far long
I have been going to the Tokyo Racecourse for over 30 years. With the arrival of the pandemic, the atmosphere inside the venue (especially on non-race days) has become quiet and deserted. However, whenever I have some free time, I find myself visiting the place almost instinctively. Back in the late Showa era, when there was a boom, there used to be a large and dull stand at the racecourse, and I vaguely remember a shop with a strange name operating in one corner near the fourth corner. It had a run-down atmosphere, and I couldn't quite understand the meaning of the shop's name back then. This shop is now located in the basement of the Memorial Stand near the fourth corner and is still in business. It's a place that caters to enthusiasts and is not somewhere I usually visit, but during the New Year races, I decided to stop by since there would be fewer people around. It was empty and peaceful. I ordered the Curry Cutlet for ¥900, paid in cash, and received the curry from a female staff member. It's a common trait at the Tokyo Racecourse (and maybe elsewhere) that the staff, especially the older ladies, are very friendly. This lady also commented, "I wonder if I gave you too much rice, eat plenty," as I received my order. It was a nice gesture, but I wondered what I would do if I couldn't finish it all. Haha. I poured myself a cup of hot green tea, sat at a table, and dug in. The curry was probably pre-made, but it was delicious without being too overwhelming. It had a thick texture, and you could just about taste the beef slices. The cutlet consisted of three thick pieces, which may seem a bit less at first, but the thickness of the cutlet provided a satisfying bite. I assume they only fry the cutlet here, but it was quite crispy. I wonder where they make these cutlets. The rice was a bit bland, but that's typical of chain curry restaurants. Accompanying the classic and traditional curry was a bright red Fukujinzuke, adding a crunchy texture. It was a good combination. After over 30 years, it felt like I had finally discovered this shop, but the font of the shop's name caught my attention - it had an ominous and unsettling design that I had never seen anywhere else. I doubt many people would be intrigued by this shop, but I would like to talk to someone who knows about it. Perhaps a hidden gem in the Twilight Zone of the Tokyo Racecourse Memorial Stand. By the way, next to this shop is Yoshinoya. There were many elderly men in dull-colored clothing enjoying their beef bowls, creating a unique atmosphere in the Twilight Zone of the Tokyo Racecourse Memorial Stand.