どさんこ探検隊
I went to this restaurant on a day when I was in the mood for dumplings. The restaurant is located in the 8th block of Tanuki Koji, called "Gyoza and Wine Kaki to An" Once you pass through the noren at the top of the stairs, there is a door at the entrance. When it comes to dumplings, you might think of beer, but this place, Kaki to An, is all about dumplings and wine. Of course, they also have beer, but the drink menu is quite extensive with a variety of wines from France, Italy, Spain, in red, white, rose, orange, and sparkling. They also have highballs and non-alcoholic drinks. Moreover, the highballs and non-alcoholic drinks are all original with homemade jams and unique herbal teas. The food includes dumplings, as well as other items like shumai. They use their own homemade dough made from Hokkaido wheat, filled with Hokkaido meat, seafood, and other ingredients. The menu is full of exciting options that show their dedication to quality. The Rosemary Flavored Ginger Lemonade was my choice for the day, as I always enjoy their non-alcoholic drinks. Their homemade drinks and original herbal teas are quite enjoyable. The Rosemary, ginger, and lemon with fruit pulp added made for a fresh and delightful drink. It pairs well with a meal. The Kabocha squash salad was a delightful surprise with various ingredients and a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The Gyoza with game meat, beets, and dried tomatoes had a unique flavor that surprisingly was light and went well with wine. The Lamb, coriander, and spicy oil dumplings had a punchy flavor that was addictive, especially for cilantro lovers. The combination of flavors with the chewy skin was outstanding. The Edamame with sansho pepper was a unique and refreshing twist on a familiar dish, perfect for pairing with alcohol. The Takikawa duck and cartilage shumai with burdock and sansho pepper was a delightful surprise with its texture and flavors. The Blue Cheese and Honey dip with sweet potato fries was irresistible and addictive, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The Western-style mixed rice with homemade chicken chashu and mountain wasabi tamago was a satisfying end to the meal, with tender chashu and creamy tamago. The mountain wasabi added a subtle kick to the dish. Overall, each dish was delicious and full of unique flavors. Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy some creative and tasty dishes.