ランチ向上委員会
This is a restaurant located on the first floor of a Showa-era collective housing called "Fukujyu Mansion" in Tsukishima. Most of the eateries in this building are veteran-style Showa-era establishments. The exterior is narrow with a curtain hanging in front, making it hard to see inside and understand the atmosphere. However, there are lunch menu items displayed outside, all priced at 700 yen each. The regular menu includes pork cutlet, oyakodon, and curry rice, along with a daily special which was the recommended hamburger stew on this day. Inside, there are counter seats facing the kitchen, four tables for four people at the back, and a couple of tables for two. The interior is quite worn out but has some interesting handwritten calligraphy-like catchphrases on half sheets. Despite its age, the transom is impressive. When seated, they provide both water and tea. I ordered the Hamburger Tomato Stew (700 yen). The menu is limited, and the food is served quickly, possibly because they finish cooking partially prepared dishes. The set includes the main stewed hamburger, assorted sashimi cuts, pickles, rice, and miso soup. The hamburger was smaller than expected but still had a decent portion considering the price. It has a mild saltiness and fat content, offering a gentle home-cooked flavor. It's simmered in a generous tomato sauce with onions and some leafy greens, seasoned with a hint of cinnamon, giving it a unique taste. The assorted sashimi cuts were served in a small dish piled high. My plate had three types: tuna red meat, fatty tuna, and horse mackerel. All were thick and of high quality. The pickles were finely chopped nuka-zuke cabbage and cucumber. The rice was served in a plastic bowl for men and a ceramic bowl for women, with free refills available. The miso soup was made with fish head, with solid pieces and a flavorful dashi. For 700 yen, this lunch set was very satisfying. Once you overcome the slightly intimidating entrance, you'll enjoy a cheap, filling, fast, decent-tasting, and good value lunch.