トム
Welcome.---------- June 2016 ----------Between Odori Park and the streetcar, in the small alley, the white sign with the character "う" catches the eye. John Noren |o| °д°)ノ Hello. "Welcome, please take a seat at the raised tatami area." As soon as you enter, you can feel the atmosphere of the long-established place and the elegance of the surroundings. "Welcome!" The gentle atmosphere of the place, with the ladies welcoming you, is evident. There seems to be only one master in the back grilling area, running this long-established place. With a counter of 5 seats, 4 raised tatami areas, and a cozy atmosphere, the menu includes the labor-intensive "hitsumabushi," which is the charm of the place. Personally, I think it surpasses Futaba. "Understood." The warm words and elegant responses are delightful. I decide to try the miso stew even though it is lunchtime. The thick but tender stew, cooked to perfection, has a rich miso flavor that makes you want to order sake and additional dishes. The touch of spice adds a nice accent to the dish. The "hitsumabushi" is a masterpiece that raises high expectations. Opening the lid, there is a proper hitsumabushi presentation. They kindly explain: first, eat it as it is, then add grated yam and condiments, and finally add the broth to make ochazuke. I received more than one serving, enough for 1.5 people. The crispy charcoal and sauce, along with the Kansai-style finishing touch, create a texture that goes beyond "plump" to a smooth mouthfeel that melts in your mouth. The skin melts naturally, and the sweetness of the fat is irresistible. The sauce has a refined sweetness with a hint of smokiness. The bowl has a round shape and a satisfying weight, slightly heavier than expected. The focus is more on the rice than the dish. When you pour the grated yam and condiments, the smoothness adds to the experience, allowing you to slurp it up even without teeth. Sprinkling with sansho pepper adds an additional fragrance and flavor, making it even more irresistible. The soup is rich in flavor, with a strong dashi and saltiness, and includes liver, perhaps from the "liver grill" dish. The generous portion of cucumber and pickled Chinese cabbage, as well as the homemade touch, add a refreshing acidity. As the customers quiet down after finishing their meal, the master continues to debone at the kitchen counter. It might be better to visit on weekends, as weekdays may be crowded with salarymen. The smoke signals are visible all day, but during this visit, no one was smoking, creating a refreshing atmosphere. Thank you for the meal.