わさびのブログ
The Kansai area has also lifted the state of emergency, gradually allowing restaurants to reopen. I decided to visit a restaurant that left me with fond memories from a previous visit to Kobe for delicious food. First, I went to Kitano in Kobe, then to Kei along the Kyoto Hankyu line, which has moved to "Vietnam Bar x Saigon Saigon" for lunch. After that, I visited the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto for sightseeing, but found it closed. So, I decided to go to Nijo Castle at the request of my wife. Before that, I stopped by a bakery called "Iidokoro Meguri" and got a red yeast bread. Then, I moved to Nijo Castle. I explored the castle, took a break at the Maeda Tea Room Nijo Castle Store overlooking the Japanese garden, and then moved to Karasuma. Since I arrived earlier than my reservation time, I strolled around and stopped by "Kyogurashi Takumi Wakana-ya Shijo Nishiiru" to buy Japanese sweets, and also visited Dean & DeLuca Kyoto Store. Still having time, I went to "Maeda Coffee Main Store" for a second break, then arrived at Hoshigai at 5:30 PM. I sanitized my hands at the entrance, informed the staff of my reservation time and number of people, and was guided to the second floor. The interior of the restaurant was a stylish and clean space compared to "Enki," where Chef Nani used to work. The atmosphere was completely different! Enki had an old Hong Kong alley vibe, which I also liked. I started with a drink - perhaps a beer? I checked the menu: as of October 2021, they had the Hoshigai Course for 4,500 yen, the Suisho Course for 6,000 yen, and the Dim Sum Course for 3,300 yen, etc. I ordered the Dim Sum Course and the Braised Chicken Feet. The Dim Sum Platter arrived first with classic items like shrimp dumplings, mushroom and shrimp dumplings, and dried scallop and spinach dumplings. The shrimp dumplings were large and juicy, and the aroma of dried scallops was delightful. Next, the spring rolls arrived - crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, especially delicious when dipped in soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste. The Braised Chicken Feet were tender and flavorful, with the cartilage easily coming off the bone. The Mushroom and Pork Stuffed Dumplings were chewy on the outside and juicy inside. The Chashu Melon Bun was also delicious, and the simplicity of the White Congee was a nice contrast after a variety of dishes. Finally, the Hong Kong-style fried noodles were served, seasoned with a unique aged soy sauce and topped with chives, bean sprouts, and sesame seeds.