One weekend evening, I visited a shop that offers a wide variety of local sake from all over Japan. The place was as popular as ever, filled with many customers. I started with a draft beer and was served a cold dish similar to sukiyaki as an appetizer. My husband, who has been into "mizu nasu" lately, ordered the "pickled mizu nasu". We also had some "toriten" (fried chicken) and switched to bottled beer from the draft. My husband then moved on to sake time and ordered a few dishes to go with the drinks. Since it was the weekend, we decided to try out a restaurant that we had been curious about for a while. And that's the end of my review at Hatena's restaurant. Thank you for the delicious meal.

I finally visited a weekday-only charcoal-grilled lunch spot that I've been curious about since last fall. I chose between salt-grilled sea bass and marinated yellowtail, and went with the recommended sea bass. Watching the sea bass slowly grilled over charcoal at the counter was exciting. The large salt-grilled sea bass was served with a colorful assortment of side dishes, making for a luxurious and delicious lunch. The sea bass was grilled to perfection, with a lovely charcoal aroma and tender, fatty flesh. The side dishes allowed me to fully savor the deliciousness of the broth and miso. The meal even included dessert and a drink, leaving me completely satisfied. The restaurant also offers a selection of sake and charcoal-grilled dishes in the evening, making me eager to return for dinner as well! The weekday lunch is by reservation only, with reservations required by 5 pm the day before. I highly recommend making a reservation and trying it out for yourself!

Reserved at "Hatena no Chawan" in Takatsuki and visited for the second time with a friend. We ordered the following dishes: Beef tongue teppanyaki for 1480 yen, Bonito sashimi with sake lees for 580 yen, Chicken sashimi for 880 yen, Simmered sardines with plum for 580 yen, Caesar salad for 580 yen, Deep-fried chicken thigh for 980 yen, and a 2-hour all-you-can-drink option for 1650 yen. Unfortunately, the delicious oden, Pacific saury sashimi, and shirako ponzu from the previous visit were no longer on the menu. A bit disappointed this time, maybe due to the atmosphere.

I visited after work on a regular day. I started with a beer and then switched to sake for my second drink. The sake menu was extensive, so it was hard to decide what to order, but the staff kindly recommended various options based on my preferences. For food, I had a sashimi platter, an oden assortment, chicken tataki, and a selection of small dishes.

Visited in June 2021, posted on June 29th (all information is from the time of the visit) (all prices include tax): Having a casual solo drink in the evening. Finally enjoying real alcohol after a long time. The chosen spot this time was Hatena no Chawan, which has resumed business. I arrived around 5:30 pm on a weekday. The restaurant had thorough COVID-19 measures in place. There were no other customers at first, but a group of two arrived later. Surprisingly, only the manager, Osamu, was working. Due to the shortened business hours until 8 pm, the selection was a bit limited. Hopefully, things will return to normal soon, and we can go back to our usual lives. The drinks I had were: - Iwate Kura Beer Michinoku Red Ale (draft) for $8.30: A rare red ale from Iwate Prefecture that has a slightly heavy but smooth bitterness. It goes well with slightly seasoned meat dishes. - Appetizer of marinated horse mackerel and renkon (lotus root) for $3.30. - Spring Valley Brewery Murakami Seven IPA (draft) for $8.30: A Japanese IPA using Murakami Seven hops, offering a rich, mature fruitiness with a balanced bitterness and a strong, floral aroma. It stands out among fruity IPAs. - Live Ayu (sweetfish) sashimi from Awaji Island for $10.80, beautifully presented by Osamu. - Shiga Hata Sakejo Ura 19-Year-Old Sake (unfiltered) for $7.80: A unique sake brewed by 19-year-olds, meant to be enjoyed when they turn 20. It has a refreshing, easy-to-drink taste. - Two pieces of dried sweetfish for $9.80, with a salty and intriguing flavor resembling chilled watermelon gelatin. - Fukushima Suzuki Shuzoten Iwaki Jozo sake. Overall, a delightful experience with delicious drinks and food.

