan Campus, which had a trendy atmosphere and menu like a modern shopping mall food court. In contrast, this cafeteria has a more traditional atmosphere and menu as it is run by a co-op. As expected, the prices are very affordable. I ordered Croquette Curry size M for 310 yen and was happy to receive 190 yen in change from a 500 yen coin. However, before reaching the cashier, I discovered a salad bar and side dish buffet priced at 1.4 yen per gram. I couldn't resist trying the Tomato Gratin and Simmered Egg for a total of 191 yen, making me go slightly over the one-coin budget (chuckles). The Croquette Curry had a nostalgic taste typical of a school cafeteria, and I enjoyed it gratefully. The potato croquette was surprisingly moist and paired well with the curry sauce. The Tomato Gratin had a nice balance of acidity from the tomatoes and richness from the cheese, providing a satisfying meal. The simmered egg was also delicious, well-cooked and flavorful. Despite going slightly over budget, I was glad I tried the side dish buffet. School cafeterias always have a special charm, don't they?

Today is Marine Day. On this day, the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Etchujima Campus (formerly the Japan Maritime University, now merged with the Fisheries University) is open to the public. Marine Day was established as a national holiday in 1996 to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Meiji at Yokohama Port on the Meiji Maru on July 20, and has been a public holiday since 1996. The Meiji Maru is located on the campus. It is currently undergoing renovations and cannot be visited inside, but it is said to have the Emperor's cabin and a magnificent hull. However, the fundraising for the renovation costs has been slow, and the future is uncertain. Please consider donating to help preserve this historic monument. During the school festival called the Kaiosai, there are food stalls, but on this day, the cooperative cafeteria is open. It had been many years since I opened the doors to this cafeteria. I was surprised to see that it had completely changed. Just like the cooperative cafeterias at other universities, it was divided into sections for noodles, rice, and set meals. On this day, the salad bar was closed, but I settled my bill by weight later. It is similar to the cooperative cafeteria at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University. I found out after researching. I ordered a miso ramen for 346 yen at the noodle section, and my wife got a medium-sized curry rice for 252 yen at the rice section. We paid at the counter and took our seats. Since the students were on summer break, only regular customers were there that day. The view overlooking the campus from the cafeteria was refreshing compared to the one at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University. It seems that the cafeteria is open to the public when the university is in session. The miso ramen had a decent but unremarkable taste, it was okay. It was definitely tastier than when I was a student. I remember it used to be 80 yen at the ramen cafeteria in my university days. I also remember working at Isetan during my university days, where the staff cafeteria's ramen was also 80 yen. The curry, which was served in a medium size for free that day, was better than some ready-made curries. It was quite ordinary and easy to eat.