This July, I had plans to go on a trip to Kyushu. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I couldn't go. To feel like I went even just a little, I decided to visit a local izakaya. Kyushu-Tei is a place where you can find various Kyushu dishes and it's a rare spot where you can use the Go To Eat campaign. On this day, my two daughters accompanied me. Cheers! When I asked them what they wanted to order, my eldest daughter said, "I want to eat motsunabe" (What? Motsunabe?). Even though it's a hot pot dish that I usually avoid, the legend of Papa's strongest continues. Maybe it might actually be delicious... So, we ordered two servings. There was a poster that said, "For those who don't like motsu, you can switch to Satsuma chicken thigh meat from Kagoshima," so as a precaution, we got a half and half of motsu and chicken meat. The motsunabe was a first for me. When the broth started to boil, I tried the motsu first... It had a bouncy texture and juicy fat that burst in my mouth. So delicious! It reminded me of beef intestines (maruchou) that I love. The rich broth combined with the motsu created an exquisite flavor. If it's this delicious, I should have eaten it sooner... The grilled chicken thigh was elastic and tender, packed with the flavor of Satsuma chicken from Kagoshima. The chili garlic potato had a spicy sauce with garlic-flavored potatoes that were truly delicious. The simmered dish had root vegetables and chicken, seasoned with ginger, which was tasty but I wished there was more. The crunchy salad with radish and onion had a refreshing dressing that enveloped a happy aroma. The Yangnyeom chicken was a Korean-style fried chicken with a rich and sweet-savory flavor, though I may prefer regular fried chicken. The leek and egg dish had a softly boiled egg enveloping leeks gently, with a sauce that paired really well. The fried burdock was delicious! It had a crunchy texture and the unique flavor of burdock spread through. Both of my daughters drink a lot! Their glasses were empty as soon as the drinks arrived. I was amazed. Enjoying a drink with my daughters is a joy. Once they get married, it will be nearly impossible to do this, so I'll enjoy it now while I can.

Actually, just between us... I found out about this place being open through a special tip from a friendly reviewer. Thank you for always supporting Naka-hatsu! When I entered thinking it was a new restaurant, the interior and chairs were exactly the same as when this place used to be a chicken restaurant. I never visited the chicken restaurant, but according to the staff, this time they renovated the place to focus on Kyushu cuisine. Well, you can kind of guess that from the name of the restaurant. - Large bottle of beer for 600 yen (excluding tax) I always choose bottled beer when they have it - Chicken thigh charcoal grill (without green onions) for 680 yen (excluding tax) It has a more refined finish than eating it locally, but it's a bit lacking in quantity... - Roast pork with Kagoshima black pork and warm egg salad for 580 yen (excluding tax) You can enjoy the vegetables with sesame dressing - Fried burdock for 380 yen (excluding tax) The taste is not bad, but it feels a bit expensive in terms of quantity - Fresh grapefruit sour for 490 yen (excluding tax) - Miyazaki Prefecture's shochu "Shinsui" from Matsutake Shuzo for 500 yen (excluding tax) On the way here, I happened to find a nearby restaurant that caught my eye, so that's it for tonight's bill. The menu is displayed without tax, and the fact that there is no cover charge or seating fee is definitely a plus. This izakaya is recommended for when you want to enjoy Kyushu-style dishes and shochu.