シャア・食べナブル
Today, I felt like having Japanese food and decided to visit the elegant Japanese restaurant "Kagari" in Tachikawa. Established in Meiji 10, it used to be an udon shop. The name is said to be derived from a novel by the Meiji literary master, Kyoka Izumi. Located in the "Eat Paradise" restaurant area of Isetan near the north exit of Tachikawa Station, the exterior features a traditional Japanese style with a red curtain and a tiled roof, and the food samples in the showcase are appetizing. Upon entering, the interior is designed like a Japanese-style room with all seats being private or semi-private, creating a calm atmosphere for dining. I sat at a table in the middle of the restaurant (for 4 people) and looked at the menu. The seasonal dishes, seafood dishes, meat dishes, and hot pot dishes made with a variety of colorful seasonal vegetables give a sense of creative Japanese cuisine. After some deliberation, I ordered a draft beer for 670 yen and the Hida beef "shabu-shabu" for 3996 yen. As an appetizer, while enjoying a drink, the shabu-shabu arrived. Slices of Hida beef, Chinese cabbage, enoki mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms, mizuna, carrots, tofu, and rice cakes were beautifully arranged on a large plate, accompanied by thick udon noodles, a pot of hot water, ponzu sauce, sesame sauce, and condiments. I first dipped the perfectly balanced Hida beef slices in the hot water, enjoying the rich flavor of the lean and marbled meat. The red meat umami was intense and delicious. I then added the meat and vegetables in sequence, not letting them overcook, and found that they were cooked just right, with the ponzu sauce being a perfect match. Finally, I enjoyed the udon noodles as a finishing touch. Although the noodles were average, the broth made from the meat and vegetables used in the shabu-shabu was delicious, making the overall experience satisfying. My overall impression was slightly disappointed that it was a hot plate (for boiling the pot), and the prices seemed a bit high. However, considering the quality of the Hida beef, the good service, and the pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant, the prices seemed reasonable.