芋洗坂グループ長
Today is Saturday. I went to Itami Airport to travel to Haneda. I usually prefer JAL, but today I am flying with ANA. After passing through the baggage inspection, I entered the airport. It's the first day of a three-day weekend, so it feels a bit crowded. It's lunchtime. There are long lines at places like Udon no Imai. I can't take my time. I peek into Geko Tei and it's not as crowded. Alright, let's have the set lunch today. A couple in front of me is ordering, but it seems to be taking a while. While waiting, I listen to my own appetite. I quickly check the menu board in front of the restaurant. Grilled cod in Kyoto style, salt-grilled silver salmon, simmered flounder, deep-fried whole shrimp, simmered mackerel and daikon, fried horse mackerel, pork cutlet, black wagyu beef sukiyaki. They are all quite pricey. I prepare a thousand yen bill and some change. I need to consider the cost performance as well. So, I decide on the fried horse mackerel set meal. The moment my turn comes, I order the fried horse mackerel set meal. I place the appropriate amount of money on the tray. I receive the change, a buzzer, and a receipt, then head to my seat. I was able to order smoothly. I wait for a while and then my order is called. I go to pick up the set and return to my seat. Now, let's see what's on the tray. At the back left, there's a plate of fried horse mackerel. In the center back, there's rolled omelette. In the back right small bowl, there's macaroni salad. In the front left, there's rice. In the middle small plate, there's pickled Japanese radish. To the right, there's miso soup. On the far right, there's spinach ohitashi and kinpira burdock. On the main plate, there's a mountain of cabbage serving as a pillow for two fried horse mackerel. At the bottom, there's plenty of tartar sauce. It's a generous set meal. The dishes of different sizes are neatly arranged on a large tray. I start eating. First, I take a bite of the rice. The rice is cooked just right, with each grain distinct and slightly firm. It has a hint of sweetness. It's truly high-quality rice. Now, onto the fried horse mackerel. I start with the vegetables. I take a bite of cabbage, then squeeze some lemon over the fried horse mackerel. I top it with tartar sauce and take a bite. It's crispy and well-cooked. The thickness of the batter and the horse mackerel itself are just right. The balance in this part is very important. The tartar sauce, with its strong egg yolk flavor, is delicious. While I enjoy the fried horse mackerel, I also taste the side dishes along with rice and miso soup. First, the rolled omelette. It's not seasoned, but the egg is a strong side dish. And then there's the macaroni salad, which, despite being a supporting role, has a refreshing mayonnaise flavor. Another standout side dish is the kinpira burdock, with its assertive flavor and crunchy texture. The spinach ohitashi is there for a healthy touch, while the pickled Japanese radish is a palate cleanser. Apart from the lukewarm miso soup, all the dishes play their roles and flavors well. The portion size is also satisfying. I'm full now. However, compared to the main branch in Sakai, it lacks a bit in the presentation and ambiance. Well, that's understandable. Let's just say thank you for the meal. Thank you for the meal!