Sanurai J
I had been interested in this inn for a while, but since my wife has a mild shellfish allergy, we couldn't see the point of using the expensive crab plan at a place famous for Matsubagani (snow crab). However, there were also reasonably priced plans that didn't focus on crab, so we decided to visit during the Bon holiday to try out their cuisine. Here are the highlights of the dinner menu and my main impressions: (Nadeshiko Plan + Iwagaki Oysters) Appetizers: Fresh Yuba (tofu skin), steamed ayu fish with sake, simmered wasabi greens Today's sashimi assortment: Amberjack, sea bream, sea bass, turban shell, salmon roe, sweet shrimp Grilled Iwagaki oysters Grilled Spanish mackerel with miso paste Steamed eel in a tea-infused egg custard Fried Kamo eggplant, conger eel, bell pepper, shishito peppers Charcoal-grilled turban shell, white shrimp, seasonal vegetables Tanba Akadori chicken and Kujo green onion hot pot Rice, mekabu seaweed and rolled yuba skin miso soup, pickles Yuzu sherbet and fruits The meal had a satisfying volume and a good balance of flavors. Even the casual appetizers had a wow factor. The turban shell and sea bass sashimi were excellent, and surprisingly, the sea bream was also very impressive. - The seasonal Iwagaki oysters were light and easy to eat, not as heavy as the usual milky ones. The broth jelly served with it enhanced the elegant umami taste. - The grilled Spanish mackerel had a robust flavor without being overwhelming. It made me crave for more rice. - The steamed eel in egg custard had a rich Kyoto-style broth base, creating a perfect balance with the eel. It was basically an eel roll, and a delicious one at that. - The fried Kamo eggplant was delicious, with a rich flavor that stood out even against the dipping sauce. - Instead of the usual pot cooking, the grilled turban shell was served with its shell intact, cooked over charcoal. This was my first time eating it this way, and it was surprisingly delicious. The item labeled as white shrimp was actually a local name for a larger type of gas shrimp. It was prepared by grilling over charcoal on the spot. You could eat everything from head to tail. The smokiness, the sweetness of the miso and flesh, all were incredibly tasty. - One of their specialties, the Tanba Akadori chicken and Kujo green onion hot pot, was exceptional. The unique broth, the slightly roasted chicken fat and meat, and the harmony with the green onions all felt perfect. Oh boy, it was delicious! The slightly sweet marinade served with it wasn't just sweet but had a calculated balance of flavors. The deliciousness of the boiled broth made me unconsciously pick up the ladle and pour the broth over rice to enjoy. This chicken hot pot alone easily exceeded a rating of 4.0 stars. The warm rolled omelette served at breakfast was also delicious, making the overall dining experience worthy of being called "Kyoto by the sea." Considering the location, facilities, quality, quantity, and value for money of the inn, I believe it is a place that can be enjoyed fully even outside the Matsubagani season. I would love to visit again in a different season.