By the way, the title has no direct relation to the restaurant! (laughs) Today, work ended at 5 p.m. as usual. (*￣∇￣*) There was something I really wanted to try. "Iizumi Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin Store" in Daimaru Hakata B2F. A well-known tonkatsu restaurant. The Tokyo main store established in 1930 is famous as the "first store in Japan to make katsu sandwiches." In the past reviews of Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin Store, there used to be an eat-in corner where you could enjoy dishes like katsu curry on the spot. However, now it's takeout only. (￣～￣;) When you take it home as takeout, it inevitably deteriorates compared to when it's freshly fried. So, I came up with a grand plan of buying a freshly made katsu sandwich, bringing it to "Saketen Sugawara," and enjoying it with a glass of beer. Ψ(￣∇￣)Ψ "Saketen Sugawara" is a liquor shop and standing bar famous for the "best-tasting draft beer in Japan." The best beer in Japan and the first katsu sandwich in Japan. Which one is more delicious? It's like Gamera & Godzilla. Arcadia & Queen Emeraldas. Gundam & RX-178. ( *''▽'*) First, I head to Daimaru. The showcase at Iizumi on the B2F is lined with fried foods. The katsu sandwich I was looking for costs 799 yen (tax included). I asked for a freshly made one, but unfortunately, it was already sold out for today. (＠_＠;) So, I decided to buy a ready-made one, considering the impact of the new coronavirus, and asked for disposable chopsticks just in case. After purchasing, I head to Sugawara in 2 minutes. (laughs) When I open the lid of the katsu sandwich, there are a total of 6 pieces. I enjoy them with the best beer in Japan! The katsu is so tender. (#^^#) The bread is moist and surprisingly better than when it's freshly made. Looking at the chopstick bag, it says, "Tonkatsu that can be cut with chopsticks." I try it, and indeed, it can be cut with chopsticks. (laughs) While enjoying the marriage of katsu sandwich and beer, the owner's wife says, "We happen to have a special wine that goes well with the katsu sandwich, would you like to try it?" The master also recommends a wine. I have zero knowledge about wine, but if both of you recommend it so much, I decided to try it for a coin. When I see the bottle, it says "Chateau Mars Noshiro Syrah 2017." I try it. It is a red wine that asserts a strong character. It has a spicy flavor like black pepper and a solid taste with smoothness in the throat. I don't really understand, but it is overwhelmingly different in complexity and richness compared to the 500 yen bottle of wine I always buy at the supermarket. It's like the strength of King Ghidorah with three heads. I was able to enjoy a luxurious way of drinking with the best beer in Japan as a chaser substitute. (*^^)v Later, when I look up the wine I drank, something unbelievable! Σ(￣□￣;) - The production quantity of Noshiro Farm's Syrah is less than 1,000 bottles, a rare wine. - Moreover, the wine I drank is made only in good years, and it was made for the first time in three years since 2014. I drank something amazing! (・_・;) Back to the katsu sandwich. In conclusion, it tastes delicious. However, it's not outstanding in terms of cost-performance, and it's just about right for the price? Maybe the bar was set higher because of the alcohol I had? Thank you for the meal.

They sell fried food, bento boxes, and katsu sandwiches.

Located in Tokyo, "Izumi" is a long-established tonkatsu restaurant known for originating the katsu sandwich. Collaborating with the popular and long-standing bakery "Nagata Pan" in Higashi-ku, this is a must-try combination of Tokyo and Hakata. With 6 slices for ¥799, you definitely need to give it a try.

"Katsu curry, not a curry restaurant, but a tonkatsu restaurant" (Anonymous poet). Indeed, the tonkatsu is the main star, with the curry playing a supporting role. The small eat-in corner with only four seats at the counter. However, during lunchtime, it's usually fully occupied (due to limited capacity). The must-try dish is the "Rosu Katsu Curry". It has to be rosu, not hire! The katsu sitting on top of the curry doesn't matter if it's cut or not. Scooping up rice, curry, and katsu in that order with a spoon, you can easily bite into it and taste the sweetness of the meat. That's why it disappears quickly. It's the top choice for when you're in the mood for Tenjin Katsu Curry. Just a reminder, "This is strictly eat-in, okay? Got it?" Somehow, that kind of service attitude comes across a bit disappointing. Am I the only one who feels that way?

In the midst of a busy day with no time, I decided to grab a quick lunch at the department store's basement. Next to the tonkatsu restaurant "Izumi," there is a counter where I ordered the hirekatsu curry for 864 yen. The tonkatsu was crispy, as expected. The concept is soft tonkatsu that can be easily cut with chopsticks, but it was already pre-cut. Oh well. The tonkatsu was indeed crispy, but the curry was just average. Considering the price, it was okay.

