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Welcome. ---------- July 2017 ----------Upon arriving at JR Shiraoi Station, there is an auberge located across from Sekoma along the side street. When you park your car in front, you are greeted from inside as if the customer has arrived. In Sapporo, Miura-kun, who took care of us, looks quite out of place in a suit. The entrance has a high ceiling with an open feel, and you are guided to a room in the back. Each room is indicated in Ainu language, as this hotel has all aspects of Ainu culture. You can see this reflected in various places. The welcome drink is made with hot spring water from the Moriyu source, which is also used in the hot springs. It is warm and tastes like clear hot water without any particular flavor. The large communal bath is not available for use, as it operates on a reservation system every hour for private use. The water is brown in color due to the moor. The bath feels smooth and silky. Meals can be decided in half-hour increments starting from 6 p.m. You can choose between Western cuisine (French teppanyaki) and Japanese cuisine (sushi), but you must decide in advance. The charismatic French chef, Thomas, is in charge of the former, so if you want to meet him, choose the teppanyaki option. The rooms are spacious and a combination of Japanese and Western styles. Many guests prefer to bathe in the hot springs here. The key has a retro analog feel. Dinner-----------------------------------------The specialty seats are right in the middle, surrounding the teppanyaki stage. Thomas-san, the chef, had always wanted to do teppanyaki, and his wish has finally come true. Miura-kun, the sommelier, recommends biodynamic wines like Drappier. The Jambon Berger, made by simmering ham hocks, pork belly, and bacon in broth, is rich in umami and collagen sweetness. The octopus terrine in a bottle has a fluffy texture, more like a mousse, and the flavor of the octopus spreads in your mouth. The tomato mousse and gazpacho, with beer foam on top, is called "Fresh Red Eye." The marinated dry salmon is seared quickly for a crispy texture. The scallop, served half-raw, is incredibly delicious. The botan shrimp carpaccio is served with sea water jelly. The lime flavor and soy tartare at the bottom create a melty texture. The jelly adds a fishy accent using pork broth. The marinated Shakotan sea bream is seasoned with yogurt and curry spices on the hot plate. The pepper sauce and shrimp dashi puree complement the dish. The sea bream is tender and juicy, with a refreshing taste. The basil oil with shiso leaves is served with salt and olive oil. A white wine granite is served midway, followed by champagne poured twice for a refreshing and intoxicating experience. The Shiraoi beef sirloin steak A4 is incredibly juicy and tender, with a honey mustard and wasabi leaf oil accompaniment. The dish is served with two types of asparagus and garlic rice, perfect for a satisfying meal. The beef soup is rich and flavorful, making it an indulgent finish. It's almost cheating how delicious it is as a rice dish. I want to drink it anytime from a water bottle. The richness of the beef is exceptional. Breakfast-----------------------------------------The tagine pot contains seafood and vegetables, accompanied by four small side dishes: "Torajima tarako, Horrenso, chewy squid miso, kombu tsukudani." There is also a Mother's hot spring egg, edamame tofu, yuba kelp, and wasabi leaf. The rice bowl with grilled fish and salmon roe is topped with rice mixed with multigrain rice. The grilled fish includes cod and hokke, and the soup is crab dashi miso soup. The teppanyaki dish features Red Onion Inka no Mezame, Biei asparagus with thick-cut bacon, and a smoked shrimp, celery, and burdock vegetable juice. Milk is available upon request. When checking out, almost everyone will come to bid farewell until your car is no longer visible, bowing twice. This visit to Shiraoi has given me a reason to come back. Thank you for the wonderful meal. * That legendary Thomas (Toma) San at Tavolozza.