Zaby
Near Sapporo Station at lunchtime on May 11, 2020, I visited "Kitamae-ya Yuusen," which opened recently. The owner, who used to work at a Japanese restaurant in Susukino, decided to start his own business despite the challenges of the pandemic. The seafood dishes, including fish, are highly praised. I arrived at the restaurant around 12:30 during lunchtime. The door was slightly open, possibly for ventilation, and the Halloween decorations inside and outside were excessive. I sat at the counter, which had 6 seats, and ordered the "Nakaochi Donburi" for 1,100 yen (including tax), which came with coffee. The tray arrived in about 10 minutes, containing the Nakaochi Donburi, miso soup, pickled Chinese cabbage and cucumber, pickled daikon, pickled takana, chopsticks, chopstick holder, small plate, and soy sauce dispenser. The Nakaochi Donburi was generously topped with colorful lean tuna, offering a great quantity and quality for the price. The slightly firm vinegar rice paired well with the tuna. Although I felt the miso soup lacked depth in flavor, the overall taste balance and cost performance were good. The walls were decorated with posters of campaign products, including the New Year's sushi set for 3,300 yen per person and the October campaign offering the Chawanmushi for 600 yen. The menu was full of tempting options. I enjoyed a recommended sake after the meal, and then had coffee served in a teacup. I look forward to coming back for a leisurely evening drink. Thank you for the meal.