西武多摩湖線
February is coming to an end today. It's a holiday, but unfortunately, it's raining. I managed to finish work in the morning, and when I thought the rain had stopped, I headed to Hankyu Nishinomiya Station. However, as soon as I stepped outside the station, it started raining again. Feeling a bit down, I walked south on Nishioji Street, crossed Gojo Street, and turned right onto Hanaya-cho Street. Around 11:30 a.m., I waited for a female customer to leave the shop, and I was then guided by a tall man who came out behind her. The place had a rooftop balcony setup, with tables and chairs under a roof attached to the building. Despite it being the end of February with rain, I didn't feel cold. I ordered the Hamburger Steak (1,100 yen) from the menu. The restaurant prides itself on its demi-glace sauce, but I chose the kekka sauce with fresh tomato and basil. The interior of the restaurant felt new, with a white color scheme and a wall lined with firewood. The adjacent table had two women discussing their child's upcoming school activities, including club events, student numbers, and attire for the entrance ceremony. Towards the back of the building, there were tables for 6 and 4 people, mostly occupied by locals enjoying their meals in a casual setting. The soup arrived, filled with mushrooms and a strong shiitake aroma. The main dish followed, a large plate with hamburger steak and tomato-based sauce, served on a bed of salad. The rice portion was standard. The sauce had a hint of tomato and vinegar acidity, with a subtle basil fragrance. The hamburger was perfectly cooked, with a classic and satisfying taste. I finished the meal quickly and took a moment to savor the experience. Most people were still chatting even after finishing their meals, so I also enjoyed the lingering atmosphere. The bill was settled inside the building, where the heating made it a bit stuffy. People who are sensitive to the cold might find this season more comfortable.