TACKNMON
Fifty, seventy, even a hundred years can pass in the blink of an eye. Life goes by without us fully grasping it. We meet, part, are born, and eventually die. — Yume no Kyusaku
Now, today's visit is to Yume no Kyusaku in Gakugei Daigaku. It’s just a two-minute walk from the station, having opened in June 2023. Tucked away in an alley of the intersection, it’s an adult hideaway that offers a variety of menu items beyond just vegetable-wrapped skewers. Seasonal dishes change regularly, providing a diverse range of flavors, both Western and Japanese.
One of the popular dishes is the 'Nama Toro Raba Vanilla Sashi,' made from low-temperature cooked liver, which offers a texture close to raw. It comes served with a sauce similar to that used for Yukke, making it delicious. They also use large, juicy, and flavorful "Watanabe Mushrooms," sourced directly from Watanabe Farm, in their dishes.
I visited on a weekday evening. Oh, it’s already November… I always get a bit sentimental in November. And tonight is Friday. I feel like going out for a good drink. The last long weekend of the year starts tomorrow, after all. So, I'm off to enjoy some drinks in Gakugei Daigaku with local friends.
After work, I headed to Gakugei Daigaku. The area has changed a lot; I thought about going to a newly opened oil soba restaurant, but there was a huge line outside—unbelievable! Apparently, they were offering it for just five hundred yen to celebrate the opening, and there was a massive crowd, even with some light rain. It was the longest line I'd ever seen in Gakugei, so I decided to pass for now. What a pity. Maybe next year.
So, what next? I could have a drink somewhere else and kill time until my friends arrive. I consulted the food review app and discovered a promising place. I made a reservation and headed over. Interestingly, this used to be a sake standing bar.
As I stood outside, a staff member greeted me with a warm "Good evening!" and I instantly liked the place. The stylish concrete exterior and cozy interior gave off a calm atmosphere, enhanced by good music with excellent sound quality. Gakugei Daigaku has many young visitors lately, but this place feels like it could attract cool adults over 40 as well. The owner seems to have a close connection with the writer Yume no Kyusaku? Did they move from the Shinjuku establishment? I'm not quite sure, but I really like this kind of place.
The staff was very friendly and had a wonderful atmosphere. When asked what I would wish for from the Dragon Balls, the answer was, "Gyaru's pants..." Perfect, right? When orders were taken, the staff pronounced them loudly to the kitchen, giving off a casual izakaya vibe. Plus, it was great for smokers since they allow smoking here.
So, here's what I ordered (selected items & prices before tax):
- **Draft Beer:** 550 yen (Sapporo Black Label). I couldn’t resist starting with one all by myself. Ahh, it’s so good! The glass is nice too. The appetizer was kimchi made with yam, and it was delicious. I also enjoyed an Earl Grey lemon sour—fantastic! They had an interesting whiskey selection and drinks menu too.
- **Shrimp Salted Fish:** 620 yen. A self-made, exquisite dish that pairs small, plump shrimp with salted fish. Incredible! I felt a bit regretful that I hadn’t discovered this sooner. But I’m glad to have met it today. Thank you! This is the best. I also considered the "Adult Shrimp Mayo" on the blackboard menu but decided against it for now.
My friend arrived safely!
- **Pork Mentaiko:** 480 yen. I love menma! I love cilantro even more! The slightly spicy and tasty sauce is just amazing.
- **Nama Toro Raba Vanilla Sashi:** 780 yen. Another popular menu item! Super fresh and low-temperature prepared, perfect for mixing with the yolk… Ah, I could really use some rice with this.
What an enjoyable evening! This place truly feels like a dream of an izakaya. I’ll definitely stop by again when I’m in Gakugei Daigaku. On my way out, I handed over my sticker—hopefully, it’s up in the bathroom now! It seems to be a versatile spot for quick drinks or gatherings with a large group. Thank you for the wonderful experience! Cha-s!