Visited in March 2021, posted on March 22nd (all information is from the time of the visit) (prices are excluding tax) ・Had a casual solo drink in the evening. Visited Hatena No Chawan, which had been closed during the state of emergency. They were busy even during the closure because they will be opening their sister store, CampGear&Cafe BASE, at Amanoiwato Park on March 27th. While listening to their stories, I tried: ・Iwate Kura Beer Michinoku Red Ale ¥750. This Red Ale from Iwate Kura in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, is a traditional ale with a reddish hue, offering a slightly sweet aroma and a moderate richness. It pairs well with slightly seasoned meat dishes and is perfect for those who enjoy malt-forward beers. ・Appetizer Plate ¥300 - Firefly Squid, Broccoli, Paprika, Purple Cabbage, Corn ・Nara Imazeki Sake Brewery Mimuro Cedar Junmai Ginjo Hanakyun Origarumi. This slightly cloudy sake has a fresh, refreshing aroma like Ramune, with a fruity and slightly sour taste. ・Sashimi Platter - Flatfish, Amberjack, Yokowa (fish), Scallop, Octopus ・Kochi Tosa Sake Brewery Keigetsu CEL24 Junmai Daiginjo 50. Made with rice polished to 50% and a unique yeast CEL24, this sake has a fruity flavor. ・Hyogo Aioi Oyster Charcoal Grilled ¥380 x 2 ・Highball - Hakushu ¥800 ・Chia Lake, Shiga Prefecture, Ayu Tempura ¥780 ・Aichi Prefecture, Wakayu Charcoal-Grilled Salted Young Ayu ¥780 ・Fried Oysters ¥780 In total, including appetizer, 5 dishes, 1 beer, 2 glasses of sake, and 3 glasses of sake shared with the staff, the total was ¥1,0483 including tax. It was delicious! When CampGear&Cafe BASE opens, someone will be transferred there. It will be lonely, but it's for the development of the restaurant. Also, I heard that CampGear&Cafe BASE will not have Japanese sake. Hmm...

Visited in December 2020, posted on December 13th (all information is from the time of the visit) (prices are excluding tax): - Had a casual solo drink in the evening. Luckily, they had fresh crab in stock that day. - Kirin Ichiban Shibori (draft beer) - $4.50 - Appetizer - $3.00 - Half portion of Watarigani Kanjangajan (crab marinated in soy sauce) - $9.80 - Aichi, Sekiya Brewery, Ginjo Workshop Original Sake Yamahai Junmai Namagenshu "Nana" - Price not mentioned. A limited edition mountain-fermented junmai sake only available at the Ginjo Workshop in Toyoda. It has a rich umami, acidity, bitterness, and a strong dry finish. - Mokuzugani (snow crab) boiled in salt - $12.80, richer in flavor than snow crab. - Shiga, Hirai Shoten, Asajyo-nama Junmai Ginjo Muroka Nama Genshu "Mizukagami" - Price not mentioned. A pure rice ginjo sake made with local Mizukagami rice from Otsu, using the 1801 yeast strain. It has a sweet and rich taste. - Tarashirako (cod milt) tempura - $9.80, a creamy winter delicacy. - Shiga, Nonoene Sake Brewery, Nonoene Ume Honoka Junmai Sake - $4.50, a unique plum sake with a dry and elegant taste. - Sekogani (female crab) miso soup - $5.80 - Rice and pickles - $3.00 - Also got takeout for my husband's dinner: - Salt-grilled Buri (yellowtail collar) - $7.80 - Oyster fry - $7.80 - The total including tax was $88.88. Another delicious meal, thank you! For a more visually appealing version with photos, check out the blog: [link provided]

Visited in November 2020, posted on November 15th (all information is from the time of the visit) (prices are excluding tax): ・Had a casual solo evening drink at my favorite Japanese sake and seafood restaurant. This time, I made a reservation using "GoToEat" through Hot Pepper Gourmet. Also participating in the "Osaka Limited: Small Group Use, Support for Restaurants Campaign." The counter dividers were changed from handmade to ready-made. On this day, I had: ◆Kuninocho Beer Pale Ale - Price unknown A Pale Ale with a focus on defining what Pale Ale is. It is not too bitter, refreshing, and easy to drink. ◆Appetizer - Jakko Shrimp and Bean Stew - $300 ◆Cream Cheese Miso Pickles - $380 ◆Sake Tasting Set (3 types) - $1000 Sagla Komatsu Shuzo Manrei Autumn Sake Special Junmai Extra Dry Freshly Packed R1BY Sagla Komatsu Shuzo Manrei Junmai Ginjo Middle Unfiltered Fresh Sake R1BY Sagla Komatsu Shuzo Manrei Junmai Ginjo Rare My favorite was the Sagla Komatsu Shuzo Manrei Autumn Sake Special Junmai Extra Dry Freshly Packed. ◆Whole Isaki Fish Dish - $2980 Choice of cooking method: half sashimi and half salt-grilled over charcoal. ◆Kirin Brau Meister - $750 ◆Sea Bream Dashi Salt Ramen - $580 The total including tax was $7381. It was delicious, thank you for the meal!

