めたぼ
Furano town center cafe. It has the appearance of an old folk house cafe that could be found in the outskirts of Furano, but it is actually located within the living area with a cooperative supermarket nearby. I had been curious about this place for a while, but I was always frequenting Chigokudou, a restaurant nearby, so I never had the chance to visit. However, when Chigokudou closed down and I was struggling to find dinner, I remembered seeing this cafe while shopping at the cooperative supermarket. So, I decided to pay a visit. The funky-looking owner seemed like someone who is a Hokkaido enthusiast from outside the region. As I entered the cafe, I noticed that the interior was filled with playful elements. There were attic rooms, hidden rooms, decorative light bulbs, and driftwood decorations, mostly handmade by the owner. The owner, who claimed to be clumsy, spent 8 hours carving out the lunch counter space for one person using a sculpting knife. With a total of 5 counter seats, it took him 40 hours to complete the carving. The owner, originally from Furano City, is a wild person at heart, known for his dedication and hard work. This cafe serves as a base for outdoor activities such as rafting tours in the summer and skiing in the winter. The owner, while being a Hokkaido and Furano local, is undoubtedly a wild person at heart. I sat at the counter and looked at the menu. I found a menu item called "Today's Otsu Curry." I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to say "Otsu" for "Good job," but I assumed it meant that. The curry contained fried tofu instead of meat, giving it a meat-like texture. It was a healthy and spicy curry made with local Furano vegetables. I learned that with some creativity, one can consume a lot of vegetables. After finishing my meal, I engaged in a lively conversation with the other customers. I shared tips on how to spend the early winter season with a couple who had moved from Yokohama to Furano. It was an organic, enjoyable, and delicious time spent with the owner, local Furano residents, and the visiting couple. It was a truly delightful experience. Thank you for the meal.