ごろひで
On the second day in Kyoto in February, after a light drink at Kyogoku Stand, I went to a new izakaya restaurant in search of Kyoto vegetables, but it was full. I thought it would be okay if I went alone, but it seems I was wrong. So, I decided to try another izakaya nearby where I had been before, called "Sumika." This place also serves delicious dishes with Kyoto vegetables as the main ingredient. I relied on my smartphone to find it, but it took me a while to locate the entrance. Finally, I found it and opened the door, which led to a staircase right away. Since the restaurant is located on the second floor, it may be a bit intimidating for first-time visitors who cannot see the inside and gauge the atmosphere. Maybe that's why it's called Sumika. The interior had dim lighting, a wooden theme, and a warm atmosphere, with 1970s Western music playing in the background, creating a nice ambiance. When asked if I had a reservation, I hesitated for a moment, but luckily, there was an available seat at the counter, so I felt relieved. Now, let's see what I ordered today: Assorted three types of Kyoto-style side dishes - ? yen, Kirishima's fine tofu - ? yen, and a highball with fresh lemon shochu. Tonight's side dishes included fried taro, simmered Seigoin daikon, and grilled deep-fried tofu with plenty of green onions. The staff suggested that they could prepare a smaller portion for one person, which was a lovely offer, so I decided to go with that. Although I didn't ask about the price difference, the extensive menu was a great service for those who wanted to try various dishes. The taste was very elegant from the appetizer, and the Kyoto vegetables were delicious even when eaten as they are, so I think they intentionally kept the seasoning light. However, the standout dish of the night was the fine tofu! It was incredibly delicious. Even without any seasoning, it was already tasty, but when sprinkled with a little salt, the sweetness of the soybeans increased even more, so I highly recommend it! The staff! I loved this dish so much that I'd like another serving, please. Later, a person who seemed to be from Yamagata Prefecture sat next to me, and we had a lively conversation about Yamagata, which was fun. The staff was very friendly and I enjoyed chatting with them. They mentioned that a staff member who trained at this restaurant had opened a place in Sendai, so I definitely have to visit there! This place is really great, Sumika! There were many other dishes I wanted to try, but I know I'll be back here again later (laughs). Thank you for the delicious meal! I'll definitely visit again when I come back to Kyoto!