September 2020 Visit, Posted on September 29th (All information included here is from the time of the visit) (Prices are all excluding tax) ・A casual solo evening drink. This time, the restaurant is the usual izakaya known for delicious sake, craft beer, and seafood. A new partition on the counter caught my eye this time. Made using sake bottles, it exudes a homemade feel. I visited around 5:30 pm on a weekday. The place was not crowded yet, making it a perfect time to leisurely enjoy a drink. ◆Appetizer - ¥300 On this day, it was a cold pork dish. ◆Murakami Seven IPA - ¥750 This beer features the rare Japanese hop "MURAKAMI SEVEN" bred by the "Hop Doctor" Atsushi Murakami. It has a unique and refined aroma reminiscent of figs, oranges, and muscat grapes, attracting attention from beer fans and breweries worldwide. With a solid body and a balanced taste that is easy to drink, it stands out among the fruity IPAs that are currently popular. Alcohol content: 5.5% Rich and mature fruitiness. Low acidity. Moderate bitterness. Strong and vibrant aroma. Among fruity IPAs, it is quite delicious and ranks high in taste. ◆Assorted Sashimi - Price unknown Served in a sturdy and substantial dish with a soft texture. Includes turban shell, sweet shrimp, skipjack tuna, blackthroat seaperch, and grilled girella. ◆Sake Tasting Set (3 types) - ¥1000 Shiga, Mitsuboshi Shuzo, Sanrensei Limited Edition Extra Edition I-III. The theme of this year's Sanrensei extra edition is "easily melting rice." All are junmai ginjo with a rice polishing ratio of 60%. Each uses a different type of rice, allowing you to enjoy the differences in flavor brought by the rice. Due to the difference in rice harvest times, there is a time lag in shipping, making it a rare opportunity to taste all three at once. The label image is Gundam. Sanrensei R1BY Extra Edition I Fukunohana - Slightly heavy and sweet? Sanrensei R1BY Extra Edition II Osamachi - Clearer than Fukunohana Sanrensei R1BY Extra Edition III Hitogokochi - My favorite ※"Sodeuke" is a term that appears in the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series, referring to the anti-establishment forces (terrorists), but here it likely means non-mainstream sake rice, i.e., rice that is easily melted and therefore difficult to handle. ◆Grilled Matsutake Mushroom and Barracuda Roll - ¥1280 ◆Grilled Blackthroat Seaperch Head - ¥980 ◆Setouchi Weizen - ¥750 A top-fermented beer made from barley malt and wheat malt, originating in the southern Germany region, where the yeast is not removed and secondary fermentation is done in the bottle, resulting in a cloudy "Hefeweizen." It has almost no hop bitterness, with a soft sweetness and a fruity aroma reminiscent of bananas, making it a unique and enjoyable beer that you won't get tired of. Retaining the characteristics of a Weizen, it has a balanced taste with a banana-like aroma, a mellow wheat-specific richness, sweetness, and acidity. Alcohol content: 6% It has a sweet sake-like sweetness and a very distinctive taste. Since oden had started... ◆Oden Assortment (3 types) - ¥580 Daikon radish, konjac, egg Interestingly, avocado hydroponics seemed to be trending. The Starbucks cup looked stylish? ・※For a blog version with easier-to-view photos, feel free to take a look here ↓↓ (゜ω゜=) https://gurumebutyou2.muragon.com/entry/97.html

