はるぽん9
In Ebisu, there is a well-known Korean restaurant that only those in the know are familiar with. I have visited once before, but I was craving for Takkalmar, so I decided to revisit. Just a 2-minute walk from Ebisu Station East Exit. Going down the spiral staircase to the basement, you will see a chic and stylish glass-walled interior. Due to the impact of the coronavirus, they are currently not open on weekends, but they operate with reduced staff on weekdays. They have arranged the seating to ensure enough distance between customers, so you can spread your arms wide without any worries. As the name "Mizushikima" means "kitchen", the tables are lined up around the kitchen. There are also semi-private rooms and terrace seats available. As you enter the restaurant, you will first notice a row of fruit-infused soju bottles, which are beautifully displayed. They also focus on serving drinks that are easy for women to enjoy. The course menu starts from 4,000 yen, but I ordered a la carte. First, a toast with a glass of champagne. Mizushikima Kimchi Assortment (990 yen) is a delight for those who enjoy a sweet and spicy flavor. It's a nice appetizer with 7 different types of kimchi that are popular among Japanese people. The garlic sprouts were delicious! Kujou Negi and Nira Chijimi (880 yen) is a must-try at Mizushikima. It's made with plenty of yamaimo, creating a chewy and fluffy texture. The staff will cut it into easy-to-eat sizes right in front of you. It's quite hot because it's cooked on an iron plate. The seafood chijimi also looked delicious, but if you like green onions and nira, be sure to try this one. It was deliciously fragrant and chewy. Yangnyeong Kejan (1,300 yen) is a dish with a sweet and spicy sauce that is addictive. The red sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, sugar, etc., is used to marinate snow crabs. The meat is succulent and delightful to eat. Finally, the Seoul Takkalmar, a simmered dish, is a must-try. It takes a little time to cook, so it's best to order it early. Mizushikima's specialty is "Bulgogi," made with high-quality Japanese beef and plenty of vegetables, but this time I wanted something refreshing, so I chose Takkalmar. It contains a whole chicken simmered in a special soup, rich in collagen. The rich soup is delicious with a perfect balance of flavors. The potatoes are flavorful and fluffy. The Toppogi is chewy and adds a nice touch. The simple Takkalmar, where you can feel the umami of the chicken, is perfect for beauty and health. The next morning, my skin was plump and firm. Although noodles and rice are also delicious for the finish, with just the two of us, we were quite full, so we ended our meal here. Despite the current situation, the staff were cheerful and provided excellent service, making the dining experience enjoyable. A modern Korean restaurant near the station, perfect for a girls' night out or a date. Thank you for the meal.