Today's lunch was at "Birin" which I had been curious about for a while, but it was a bit far from Hakodate city so I couldn't come easily. This time, I decided to stop by on my way to Sapporo via the Ono Shin-Do route without using the Hakodate Shindo (toll-free highway). It was quite crowded, with about 80% of the seats taken. I ordered the set menu, opting for the "Fry Set" for 980 yen and chose cold soba. It took about 10 minutes for the food to be served. The fry turned out to be like kushikatsu, which was a bit different from what I expected. The soba was served in a bukkake style, not the usual mori style. The meat in the kushikatsu had a strong gamey smell, but the soba had a smooth texture and the broth was plain. The generous portion of rice made me full. Overall, it was a satisfying meal. I would consider revisiting if I have the chance.

Soba and udon are the main dishes, but this restaurant also serves as a popular dining spot for the local community, with many elderly and families as frequent customers.

Recently, there has been an increase in soba restaurants where it's hard to tell if they are using buckwheat flour or not. 😣

Ordered pork cutlet curry.

You can park your car in the spacious parking lot and walk up the stairs (there is also a ramp) to find yourself surrounded by blooming hydrangeas in spring and the sound of birds chirping from the green forest behind. Passing through the green curtain, you will be greeted by a smiling hostess. Calimero often orders the delicious Meirin set meal or hot pot udon in winter. Her husband enjoys the hearty hamburger curry set or miso cutlet set, but opts for the healthy kelp soba or large portion when he wants something light. The restaurant is usually full of local customers during the day and night, but there are plenty of seats and the food is served quickly, so there is usually not much waiting time even when it's busy. Next to the register, you may find fresh local vegetables for sale, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, and shiitake mushrooms. Taking a leisurely drive to enjoy a meal in the countryside might be a nice idea! This place comes highly recommended (^_−)−☆

There are many different dishes, but I think the chilled noodles here are exquisitely delicious. They have a great chewy texture that is not easily cut, and a smooth and slippery feel that is hard to find elsewhere. It's a dish that can be enjoyed not only in the hot summer but also in the cold winter. I want to go there at least once a month. The staff were also very nice. The only disappointing thing is that the step at the entrance of the ramp in front of the door is very large, the slope is steep, and the surface of the ramp is also in poor condition, so it is dangerous for elderly or physically disabled people. I hope they improve this point.