Located on the B2 floor of Daimaru department store in the depachika area, there is a tonkatsu restaurant. Next to it, there is a small eat-in area with about 4 seats. Despite nearby restaurants like Szechuan Hanbai often having long lines, you can usually eat at this place without much of a wait. As a tonkatsu specialty shop, the tonkatsu here is undeniably delicious. They boast about their "tonkatsu that can be cut with chopsticks," and it truly is tender. The curry is also tasty, making this eat-in area in Daimaru's depachika the top recommendation. Inui is a place where you can't go wrong with their delicious tonkatsu, so their bento boxes are also reliable. It's not a place for a leisurely meal due to its small counter-style eat-in area, but the taste is guaranteed.

In Ueno, Tokyo, there is a long-standing tonkatsu restaurant called Inoue Meiji, which was created by the founder with the aim of making tonkatsu that suits the Japanese palate. You can also enjoy their tender tonkatsu that can be cut with chopsticks at Daimaru Tenjin Fukuoka store in the basement. There are 4 seats for dining next to the sales corner in the food section on the 2nd basement floor. The menu includes only curry, with options of tenderloin or pork cutlet, and you can also add various fried foods available in the sales corner as toppings. The reviewer was a bit surprised by the presence of tonkatsu curry on the menu, but decided to try it out due to hunger. The pork cutlet curry with rice was priced at ¥864, which seemed reasonable compared to the familiar pork cutlet sandwich available at Haneda Airport. The reviewer found it a bit challenging to cut the tonkatsu with a spoon due to its tenderness, which required some effort and balance. The curry sauce was medium-spicy and suitable for most people. The reviewer mentioned their preference for the tonkatsu from another restaurant in Tokyo, but found the tonkatsu at Inoue Meiji to be just average. The reviewer also noted the absence of the permission certificate for using the catchphrase "chopstick-cuttable tender tonkatsu," which is usually displayed in the case of a restaurant that branched off from a famous brand. Overall, the experience at the Fukuoka store was okay, but the tonkatsu was not exceptional.

I went to Iizumi on July 24, 2014. This place is located on the 2nd floor below Hakata Daimaru. Next door is a delicious Sichuan restaurant that serves tantanmen. There are three menu options, all priced at 864 yen each. The most popular dish is the fillet cutlet, but the loin cutlet is popular among men. The main branch of this restaurant is located in Yushima, Tokyo, near the University of Tokyo and Shinobazu Pond. Established in 1930, this long-standing restaurant boasts tonkatsu that can be cut with chopsticks and is also known as the birthplace of katsu sandwiches. I ordered the loin cutlet curry priced at 864 yen. The aroma of the curry stimulates the appetite. The cutlet is indeed tender. It can even be cut with a spoon. Now, let's dig in. Yes, this is delicious. It's a pleasure to taste the flavors of a long-standing Tokyo restaurant in Fukuoka. Location: 1-4-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka Daimaru B2F. Closed on holidays.

As I walked through the food section in Daimaru basement, I noticed that Tonkatsu restaurant Izumi was serving Katsu Curry. Most of the shops were for takeout, but there was an eat-in area at the back. The Katsu Curry looked really delicious. In addition to Katsu Curry, they also had Chicken Nanban Curry. I was curious about what Katsu Curry from a Tonkatsu specialty shop would be like, so I decided to go in. The eat-in area was at the back of the shop with only 4 seats, and it felt a bit cramped. Initially, I was alone, but after ordering, a group of 3 customers came in, and it quickly became full. It seems to be quite popular. Looking at the menu, besides Katsu Curry and Chicken Nanban Curry, they also offered Croquette, Menchi Katsu, and Horse Mackerel Fry as toppings that you could add, allowing for customization. This would definitely make fans of this place want to visit for lunch often. The Curry that arrived had quite an impact with the Tonkatsu. You could choose between Fillet Katsu and Loin Katsu, and as someone who likes fatty meat, I chose the latter. The Curry sauce was slightly thick and reminiscent of home-cooked curry, but with a touch of richness added, creating a taste that was both nostalgic and appealing to the masses. It was a flavor that I liked and one that would be liked by everyone. The Curry alone was also available for 500 yen, which I think is a good option. And then the Katsu. It was truly something that showcased the expertise of a specialty shop. The texture was unique and interesting, not overly crispy but with a good texture. I think they put a lot of effort into the breadcrumbs. And the Loin Katsu had a great balance of fat and meat. The amount of fat was just right, not too much or too little. When it comes to Tonkatsu, I usually prefer a hearty and satisfying meal from a specialty shop, but this place managed to deliver that satisfaction while maintaining an elegant touch, which I believe would appeal to women as well. Thank you for the meal. I don't usually go to Daimaru, but for the Curry at this place, I will definitely be visiting the Daimaru basement more often in the future.