Visited in August 2020 and posted on August 21st. I stopped by for a quick solo drink in the evening. I ordered a take-out pizza from "Kayabar" and said, "I'll be back in 30 minutes!" and in the meantime, I came here. - Kirin Ichiban Shibori (draft beer) ¥450 - Appetizer ¥300 Chicken and vegetable rolls, okra, eggplant - Miso potato salad with mackerel ¥580 A surprising combination of potato salad and mackerel miso. The acidity and sweetness of the potato salad, the richness of the mackerel miso, and the accent of minced ginger all come together. It's delicious! - Sashimi platter (price not mentioned) Sazae (horned turban), sea bream, tuna, octopus, and another type of fish, beautifully arranged on a deep red plate. - Tasting set of raw sake brewed with Kimoto method ¥1000 A new tasting set from August featuring "Kimoto" sake brewed using traditional methods with the power of nature. Enjoy the complex flavors created by the activities of wild microorganisms. - Shiga Nakazawa Shuzo "Ichihaku" Kimoto Junmai sake A drinkable Kimoto-style Junmai sake with a solid rice flavor and slowly spreading acidity, offering a rounded umami and softness, making it easy to pair with food. - Ibaraki Buyu "Chichinpui" Yeast-Free Kimoto Unfiltered Junmai sake A limited edition challenge sake from "Buyu" made using traditional Kimoto method without yeast. It has a slightly sweet rice flavor and a faint lactic acid feel unique to Kimoto, with a solid taste and refreshing aftertaste. - Tottori Kumesakura "Morinoumi" Kimoto Junmai sake A pale yellow sake with a light kelp broth aroma, hints of Japanese sugar, and orange-like scent. The aged flavor and orange acidity mix well, with a hint of concentrated sweetness and a slight bitterness that adds depth to the taste. It is a strong and rich-tasting sake, recommended for hot sake as well. For more information and pictures, please visit the blog linked below.

I found out in the evening that most places are closed on Mondays. I decided to go to this bar because I had a feeling they would have a good selection of drinks. I sat at the end of the counter and ordered a beer. I enjoyed a "Mackerel Miso Potato Salad" as a snack, which was interesting. The "Mystery Salad" had a variety of colorful and unique vegetables, including something that looked like a melon. The bar had exotic vegetables displayed on the counter, and the young staff seemed to put effort into their offerings. I tried a craft beer from a local brewery called Kuni No Nagaya, and the bartender recommended the "Precious Double Black" with 11% alcohol content, which was quite strong. It seemed to be made with sake, and the brewing process involved simmering sake, which was new to me. The bar also served yellow sashimi, which turned out to be pumpkin from a foreign country. I then switched to sake and tried the "Shinmine" Yamada Nishiki Junmai Ginjo Natsurin, an unfiltered sake from Nara, which had a slight fizziness and a refreshing taste. Next, I had the "Taiyo" Namazake, an unfiltered sake from Hyogo, with a rich flavor and aroma typical of a live yeast sake. I enjoyed drinking local sakes while indulging in "Firefly Squid Pickles" and "Cream Cheese in Miso Marinade." It's a great place for sake lovers, with a youthful atmosphere, and I look forward to visiting during quieter times.

Visited in July 2020, posted on July 14th (all information is based on the time of purchase) (prices are excluding tax) ・Had a casual solo drink in the evening. I visited around 5:30 PM on a weekday and noticed that Kenyo-kun's original menu has been introduced, coming over from Hideru. ◆Brooklyn Summer Ale ¥750 The "Brooklyn Summer Ale" was released as a limited edition bottled product last summer and received many positive reviews. It is a refreshing pale ale that allows you to experience the summer vibes of Brooklyn in Japan. It is easy to drink, with a refreshing taste that makes you want to enjoy it at the beach under a blue sky. It pairs well with salads, seafood, meat, and grilled vegetables. Bright and vibrant aroma with a refreshing aftertaste. ◆Appetizer ¥300 ◆Ine Bay Rock Oyster (Large) ¥1480 Ine Bay, a rare bay facing south on the Sea of Japan side, with a natural breakwater called Aoshima at the entrance, is suitable for slowly cultivating rock oysters, resulting in a rich flavor. ◆Insect Collecting Tasting Set ¥1000 A new tasting set starting in July, featuring cute insects on the label. It is a summer-appropriate sake that allows adults to enjoy insect collecting. Available until the end of August. ・Fukuoka Miino Jyu - Mitsui Jyu Natsu Jyun Gin "CICALA" This sake is brewed with a patented yeast that produces high levels of malic acid, giving it an apple-like taste. The label is designed to resemble a cicada perched on a tree, perfect for summer. It is recommended to serve chilled for the best taste. ・Kanagawa Izumibashi Shuzo - Natsu Yago Pink, Namazake Junmai Genshu This refreshing dry sake is made from the rice grown in a good environment where the larvae of red dragonflies grow healthily in the summer fields. It has a strong taste of Yamada Nishiki rice and the unique acidity of Namazake. Enjoy it well chilled. ・Tochigi Senkin - Senkin Kabutomushi This limited edition sake is made from Yamada Nishiki rice specially brewed for summer. It has a light and refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for summer. It pairs well with dishes like pork with oil due to its sweet and sour flavor. ◆Octopus in Green Vinegar Dressing ¥580 An elegant and gentle sour taste. ◆Japanese Style Roast Beef with Yuzu Pepper ¥980 Tender and flavorful. Also took out: ◆Octopus in Green Vinegar Dressing ¥580 ◆Assorted Grilled Fish Set for Two ¥980 x2 Shimaaji grilled fish, Miso-marinated Silver Salmon, and Isaki grilled fish.

