ふらまま
I have been searching for the number one shop that I must visit whenever I go to a certain area, and this time in Hakata, my best motsunabe was decided to be at "Motsu Shigeru" which was so delicious that I couldn't forget it even after returning to Sapporo. Since it is a shop where you cannot make a reservation for one person, I kept asking around "Please let me know if you have a chance to visit Hakata" and visited again within 2 weeks because I was so hooked on this shop. I first learned about "Motsu Shigeru" from an ANA in-flight magazine a while ago, and then I saw it being introduced by celebrities on TV, so I re-recognized it. Before my visit, I searched and found out that Terumoto Jimon had eaten there on Youtube, and I couldn't resist wanting to go, so I made a reservation a month in advance (since reservations for one person are not accepted, I invited a friend) for the visit. Sitting at the counter, we toasted with beer and enjoyed two appetizers, edamame and potato salad, which were different each time so we could share and have fun. While watching the kitchen, I could see the fresh motsu being cut by hand each time, despite being very busy. This extra step of not pre-cutting prevents dryness and helps maintain freshness, and I was fascinated by it. The reservation phone kept ringing one after another, even during the busy hours. The husband and wife couldn't stop their work, so they had to answer the calls on speakerphone while cooking, and even though it seemed really tough, they were still smiling and working. What we had at "Motsu Shigeru" both times was the recommended special by Jimon, starting with motsu yaki. The motsu grilled in an iron pot was incredibly delicious, each part was truly exceptional, especially when dipped in vinegar soy sauce, it was refreshing and delicious, and each texture and taste was top-notch, making it impossible to stop eating. We alternated between the grilled motsu and appetizers like cold tomatoes and edamame, and finished it in no time. Next was the signature motsu sukiyaki, which the father carefully made for us. First, garlic slices, then the motsu was grilled in a pot, quickly cooked, then sake was added and flambéed. Once the fire settled down, the sauce was added and simmered for a while, and it was done! The motsu, seasoned with soy sauce, was incredibly delicious, the best motsu nabe I've ever had. Even though it's called motsu sukiyaki, it's not sweet, it's a refreshing umami that you can eat as much as you want, a masterpiece of excitement. The various textures were enjoyable, and the cabbage and special Kujo green onions were too delicious. The crunchy onions from Kitami and tofu were also delicious, showing the true power of fresh motsu. I thought to myself, even if all the motsu dishes in the world disappeared, as long as there's Motsu Shigeru, it would be enough. As I was enjoying the deliciousness (completely forgetting how far I had come at this point), I finished it all in one go. I think women can handle 2 servings alone, and men can handle 4 servings with this deliciousness. For the finale, we had zosui, which was also amazing. The rice coated with motsu flavor, the perfect egg, and the spring onions were irresistible, and this was also finished. Not only was it delicious, but all the staff at the shop were smiling, pleasant, and fun, making it an incredibly enjoyable time. Finding the unrivaled number one motsu nabe made me so happy, and I didn't expect to go back in 2 weeks, but that day was also happy. Thank you for the meal, I hope to visit again in the spring.