☆流れ星
This is a small Japanese izakaya located in a small entertainment district in the western area of Tomakomai City, in the Kamiki-cho neighborhood. The young owner, who trained in Honshu and other regions, runs the restaurant, and during lunchtime, they focus on serving several types of "kamameshi" dishes. The restaurant has ample parking space next to it, making it easily accessible by car. While the restaurant exudes the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese pub, it is well-maintained and clean, giving off a dignified aura. In my experience, you can't go wrong with a place like this.
The "Chicken and Burdock Root Kamameshi" is priced at 1,100 yen (tax included) and is served in about 25 minutes. The kamameshi, filled with plenty of ingredients, has a simple yet delicious taste with the flavors of chicken and burdock root blending well together. The side dishes are not neglected, with the vinegar miso-dressed princess bamboo that the owner picked from the mountains being well-balanced and flavorful, the pickled mustard greens providing a nice salty accent, and the salmon broth soup having a harmonious balance of fat and umami. While kamameshi may seem like a simple dish, you can truly appreciate the skills of a Japanese cuisine chef in the overall taste, and the balance of flavors in the meal set is excellent. Enjoying the crispy rice crust and then changing the flavor with the dashi served in a teapot at the end to create a tea-flavored rice dish is a delightful experience. The dashi has a subtle yet assertive flavor, showcasing the owner's expertise, and it pairs perfectly with the kamameshi. The portion size is generous, leaving you completely satisfied.
The owner, looking sharp in their white chef's coat, displays the demeanor of a Japanese cuisine chef, with occasional strict gazes towards their apprentice, but within an acceptable range. On the other hand, their attentiveness and consideration towards the customers are superb and I found it very endearing. A truly satisfying lunchtime experience. I believe this place will become quite popular once more people discover it, but at the same time, I hope it doesn't become too crowded that it becomes difficult to visit. I am glad to have found such a great restaurant.