Visited in June 2020, posted on June 16th (all information is based on the time of purchase) (prices are all excluding tax) ・Casual solo drink in the evening. The goal was to try the Kotobuki Brewing beer that I saw on Instagram! Especially, the limited edition and new products!! https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-P-vGgpkS/ ▼ [Kotobuki Brewing Beer Selection] As we head into the season where beer tastes delicious, new craft beers from the local sake brewery Kotobuki (@kotobuki_brewing) have arrived. Currently, we have 5 types available: - Kijoshu Double Black (super limited!) - American ESB (new product!) - Kijoshu Gold - Kura Kolsch - Kura Amber The label design has been updated and looks nice. It's not often that we have such a variety available, so take this opportunity to enjoy the hot local craft beers now. ◆ Otoshi (appetizer) - $3 Started with an appetizer. On this day, it was a dish of bluefin clam and red konjac. ◆ American ESB - Price unknown (forgot to ask) Kotobuki's first attempt at the beer style American ESB (Extra Special Bitter). As the name suggests, it is a beer that allows you to enjoy bitterness. It has a slightly coppery color, leaning towards amber rather than orange. Using several types of American hops, it exudes a floral, refreshing citrus, and faint tropical fruit aroma. After the aroma, you can feel a solid bitterness, while also sensing the sweetness of caramel malt. Although it looks heavy, it is not too heavy when you drink it. The different ingredients complement each other, creating a drinkable glass. It is labeled as Extra Special Bitter, but it's not that bitter. It's more like the fruity IPAs that are popular these days. And although it has a dark color, it doesn't feel too heavy when you drink it. It has a powdery texture, similar to Galaxy High Plains Beer. I think it pairs well with food. ◆ Awaji Island Live Conger Eel - $9.80 ◆ Kijoshu Double Black - Price unknown (forgot to ask) We spent a year making this whiskey barrel-aged beer (legally classified as a sparkling wine). Although it is a minor style, other breweries have been trying it lately, and sometimes you can find it in imported beers. So, as a latecomer, what kind of beer should we make for the whiskey barrel aging challenge...? Naturally, the beer should have a body that can match the whiskey aroma, so we had to make a beer that could do that. And since it's made by Kotobuki, we wanted to incorporate some Japanese concept. That's when we came up with the idea of "simmered sake." This is a technique used in Japanese cuisine to enhance the flavor by adding a small amount of sake to the pot when making simmered dishes. We thought, what if we tried this with beer? The specific process involved adding sake to the wort and simmering it, which was a very difficult task. However, by adding the sugar and umami from the rice-derived sake to the sweetness of the barley in the wort, we ended up with a very rich and complex flavor. To ferment this successfully, we borrowed the power of beer yeast and sake yeast. The finished beer was aged for 8 months in whiskey barrels borrowed from the Eizakajima Sake Brewery, known for Akashi Whiskey. Writing about it seems simple, but it was quite a task to move the heavy whiskey barrels in and out of the fridge... The final result is a beer with a rich and complex flavor that is subtly infused with whiskey barrel aroma. Although we used a fair amount of hops, the strong body flavor masks it. It may not appeal to everyone, but we believe that beer enthusiasts and whiskey lovers will enjoy this beer. It has an alcohol content of 11%. It is sold refrigerated due to being unpasteurized, but it doesn't need to be chilled too much when drinking. We have returned the borrowed whiskey barrels to Eizakajima. There will be no future production, so take this opportunity to purchase it. ・・・

