ぽむぽむジロウ
I visited this restaurant for lunch a while ago, and ever since then, I've been craving their Mizutaki (chicken hot pot). Finally, the opportunity came on a weekend night before returning from Otaru. I made a reservation and headed to the restaurant. The place was packed with tables and sunken kotatsu seating. Since there were two of us, we sat at the counter, ordered some beer, and looked at the menu. Without even looking at the menu, Mizutaki was already decided, so we also ordered Toriwasa (chicken sashimi), Karaage (fried chicken), and Iburi Gakko (smoked pickles). First, they brought out the pot set, with a delicious chicken broth in a clay pot... You're supposed to bring it to a boil over high heat! I couldn't wait for it. Steam started rising from the small hole in the pot lid! And then, the ingredients for the hot pot arrived. The battle was about to begin. But before that, I poured the delicious chicken broth into a small cup to drink. It had a rich but surprisingly light taste, and I might just gulp it down. I added a bit of salt and had another cup, it was so delicious. Then I added the ingredients, including juicy chicken, which they said was a special brand called Sakurahime chicken. Also chicken meatballs, Chinese cabbage, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, etc. I let it boil for a bit, and in the meantime, I enjoyed the Karaage and Toriwasa. The Karaage was generously sized, with a crispy outer layer and juicy chicken inside. It wasn't greasy, but rather moist and juicy. The Toriwasa, made with the same chicken meat, was also juicy and fresh, with crunchy wasabi. Both were delicious. By the time I finished those, the hot pot was ready. I put the soup in a small bowl and started with the tender chicken. Adjusting the taste with ponzu sauce, I took a bite, and the hot, juicy flavor spread in my mouth. It was so delicious! I almost burned myself, but it was worth it. I also tried it with yuzu pepper for a different taste. Before I knew it, the soup was gone... I added more soup, finished it with ramen, and drank up the remaining soup. Then, we left Otaru at night.