いけずな京男
Next to Shimogamo Shrine is Shimogamo Hon-dori. Whenever I visit this street, it feels like it has hardly changed since ancient times, except for the handmade furniture store that used to be nearby. It seems like a calm residential area entrance that has remained the same over the years, with the exception of a few changes. Even though Kyoto is changing, this place has a timeless feel to it, like a peaceful neighborhood entrance. There is a restaurant that I always saw from the bus passing by, located in a white building with a small entrance that could easily be overlooked. I had been curious about this place for a while, so I decided to visit it last week before stopping by a nearby pastry shop. It turned out to be a lovely restaurant. When I arrived, it was close to the end of lunchtime, and a sign saying "full house" was displayed on the door. I entered anyway, and although it seemed full, I told the receptionist that I was dining alone, and she led me to a small table near the back. I was served a glass of water and ordered some shrimp fry, crab cream croquette, and hamburger, along with a cold soup. The menu book had a bear illustration on the cover and handwritten menus inside. As I looked around the restaurant again, I noticed the spacious table layout and the stylish wine-colored tablecloths that brightened up the room. There was no music playing, creating a quiet atmosphere where conversations could be heard clearly. The customers seemed to be locals, such as couples, families, and groups of women, as this area marked the beginning of a residential neighborhood. I received the cold corn soup first, which was delicious. It had a silky tofu texture, similar to pudding, and it reminded me of a passage I read in a book by Toyohiko Tamura, stating that soup should be eaten, not just drunk. The main dish arrived, with salad dressed, hamburger topped with demi-glace sauce, and tartar sauce under the shrimp fry. Each dish was meticulously prepared and had a rich flavor. The hamburger had a tender texture and a deep taste, while the croquette melted in my mouth with a sweet cream filling. The shrimp fry had a thin crispy coating and a juicy shrimp inside, complemented by the tartar sauce. The cooking technique was excellent, making each dish easy to eat and satisfying in taste. As I finished my meal, it was past 1 pm, and the chef went around the tables, possibly greeting regular customers. It reminded me of the elegant atmosphere in French restaurants run by a chef and a lady owner. I was surprised to find such a refined restaurant in Kyoto. It was a delightful dining experience.