タケマシュラン
Near New Chitose Airport, "Higashi Chitose BBQ" is known for its cult following, but "Wagyu Restaurant Log House Bibi" also boasts strong popularity. As the name suggests, it is a solidly crafted log house nestled in the forest, offering a stable atmosphere compared to the makeshift feel of "Higashi Chitose BBQ." The interior of the restaurant is a true log house, with greenery visible through the windows creating a fantastic ambiance. The staff work efficiently, ensuring cleanliness throughout the restaurant, which is a stark contrast to the direction of "Higashi Chitose BBQ." I visited without a reservation on a Saturday at 14:30, and managed to secure the last table as the restaurant was fully booked, showcasing its popularity. Travelers should make reservations in advance when planning to visit. The restaurant proudly serves local brand Wagyu beef "Shiraoi beef," but also offers Hokkaido-style raw lamb jingisukan, as well as locally sourced chicken and pork. I opted for a la carte menu items this time, ordering my favorites, but they also offer set courses and a weekday lunch set. Starting with the "Lettuce Salad," it was not just lettuce but also a variety of colorful vegetables, all topped with dressing. The salad was surprisingly substantial and a delightful surprise. The "Tomato Salad" featured a whole peeled tomato meticulously presented, resembling a dish from a Western-style restaurant, showcasing the attention to detail in their barbecue setting. I also ordered the homemade pickles, which were generously filled with cucumber slices and lettuce at the bottom, all for a reasonable price of 330 yen. Moving on to the meats, the "Raw Lamb Jingisukan" was shoulder loin, with a milky flavor and excellent taste of fat. The locally sourced young chicken, labeled as "Leg," was likely thigh meat and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a delicious dish. The pork from Kami-Furano was rib meat, with a dominant fatty texture that surprisingly wasn't overwhelming, but rather juicy and incredibly tasty. Next came the highlight, the "Wagyu Assortment" featuring Shiraoi beef in belly and lean cuts. While undeniably delicious, it was somewhat overshadowed by the previous lamb, chicken, and pork dishes in terms of flavor. Nevertheless, at 1,840 yen for 180 grams, it was still a great value. Returning to the chicken, this time with the "Seseri" cut, which is typically known for its chewy texture, but at this restaurant, it was surprisingly tender and harmoniously balanced with the taste of the meat and fat. Despite each of us consuming nearly 500 grams, the bill came out to around 4,000 yen per person, which was incredibly reasonable. The only downside is that the restaurant is only accessible by car and does not serve alcohol. On the other hand, in the back of the restaurant, a group of golfers was having a lively party, showcasing impressive event planning skills. If you want to enjoy a variety of locally sourced ingredients in a beautiful and systematic setting, this is the place to go over "Higashi Chitose BBQ." Be sure to visit after arriving or before departing from the airport.