お猿と狸
Located a little outside the bustling area of Hakodate city in Hokkaido, near Sugisawa Prison, hidden in front of Iwai Girls' High School, is a cozy little izakaya with a touch of creativity. It seems that this is an old established restaurant in Hakodate. While it may not fit neatly into the category of izakaya, it feels a bit disrespectful to call it a traditional restaurant. When I inquired, it was explained that it falls somewhere between a small restaurant and a traditional Japanese pub. Inside the small counter, the owner takes charge like a stage performer, while the wife busily serves customers and moves back and forth to the kitchen in the back. It becomes clear later that the young chef is in charge of the cooking, and he seems to have trained at a reputable Japanese cuisine restaurant. Starting with a refreshing draft beer, the chef's impressive service begins as he skillfully handles the charcoal grill behind the counter. The sashimi was delicious, as expected from a top-notch establishment in Hakodate. However, the real excitement lies in the creative dishes, particularly those cooked over the charcoal hearth that proudly stands inside the counter. The appetizers were delightful, and the crab miso gratin was simply amazing. The grilled Shiretoko free-range chicken over charcoal was rich in flavor. The tempura platter, reflecting the season of spring, was a treat. The nostalgic B-class snacks that followed, along with the classic dishes, were truly remarkable. We enjoyed talking, drinking, and eating to our hearts' content. Ultimately, when you're having a great time and the food is delicious, the details of the dishes become secondary. But that's because we're enjoying the tasty food and the pleasant atmosphere. After all, food and taste are not just about pleasing the palate, right? It's about experiencing joy and satisfaction in different ways, and that's the best part. It was a delightful experience. Thank you for the meal!