野生のカンタ
About 20 meters south of "Gyami Bear" there is an izakaya. In front of this restaurant, there is a homemade tofu shop called "Jingu Tofu," which unfortunately is not registered. Apparently, a few years ago, this restaurant's "Unohana" won the bronze award at the Nakano Specialty Grand Prix. "Kyu" is now a favorite spot for us. However, it was initially intimidating to enter. Looking inside from the narrow entrance, there was a counter seating on the right side, two small tables for two on the left side, and further back, a table for four. The atmosphere felt a bit cluttered, like a restaurant you might find near Nakano Station North Exit, but this is Shin-Nakano. Moreover, the menu displayed outside only featured chicken dishes like "Fried Half Chicken." About a year ago, when it was not crowded and I was craving chicken, I decided to give it a try. Looking at the menu on the table, there were various options besides chicken dishes, and they also brought two daily recommended dishes. I ordered a bottle of beer, and they had Asahi and Sapporo. I went with Sapporo – it was the red star. I can't remember exactly what I ordered that day, but some of the dishes I have tried there include: - Ooyama young chicken half-fried (crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they also debone it for you) - Ooyama chicken tempura (the chicken is tender – Ooyama chicken is from Tottori, but chicken tempura is a specialty from Oita) - Miyazaki Jitokko thigh charcoal-grilled (small pieces of thigh chicken grilled on a net, chewier than Ooyama chicken) - Chicken Nanban (with a generous amount of tartar sauce, also available in half size) - Bakudan Natto (it used to have sea urchin, but not anymore – still reasonably priced) - Deep-fried tofu (the dipping sauce was a bit sweet for my taste) - Sashimi platter (chef's choice, excluding items you don't like) - Eggplant and tomato cheese bake (like a tomato gratin, very filling) - Grilled white asparagus (out of season now, so not available) - Grilled oysters (small oysters skewered and grilled) - Fresh oysters (one large oyster for around 400 yen, affordable) - Tai kabuto-ni (simmered sea bream head) - Curry croquette (traditional taste) - Natto omelet (natto inside an omelet – sorry, getting a bit sloppy with my comments, sorry) - And various other dishes... (I can't remember them all) I was surprised when they served simmered sea bream head as a complimentary appetizer! This restaurant thrives in the challenging Shin-Nakano area and is always bustling. They likely succeed because they serve quality dishes. Initially, I thought they should display more than just chicken dishes on the menu, but I understand this approach now! I imagine I will continue with a pattern of dining at "Takanishi-ya" or "Mika" when in a hurry, this restaurant when wanting a slightly slower pace, and wandering around when seeking a more leisurely meal.