Visit in May 2020, posted on May 23rd (all information is from the time of the visit) (prices are all excluding tax) ・A quick solo drink in the evening. At Hatena no Chawan, which reopened on May 18th. ◆Kirin Brau Meister ¥750? ◆Appetizer: Cucumber and Jellyfish ¥300 ◆Low-polished sake tasting ¥1000 With advancements in brewing technology, it is now possible to make high-quality sake without polishing the rice too much. Three types of sake that bring out the flavor of the rice while being easy to drink and delicious. An interesting event unique to Hatena no Chawan. The sake descriptions are borrowed from the restaurant's Instagram. 【Kochi Arimitsu Sake Brewery Aki Tora Junmai Sake Yamada Nishiki 80% Polishing】 A sake that I was impressed with when I first encountered it before Hatena no Chawan opened. When I thought about the theme of this sake tasting, "sake made from low-polished rice," the first thing that came to mind was this Aki Tora. I still remember being impressed when I first encountered it about 6 years ago, around the time Hatena no Chawan opened. At a time when it was said that polishing the rice would make a good sake, I may have resonated with their attitude of going against the grain. 【Tochigi Wakakoma Sake Brewery Wakakoma Muko Hi Pressure Harvest Unfiltered Raw Sake Aiyama 90% Polishing】 A sake with a surprising clarity despite being polished to 90%. Definitely something that girls would love. This is the second time it has appeared at our store. The pink label and the heart in the horse's eye are so lovely. Pink and hearts are typical of Aiyama! 【Chiba Terada Honke Goningo Musuhi Germinated Brown Rice Sake 100% Polishing】 A super unique sake! An incredible 100% polished sake. The theme of the new sake tasting starting in March is "sake made from low-polished rice." After deciding on the theme, I found this sake. It was a geeky sake with a 100% polishing ratio that was always in the liquor store's refrigerator and caught my attention. The brewery took 7 years to develop a method that utilizes the amylase produced when germinating brown rice, as it was impossible to make koji with brown rice alone. The people at the brewery jokingly say that it is "the worst sake in Japan," but please experience this "living sake" full of natural vitality at this opportunity. "Drinking pickles," it might be a bit heavy? I thought when I first tasted it. However, all three were surprisingly light and easy to drink. Not too sweet and enjoyable. Especially, Aki Tora is like a slightly gentler version of Suigei, suitable for drinking with food, and Muko Hi is sweet like amazake, likely to be well-received by women. I also liked it. These low-polished sakes, which offer a different kind of deliciousness, are highly recommended ☆ヾ(*'▽'*)ﾉ ◆Assorted appetizers ¥? ◆Chinu Tempura from Lake Biwa, Shiga ¥780 Although they are not actively promoting takeout, takeout may be possible depending on the situation and content. So, I bought fried food for home souvenirs. ◆Soft Shell Crab Karaage ¥780 x2 Oh, I'm so glad that my favorite restaurant, where I can enjoy delicious food and rare sake, has reopened. I feel revived♪♪ Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ ・*For a blog version with easier-to-view photos, please visit the link below. If you're interested, take a look↓↓(゜ω゜=) https://gurumebutyou.muragon.com/entry/2818.html

Night solo drinking in March 2020. A Japanese sake and seafood restaurant with delicious traditional Japanese cuisine. Due to the coronavirus, I had the counter all to myself, which is usually crowded. However, there was a lively girls' night out happening, and their cheerful voices warmed my heart. The topic of conversation seemed to be about "boyfriends and husbands cheating," but hey, that's fine too. When it's a middle-aged women's drinking party, the topic might be "my husband was hospitalized due to sudden deafness caused by stress," so, you know, it's all good. - Appetizer: Dried sakura shrimp with grated radish and radish. - Kinshachi: Nagoya Red Miso Lager - ¥750 - Toyama: Firefly squid with vinegar miso - ¥680 - Sake tasting set of three cloudy sakes - ¥700 - Hokkaido: Smelt tempura with wild herbs - ¥680 - Saga: Nabe Shima Junmai Daiginjo - ¥2500 - Gifu: Young sweetfish charcoal-grilled with salt - ¥680 - Saga: Nabe Shima Essence of Japan (Black & Secret Label) - Price not specified The Nabe Shima Essence of Japan (also known as Black & Secret Label) is a new creation that aims to be a high-quality sake that complements dishes. The details of the ingredients and polishing ratio are intentionally kept secret to focus on the unique taste. It is a sophisticated sake with complexity, a good finish, and a flavor that enhances the dining experience. It is meant to bring the ultimate happiness when paired with food. It is a rare and valuable opportunity, so the owner, Osamu, Shota, and I shared it in small amounts. It is the most fruity sake I have ever tasted, but that initial impression transitions into a more traditional sake flavor.

