I always knew this restaurant existed, but I never had the courage to go in. I finally decided to take the plunge. It was nerve-wracking to enter a place with so many regular customers, but they had table seating which made me feel more at ease. The yam dishes were delicious. Everything was made to order and I left satisfied. If I see an open table next time, I will definitely visit again.

"TONOTO" is a bar where you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Tokachi region. The period without being able to serve alcohol has been long, and lunch has become the norm. It's nice to have delicious lunch options nearby, but the situation is still abnormal. As the title suggests, they serve scallop sashimi, which is also available in their lunch set. All lunch options are priced at 1,000 yen or less, making it easy on the wallet. Lately, I've been trying out various items a la carte as well. The lunch sets come with side dishes, but the bar menu gets me excited. Croquettes, beef carpaccio!? Adding a dish priced around 400 yen enhances the already satisfying lunch set. I've been there three times since my last post, and I plan to visit even after this period is over."

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar "TONOTO" that serves Tokachi cuisine used to be lively until late at night. Unlike the hidden gem-like shop in Shimokitazawa, this shop has a glass-walled open space. The soothing jazz music playing inside creates a pleasant atmosphere. The menu features refined dishes using chicken and nagaimo (Chinese yam) rather than traditional Tokachi cuisine. They also offer lunch items such as rice bowls, curry, and pasta. This time, I enjoyed a bit of an izakaya vibe with "Japanese-style fried chicken with young chicken," and "spicy ginger ale" as starters. For the main dish, I had the "chicken tartare rice bowl," which was packed with delicious chicken and had a gentle flavor that was addictive. Although they don't serve coffee, they have desserts too. I tried the "ice cream and rich chocolate cake," which may not be a common choice for a drink finish, but I highly recommend trying it. The total cost for the above items was 2,250 yen. While it may seem a bit pricey for lunch, considering the izakaya atmosphere, it's actually quite reasonable. I'm curious about their curry as well, so I'll definitely visit again.

A second dining bar has opened in Shimokitazawa, and I decided to visit the main store located between Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya, closer to Daizawa. The atmosphere is cozy and the interior is lovely, with the main focus on "Tokachi cuisine" which was unique and delicious. The main store has more of a bar vibe compared to the dining bar style of the second store. It is a small space with only two table seats and a counter seat, and it now opens at 7 pm, leaning more towards a bar concept. Despite my initial hesitation about eating at a bar, I decided to give it a try. The staff welcomed me warmly and allowed me to choose between the counter and table seats. Regular customers started coming in, confirming that it is indeed a popular spot. I ordered various dishes without hesitation, including chicken skewers as a starter, rapeseed greens in broth, grilled yam steak, milk sausage, and oven-baked potato salad. Each dish was delicious and well-prepared, showcasing the chef's skills. The menu also included homemade pasta and specialty dishes like grated yam rice, making it hard to decide what to order next. The master's attention to detail and consideration for the timing of each dish impressed me. I also tried a glass of "Sei Orosamu (white)" from the selection of Tokachi wines, which had a balanced acidity and a smooth finish. I would love to try other varieties of Tokachi wines in the future.

The owner was pleasant and the food was delicious.

TONOTO！！ =========== TONOTO！！

Despite its appearance that seems like a typical bar, this place offers a wide variety of food, mainly focusing on dishes from Tokachi. It might be a good idea to stop by for a drink after dinner. However, they could work on improving their drink selection a bit more. Overall, it's a restaurant worth nurturing.

The atmosphere is nice. The food is average. It's best to go for a second round with a bar-like feeling.

At the intersection of Tamashima Street and Chazawa Street lies Daizawa Junction, a bustling spot near Shimokita and Sancha, around the middle point. There are a few dining options here, amidst the Summit Store. Some hidden gem eateries and local noodle shops can be found, creating a nice dining scene. I tried the chicken tempura bento at the TONOTO bar, which uses Hokkaido ingredients, at their second branch, and here I had the sea urchin and salmon roe seafood bowl! The "Ikura Uni Donburi (900 yen + tax)" is a reasonably priced dish of this quality. The "Salmon Ikura Donburi (690 yen + tax)" is even more affordable. I'll try visiting at night once they reopen. However, as it's a popular spot with limited seating, reservations are essential. The impact of COVID-19 continues, and there is no clear compensation plan despite the self-restraint requests. It's nice to enjoy night-only establishments during the day, but if things don't return to normal, the future looks tough. If we want to end this situation quickly, the key lies in the response of the government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The policies lack not just speed but also a sense of decline. If we can't rely on them, we must all endure together.