"We went to "Amatou" in Sapporo, just the two of us. We were blessed with good weather, with temperatures hot enough to feel like summer. We arrived at night and had a fun drinking session in Kotoni. The next day was an event day, with me having free time until the evening while my partner had commitments starting in the morning. After checking out, we went to Ito Yokado for an hour. My partner listed out some recommended stores, and among them was "Amatou." We found the place and I recognized some familiar sweets, so I picked up two cookies. They seemed high in calories and felt greasy to the touch. The cookies were crunchy, similar to sablé, and had a nutty aroma. The chocolate flavor wasn't overpowering, which was just right. My partner kept saying, "It's delicious, right? It's delicious, right?" as if taking credit for the find. Indeed, they were delicious."

On a certain holiday, I stopped by the ice cream sales corner of a confectionery shop at the Sapporo Koto Ward Ito Yokado underground, which is the main store in Otaru. The store was a bit hard to find at first, but it was located in the service counter area, alongside other famous sweets, and they were selling them in the freezer. That day, there were apparently 5 types of ice cream available, so I chose one that caught my eye based on inspiration. I purchased the "Cream Zenzai (350 yen)" which seemed to be popular. The instructions said to warm it up in the microwave for a bit before eating. However, when I tried it after thawing, it seemed like the thawing process didn't go well. The red bean paste was dry, the white rice cake was slightly hard, and there was plenty of firm soft serve ice cream underneath. When eaten together, the balance was better. The second one I chose was the "Yuzu Tea Cream (350 yen)" after considering the appearance and debating between this and blueberry. After lightly thawing this one too, I was pleasantly surprised. The generous vanilla ice cream was refreshing yet rich, and the yuzu peel jam on top was sweet and sour, creating a good balance with the ice cream. Although I still haven't been able to visit Otaru, it felt like I experienced a little bit of it through this. Thank you for the meal.

Currently, I am waiting for the delivery of a new desktop computer, but it is taking quite a while because it is made to order. My old computer, with the help of someone knowledgeable, was able to start up again the other day. However, it only runs for a short period of time even when it does start up. I have managed to back up my data, but I really hope it can keep running until the new computer arrives. I have started to like and comment on posts gradually. Thank you for your understanding and support. "Otaru Amatou" is a confectionery shop based in Otaru City, as the name suggests. It was established in 1929, making it a long-standing establishment of 89 years. There is a corner in the food section of Ito Yokado Kotoni store where "Otaru Amatou" ice cream is sold. The ice cream from "Otaru Amatou" is a popular product. During the blackout caused by the earthquake in September, it was out of stock for a while. However, since October, it has been available for sale all day as before. I visited with my usual companion after a long time. This shop is located in the food specialty store area on the basement 1st floor of Ito Yokado Kotoni store in Nishi Ward, Sapporo. For the exact location of the shop, please check on Tabelog. There are five types of ice cream available for sale: 1. Vanilla Cream 2. Yuzu Tea Cream 3. Blueberry Cream 4. Cream Zenzai 5. Chocolate Parfait I bought my favorites, "Cream Zenzai" and "Chocolate Parfait." - Cream Zenzai: A popular product from Amatou recreated in ice cream form. It includes Tokachi-grown red beans, Tohoku-produced rice flour mochi, and soft gyuhi ice cream made with milk. Price: 320 yen (tax included) - Chocolate Parfait: Amatou's ice cream topped with their popular chocolate. An easy-to-eat chocolate parfait. Price: 320 yen (tax included) I think Cream Zenzai is best enjoyed slightly thawed. You can also taste the softness of the gyuhi. Both are priced at 320 yen. They are good for home use or as souvenirs. I think they would be well received as a gift. I wonder which ice cream I should try next. But these two are a must-try. Thank you for the delicious treat.