Visited in February 2020 and posted on February 19th (all information is from the time of the visit). Had a casual solo drink in the evening. The appetizers were rapeseed salad and grilled wheat gluten. It was still cold like winter despite the approaching spring. I decided to have warm sake, which was a rare choice for me. I selected a thin-walled cup that transferred warmth to my fingertips and enjoyed TADA TADA Ashita Tokubetsu Junmai Binchotan 2015BY from Shiga Prefecture. It was a limited edition winter sake with a matured taste and a gentle aroma. I also had a platter of sazae, sweet shrimp, bonito sashimi, wild sea bream, and related horse mackerel. The presentation was beautiful as always. There was also red seaweed, which is known for its vibrant color during cold weather. After warming up, I ordered a beer, specifically Kirin Brau Meister, which has a rich and well-balanced taste. The dashimaki tamago was overflowing with broth. I paired it with Fushimaya Junmai Extra Dry Unfiltered Nama Genshu, a winter limited edition sake with a strong bitterness and dry finish. It was a special variation of Fushimaya Junmai Extra Dry. I enjoyed it with hot and crispy fried oysters. The total bill was ¥6,402, and I was very satisfied with the delicious food and drinks.

This is a review of a restaurant located about a 7-minute walk from JR Tokaido Line Takatsuki Station and Hankyu Kyoto Line Takatsuki-shi Station. It is situated slightly off the bustling and bright shopping street, in a residential area, so it's not a location you would stumble upon by chance. Despite being a hidden gem, there are some nice drinking establishments nearby. I made a reservation to visit this popular restaurant. The sign outside the restaurant says "Comparing Japanese Sake," and as you enter, you can see various labels of different Japanese sake, indicating their focus on Japanese sake. The interior is long and narrow, with counter seats at the front and tatami seating at the back. They offer not only full servings but also half servings of sake, allowing you to try a variety of options. The lineup of sake was unfamiliar to me, as a sake enthusiast, I was excited. Starting from Kawanakajima Special Junmai to Kunonocho Kaeru Label, I enjoyed trying different sake in half sizes. The assortment of dishes ranged from sashimi to grilled dishes, fried items, and other side dishes, providing a wide variety. The amberjack sashimi was thick and fatty, while the cod milt was the first of the season, with a refreshing and melty umami flavor that paired well with ponzu sauce. The Saga beef charcoal-grilled dish had a nice umami flavor that complemented the sake well. The staff at the restaurant are knowledgeable about sake and will answer your questions politely. They will recommend based on your preferences. The total bill came to around 14,000 yen, which was a little over 7,000 yen per person. Since there were two of us, we were able to try a variety of dishes. The restaurant has a rich lineup of Japanese sake, with options to choose from based on origin, rice variety, sweetness, and spiciness. I wish there was a restaurant like this in my neighborhood. Overall, it's a recommended spot for sake enthusiasts.

This shop specializes in Japanese sake. It is a well-known blogger in Osaka that everyone knows, and H-chan, the goodwill ambassador of Takatsuki in the food log world, also highly praises this shop♪♪ Tonight, I had the pleasure of dining with a reviewer whom I had wanted to meet for a while♫. The location is about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Takatsuki-shi Station and JR Takatsuki Station. It's a hidden gem of a shop known only to a few, with no prominent signs. The place was always packed on a Saturday night, showing its popularity! Reservations are a must. The food menu is modest, but the sake menu is extensive♪♪ I tried a little bit of the sake from the reviewer I dined with, as I had to go back to my home far from Takatsuki, and I opted for "JAZZ BERRY," a fruity beer with a raspberry taste♪♪ It was perfect for me, who doesn't drink much alcohol, and it was delicious♡♡ They also have a wide selection of local sake and craft beer from Takatsuki♪♪ The dish that left an impression on me was the thickly sliced "Nameko mushrooms" that you grill yourself at the table(´✪ω✪`)♡ The power of charcoal is amazing, with an irresistible aroma and delicious texture♪♪ Also, the yuzu miso dip with leeks was delicious♡♡ The simple space where you can enjoy sake without any special atmosphere is nice(´✪ω✪`)♡ The interior of the shop is crowded with regular customers, a hidden gem of Takatsuki just a short distance from the station. It seems like a place known only to a few in Takatsuki° ✧ (*´ `*) ✧ ° I had a great time learning about sake and other things from the reviewer I dined with♪♪ Thank you for the delicious sake and the enjoyable time(●´ω`●)♪♪

