My wife and I visited a nearby restaurant for a casual drink. The tempura of wild garlic was delicious, and we enjoyed skewers of heart and gizzard, Korean-style tofu, and Genghis Khan with Hokkaido's unique wild garlic. We had a satisfying evening at the counter.

This restaurant is located in the outskirts of Kushiro City in Hokkaido, and it can be said to be a hidden gem loved by the locals. It's really tucked away between residential houses, and without a sign, you wouldn't even realize it's a restaurant (laughs). The interior of the restaurant has a counter surrounding the kitchen on the left, and four tables on the right. It's a small, cozy restaurant run by a couple. The first impression of this couple is really good. When you consult about the menu, the husband has a refreshing smile. He seems like a nice guy. The wife is young and beautiful. She could pass as a hostess at a snack bar, and her stylish miniskirt doesn't really fit the image of a traditional restaurant owner. The good-looking couple running this local restaurant might make you think the food is just average, but that's not the case. The clientele is also quite sophisticated, with a couple of classy ladies chatting over delicious food. Although it's not super cheap, there are many customers with a trendy vibe. I started with a draft beer and looked through the extensive menu. The beer was served in a cool frosted silver glass. The menu has a wide variety of options. The grilled mackerel is delicious. The skewered chicken is also tasty. I tried some unusual snacks they offer, which got me excited. They were not the usual dried snacks, but a small plate of salted delicacies that paired well with the alcohol. I switched to local sake from Kushiro and Nemuro, which complemented the food even more. Towards the end, I had some shochu and enjoyed it thoroughly. While it may not be convenient to travel to this place due to its location, if this restaurant were in my neighborhood, I would definitely be a regular customer.