misspepper
Located in Takamiya, this is the residence of Kaishima Kozo, the younger brother of Kaishima Taisuke who was known as one of the "Chikuhou Gosanke" along with Aso and Yasukawa, and was called the "Coal King" due to its prosperity. This historic building is a registered cultural property of Fukuoka City. I had been curious about it for a while and finally made a reservation for a leisurely lunch on this day. I made the reservation through "Tabelog" a week in advance. It's convenient that even one person can make a reservation. The approach to the restaurant was lovely, and I walked slowly through the garden. I walked from the station, but there is a large parking lot available.
I was guided to the main hall, and I had a seat with a nice view of the garden. The theme of the cuisine is "Satoyama cuisine that utilizes the blessings of Kyushu's ingredients and nature." The lunch course starts from 3,800 yen (tax included), and I opted for the 3,800 yen course.
First, they serve a dish with bonito flakes, kombu, shiitake mushrooms, etc., which was delicious. The head chef showed us the ingredients they use. The same tea leaves were used, but the way they were brewed varied for each dish. The course also included roasted tea served separately for dessert. Everything was delicious.
The first tea served was "Kabusecha" from Ureshino, brewed in cold water, allowing the flavor of the tea to be felt directly. The appetizer platter consisted of various dishes like cabbage with yuzu pepper, simmered burdock root, and tempura of daikon, eringi mushrooms, and taro. They were all delicious.
The second tea was brewed at 86 degrees, and it had a light bitterness with a rounded taste. The second dish was scallops with spinach and pickled turnips, which was delightful.
The third tea was a blend of genmaicha, which paired well with the meal. For the main dish, I chose the "Kinmedai (golden eye snapper) Yuzu-an yaki" with rice. The portion of the fish was generous and delicious.
They also served a homemade beef stew made with Imari beef, which was tasty. The rice, miso soup, and pickles were delightful. The meal ended with a matcha cheesecake with seasonal fruits and black beans, which was rich and delicious.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience dining in this charming setting, enjoying delicious food while admiring the garden. The female staff were attentive, and I had a great time. It's a great place for solo dining, and I would definitely visit again, perhaps for a gathering or meeting.