KIR
It's my first business trip to Sapporo in 2 years! When it comes to Hokkaido, seafood is a must! My friend, who has a refined palate and lives in Sapporo, took me to a place where you can't go wrong. We entered a building with many restaurants and headed straight to the 6th floor without hesitation. Inside the restaurant, it was quiet and had a stylish atmosphere. It's directly operated by a seafood company, but there's no hint of a masculine vibe (lol). The ambiance is just right, not too formal but not too casual either, perfect for two male friends. We were escorted to a private room at the back and immediately ordered drinks. Σ(´∀`;) The all-you-can-drink option is cheap! There are two options, 980 yen and 1500 yen, with differences in the available drinks, but for 980 yen, you can have draft beer and red wine, which is more than enough. As I was debating whether to order oysters, the manager recommended the jumbo oysters that just arrived today. Well, I had no choice but to order them! (lol) The oysters and drinks arrived promptly. The friendly smile and hospitality of the staff are wonderful at this restaurant (*´д`*) The thick jumbo oysters with lemon squeezed on top were a delight to savor, with a rich flavor and a hint of the sea. Truly delicious, as expected from the manager's recommendation at a seafood company-operated restaurant. Next, grilled oysters made their appearance, also jumbo-sized. They were placed on a hot, black iron plate, with the fragrant shell still intact. Drizzling lemon on top and savoring them, the oysters had a fluffy texture, making them equally delicious. Looking at the recommended menu again, I spotted "raw Atka mackerel." I've never had raw Atka mackerel before. Not sure if it's common in Hokkaido or just unfamiliar to someone from Mie Prefecture like me, but it was also delicious. We also ordered a few other dishes that caught our eye. The "Ezo deer tataki" had an excellent sear on the outside, a crispy texture, and a juicy meaty interior. The mountain wasabi removed any gamey taste, making it delicious. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer tender meat. Here comes the most impressive part of this visit. The staff, with their wonderful smiles, came at just the right moment in the private room and asked, "Would you like a refill on your drinks?" Even though we were on the cheaper all-you-can-drink plan, they were still attentive, which was surprising (lol). Good customer service in a restaurant really enhances the dining experience. I found a must-visit restaurant in Hokkaido! I highly recommend this place!