みうけん
Miukenn loves Okinawa. He loves it so much that he can't help himself, practicing playing the sanshin late into the night. (He uses a silencer so as not to disturb the neighbors, but since he's self-taught, he doesn't improve). Whenever he has free time, he buys pork cartilage, cooks it, and makes Soki soba. And in late July, he's going to Okinawa again. Yay! So, unable to wait until late July, he came to Nishi-Ikebukuro. Yes, he just had to eat delicious "Aguu pork" shabu-shabu, so he came to "Shabu-tei Kotobuki Ikebukuro main store"! The interior of the store has only table seats, with partitions separating the neighboring seats, making it comfortable. Decorated with Shisa and other items on the side of the table, it really raises the mood. So, this time, he's having the "Aguu pork belly course" (5000 yen). Okinawa's brand pork "Aguu pork" has three times more umami and sweetness than regular pork. This course allows you to enjoy Okinawa from the appetizer to dessert with 120g of "Aguu pork" belly, as well as other dishes. So, for this drink, first, he tried the "Shikwasa plum wine" (680 yen). It's a rare plum wine with a refreshing Shikwasa taste. It's refreshing and summery, making his mood even higher. Next, he had two appetizers. The first was a solid mozuku with clear dashi, providing a satisfying texture. The second was green caviar made from grapes from Kumejima, known for its large grains. The sauce is not too sour, making it easy to eat. The large grains are crunchy and have a great texture. He then had seared pork cartilage, a dish he likes and occasionally makes at home, but it's different when made by a professional. The crispy, fragrant taste of the seared cartilage as he bites into it, with the sweetness of black sugar spreading with each chew, is just delicious. Next, he enjoyed 120g of Agu pork belly and a variety of seasonal vegetables. The homemade ponzu sauce with grated daikon is good, and the homemade sesame sauce is rich and flavorful. The island-style chili oil adds a unique touch. The amber dashi broth, made from a blend of bonito and kombu, is a recommended choice. The aroma of the beautiful broth is a treat in itself. The fresh vegetables, island tofu, and lettuce give an Okinawan touch, and the various condiments add extra flavor. Trying the fresh Kinoko first, he found it to be thick and crunchy. It's a premium Kinoko brand from Toyama Prefecture, grown in the cool snowmelt water of Toyama. The freshness and taste of the freshly harvested Kinoko are evident. Finally, he enjoyed cooking the vegetables briefly and then steaming the pork slowly. The meat is delicious when cooked this way, ensuring the flavors are retained. Enjoying the first slice with just salt and the second with island radish, it was delicious. Good meat is best with just salt!