犬養ごっこ
A bistro with originality! An Italian-style restaurant that is truly Italian and has a unique charm. I arrived quite late, but fortunately, all the items I was interested in were still available! Instead of quiche or grilled meat, let's start with pasta for Italian cuisine, followed by a fish dish! Tonight, I had a braised Thai sea bream with seafood and homemade harissa powder, paired with a white wine from a keg. And then, confit tuna with "nduja" paste sausage, olives, and a ragu named after Mount Vesuvius, paired with a rich and layered Italian red wine. This fish dish, although an appetizer, is substantial and satisfying enough to be considered a main course. The octopus, shellfish like mussels, and the soup's flavor were exquisite and skillful! The chili, cumin, and coriander powder added a unique touch to the dish, without leaning towards Arab or Greek flavors, but retaining a true Italian taste. The combination of tomato and seafood aromas, parsley, and barley as the base of the stew all contribute to its Italian flair. Although I thought saffron was used, the rich and gentle flavors of the shellfish must be the key. This fish dish should be ranked number one on the list of the most delicious fish dishes in Japan since I arrived here! It resembles acqua pazza, incorporating ideas from other coastal Mediterranean regions, making it a genius creation. Equally perfect was the Vesuvio pasta. It is described as "Arrabbiata," but I think it's closer to Puttanesca with olives, tomatoes, and chili. The volcano-named pasta is a short, curved shape called "straga," which I can't remember well, but the texture, lingering aroma, and harmony between the pasta and sauce were flawless. If you're familiar with ragu, imagine this sauce as a ragu. The thick and complex pasta shape is usually suitable for game-like ragu, excluding buttery sauces, but the presence of tuna here is appropriate and interesting. The umami and sometimes challenging sweetness of tuna were cleverly utilized. There was no dessert, so I focused on wine and cheese. This kind of individuality is straightforward, rational, and easy to understand. The attentive service and sophistication of the restaurant make it a place you can trust. I will remember it as a refined establishment. However, I can't decide how often I would like to revisit at the moment. Nevertheless, I really want to recommend trying the two dishes mentioned above!