北のもみたろう
On a certain holiday, during a slightly worrying time in Hokkaido in terms of numbers, I tried to go to a restaurant for lunch but it was fully booked, so I ended up at an old Italian restaurant that I had bookmarked for a while. Located on the second floor of a building in a big street behind Central Ward, North 1 West 17, the compact space had 4 counter seats and essentially 3 tables, which quickly filled up. The background music was Japanese female pop songs that I couldn't identify. For lunch, the basic options were pizza, pasta, and risotto, with the displayed prices including appetizers, bread, and a drink. This time, I, a fan of limited editions, chose the "Spicy Pizza (1600 yen)" with a drink set, opting for "Cold Mint Houjicha." The decanter water with vegetables and citrus fruits was delicious, and worth paying for. The appetizers were a potato quiche with a strong potato flavor and well-balanced cheese, fresh sea bream carpaccio with a gentle seasoning, potato paste resembling mashed potatoes, and a rustic terrine with a unique flavor. The pumpkin mousse-like dish was sweet and dessert-like. The bread included a flavorful French bread, fluffy focaccia with tasty sausage inside. The pizza, baked in an electric oven, was well-made with a thick crust, good browning, and a slightly spicy but not overpowering taste. The toppings included red and yellow cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mozzarella, with a surprising addition of salami instead of prosciutto. The mint houjicha had a convincing mint flavor without actual mint leaves. The owner, despite being busy, personally saw us off at the entrance, adding another fan to the restaurant. Overall, the restaurant, with its stable and innovative menu, as well as a loyal customer base, left a good impression. I would definitely visit again. Thank you for the meal.