飛んだ決まった
- Revisit -
Yesterday, this place was introduced on the STV TV show "Dosanko Wide" as a dining spot with a spectacular sunset view. I wanted to have a meal while watching the sunset, so I revisited (made a reservation in advance). Due to the influence of the TV show, it was extremely crowded during the day. Since this time of year is best for watching the sunset around 6 pm, I arrived around 5 pm. The sashimi platter was served as I had reserved. The sea urchin is locally sourced from Shiotani. Normally, sea urchins have alum added to them as a preservative, which can give them a slight bitterness, but this sea urchin does not have that. It's a type of North Purple Sea Urchin known as "nona," and it is incredibly sweet and melts in your mouth. The cured mackerel is also delicious, and it seems to be homemade with just the right amount of curing. The whelk and surf clam are also excellent, but the scallop is particularly recommended. The flesh is firm, and when you bite into it, it becomes even firmer. It's evidence that it was alive until just before being served. The deep-fried half chicken is hot and perfectly seasoned. Oh, watching the sunset and enjoying a beer while eating the half chicken and sashimi, sipping sake, it's just irresistible. At this time of year, dining on the terrace may attract flies, mosquitoes, and horseflies, but watching the sunset makes you forget about such things. The children had the most popular dish, the ankake yakisoba, and they loved it. And rightfully so. They don't use any frozen seafood here. It's said to be a masterpiece that they offer at a loss. Probably the most delicious in Otaru...
This year, Hokkaido is hot and humid, truly resembling the Ezo rainy season. At times like this, it's all about the sea, the sea. Recently, I've been coming to Shiotani Beach, which is quite a hidden gem, but I heard that this year it has been designated as an unguarded area. Moreover, this year the beach house is closed due to the poor health of the owner. To verify this, I drove there on a weekday morning. However, I got information on Tabelog that there is a dining establishment at Shiotani Beach that caught my attention. That's why I visited. The name of the restaurant is "Shiotani Shokudo Umi-bo's." In front of you is the vast sea. In the distance, you can see the Shakotan Peninsula. It's the perfect location for watching the sunset. When I entered the first floor of a private house that had been renovated into a restaurant and took off my shoes, I was surprised to meet the owner!! What?! The second-generation owner of that famous ramen shop in front of Otaru Station!!! According to him, he now lives here with his family, leisurely watching the sunset. And he wanted to open a dining establishment where you could enjoy a meal while watching this wonderful sunset. The dishes provided by the couple are noodles (ramen, special seafood ankake yakisoba), meat dishes (hamburger steak set, deep-fried half chicken, zangi, Jingisukan). *Jingisukan requires a reservation. And seafood set meals and rice bowls. The ramen has a seafood-flavored salt taste. It's not as rich and meaty as the previous shop, but it's light and has a strong taste of the sea. The most popular dish here is the special seafood ankake yakisoba (¥880). Currently, in Otaru, various restaurants are offering elaborate ankake yakisoba, but this one is seafood-based. Among the vegetables, you'll find squid, scallops, shrimp, surf clam, and on top, a half of a Heralded Crab caught in Maehama, making it a luxurious and voluminous dish. When you eat it with the crab miso, an indescribable umami spreads in your mouth, making it a must-try addictive dish!! I highly recommend it. In front of you is Shiotani Fishing Port. Fresh catches of the day can be obtained there. Especially at this time of year, it's the peak of sea urchin fishing. The sea urchin in the sea urchin bowl comes from the fisherman nearby, freshly caught. The interior of the restaurant has counter and table seating. There is also a terrace outside, so during this season, why not enjoy a meal while watching the sunset, drinking beer, and dining occasionally. By the way, it is planned to be reservation-only at night, so it's best to call in advance. Don't forget to check the sunset information as well!!