ムササビヒンソー
The theme of the restaurant is Manhattan. The coasters even have illustrations on them. I don't have the habit of eating "sweet things," or rather, I feel like I've been "cheated" when I fill my stomach with sweetness, perhaps due to the trauma of being raised in a generation where meat was considered a treat. On the other hand, alcohol is said to be a form of sugar, but perhaps because I'm numb to the alcohol that paralyzes brain cells, I consume it quite frequently and in good amounts every day. As for sweet alcohol, after enjoying a Western-style feast, I might finish with dessert wines like Beerenauslese or Passito, or end with a nightcap at a quiet bar, staring at an Old Fashioned or Jack Rose in front of me and sighing. The Manhattan cocktail is made with rye or similar bourbon, Canadian whiskey, sweet vermouth, chilled with ice, poured into a cocktail glass, garnished with a sugar-soaked maraschino cherry, giving it a somewhat manly yet feminine appearance. The taste is a balance of strong and sweet, with a kick from the whiskey being essential to its Manhattan character. Making a Manhattan cocktail is more challenging than making a dry martini, requiring a delicate balance, and the owner of a place that specializes in Manhattans must be quite an eccentric, serious, and dedicated person. On a Saturday in Kita-Shinchi, after indulging in a feast at a counter-style restaurant, I decide to stop by a place I had registered on the Tabelog app. Upon entering the restaurant, I sit on a solid chair at the low counter and order a Manhattan without hesitation. The owner skillfully prepares the cocktail, and as I take a sip, I can already imagine the expertise and precision in his craft. The cocktail is a traditional Manhattan, not overly chilled like the popular style in Tokyo, but made with plenty of whiskey and vermouth, a true classic taste. I can sense that the owner takes pride in making proper cocktails, and I enjoy the drink thoroughly. Feeling delighted, I intended to have one more drink as a nightcap, and I requested a GlenDronach 21-year-old Parliament whiskey. It has a light sherry aroma, a strong 48% alcohol content, and a fruity sweetness. It's delicious. I appreciate the straightforwardness of the drink and once again confirm that the owner is indeed a serious person.