Visited in December 2019, posted on December 31st (all information is from the time of the visit) (prices are listed without tax) - A quick solo drink at the second bar in the evening. It was unusually quiet, with few recommended dishes for the day... only to find out that they were fully booked for a year-end party. The calm before the storm, I suppose. Since I am known for eating and drinking quite quickly, they let me sit at the counter. Maybe it's because of my good behavior? - Jazzberry - ¥750 A fruit beer type created by the free thinking and playful nature of the brewmaster at Spring Valley Brewery, supported by their technical expertise. It is brewed with raspberry juice, resulting in a refreshing taste and a vibrant ruby color. It has a fruity hop aroma and a subtle raspberry scent, creating a unique and harmonious flavor that pairs well with meat or salad. - Appetizer (complimentary): Taro, small shrimp, broccoli, and yuba? I had already had three drinks at NIKKA SHOT BAR, so I was in a good mood from the start. My memory is a bit fuzzy. - Assorted sashimi - Price unknown, probably included amberjack, tuna, sea bream, sweet shrimp, and turban shell. - Gunma Takai Sake Brewery "Iwao" Junmai Ginjo SUB ROSA (half) - ¥560 Passionate, sexy, and discreet like a rose. It has a modest juicy feel and excellent balance of acidity. It was smooth and gentle, despite the quirky label. The current head of the Takai family is the 10th generation, and the next 11th generation head, Kanito Takai, has a unique background and is passionate about sake brewing. - Hokkaido Cod Milt Tempura - ¥980 A hot and creamy winter delicacy. Enjoying this delicacy while sipping on the sexy sake made by the eccentric brewer was truly special. The total including tax was ¥3,982. It was delicious, thank you! I wonder how the restaurant managed to survive the storm of year-end parties after my visit.

Located a short walk of less than 10 minutes from JR Takatsuki Station, this hidden gem of a drinking establishment is tucked away from the bustling street filled with many izakayas. We visited for a small year-end party. The interior has a counter, one table, and a tatami room. The tatami room can accommodate around 20 people, making it suitable for group gatherings. Here are the items we ordered: - Appetizer: Simmered wheat gluten and taro, lightly seasoned but flavorful with a rich broth. - Shirako (cod milt) with ponzu sauce: Surprisingly generous portion, rich in flavor and a delight for shirako enthusiasts. - Fried chicken: Juicy and crispy, made with meat from a local butcher shop "Kashiwa" in Takatsuki. - Grilled smelt fish: Soft and mild in taste, cooked on a charcoal grill for added atmosphere. - Assorted sashimi: Sweet shrimp, tuna, and goma-ala. Fresh and delicious, with the tuna being particularly easy to eat without any fishiness. - Yellowtail shabu-shabu: The main dish of the day, with fatty slices of yellowtail that are delicious on their own or dipped in the flavorful broth. - Dried gurnard and firefly squid: Intensely flavored gurnard and concentrated bitterness and umami of the firefly squid, both delicious when grilled carefully on the charcoal grill. - Chicken tenderloin yakitori: Following the tasty fried chicken, we also ordered the grilled tenderloin, which was juicy and flavorful. - Oyster fry: Seasonal dish with a crispy coating and a burst of oyster flavor. - Fish cake tempura: Made with sea bream surimi, fluffy and flavorful with a hint of nori seaweed. - Drinks: Separate menus for regular beverages and sake, with options for sake tasting flights and unique selections to pair perfectly with the delicious seafood. A must-visit for sake lovers. We were impressed by the delicious and unique seafood dishes. Thank you for the feast.