船井香緒里(フードライターKaorin)
I enjoy "delicious delivery" almost every week. Even when I'm away from the restaurant space, I can still enjoy high-quality dishes. This is thanks to the chef's unique creativity and thoughtful consideration for the diners, which allows me to experience deliciousness everywhere. The creations of Yasuhiro Sasajima, who owns the renowned Italian restaurants in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, are a perfect example of this. I came across the "Officina Il Ghiottone" page in the Amakara Techo magazine, which mentioned that some frozen products are available for delivery, and I couldn't resist trying it out. The selection includes regional pasta and lasagna from various Italian regions such as Liguria, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Campania. As an Italian food lover, this lineup is irresistible. Moreover, the simple process of heating the pasta sauce from the freezer in a hot water bath for a few minutes is very convenient. I started with the Genovese sauce. The vacuum-packed sauce with Pecorino cheese was just the right amount for 100g of pasta. I boiled some spaghetti at home and... The basil flavor in the Genovese sauce was delightful. The aroma of Genovese, combined with the gentle flavors of clam and chicken broth, showcases Sasajima's unique touch. The snap of green beans and the softness of potatoes added a nice texture to the dish. It was all meticulously calculated. Next, I tried the Agnolotti, which also required heating the frozen (vacuum-packed) product in a hot water bath for 4 minutes. I drizzled some homemade olive oil from Shodoshima and sprinkled Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top while it was still warm. The richness of the minced meat, the comforting texture of the dough, and the fragrance of sage combined perfectly. It was so delicious that I couldn't stop eating. The Napoli specialty, Salsa di polpo affogato, was also a hit. It only took 4 minutes to warm it up in a hot water bath, and then I mixed it with freshly boiled pasta. The mariner sauce base with chunky minced octopus and the salty kick of capers enhanced the concentrated umami of the octopus. Last weekend, I also tried the Lasagna al forno. After thawing it in the fridge for half a day, I transferred it to a bowl and microwaved it at 600W for 2 and a half minutes. I topped it with fresh basil from Hirano Farm that I bought that morning. The bechamel sauce was rich but not heavy, and the ground beef added a chewy texture and savory flavor, creating layers of taste. It was quite filling, and the satisfying meal left me feeling happy. I still have three more pasta sauces in the freezer waiting for me to enjoy them during this weekend's lunchtime sake. During my restaurant visits, I heard from all the disciples who worked with Sasajima that "Chief's (Sasajima's) simple pasta dishes are truly delicious..." and "The traditional pasta dishes like Amatriciana made by Chief were even more delicious than those we tried at any other restaurant." They all spoke highly of his cooking. The concept of "If there was a Kyoto in Italy" is reflected in the dishes created by Sasajima at Il Ghiottone, where you can feel the changing of the four seasons in Japan. I love both Sasajima's cuisine that captures the essence of Kyoto and his presentation of simple pasta dishes from well-known Italian regions through delivery. It's truly delightful and delicious.