鴨さん
Today, we came to Kyoto to visit our son. For dinner on the first day, we left it up to him, and he chose to meet at this restaurant. Due to a soccer TV broadcast, the start time was 9:00 PM, and it was already dark outside. The restaurant is located one street away from the business district, with dim lighting and a stylish izakaya exterior, not a place for tourists. The three of us were seated at a table on the first floor, where we could take off our shoes and relax. In the back, there were about 5-6 customers who seemed to be office workers, already having a good time. The interior featured wooden flooring, tables, chairs, and dim lighting, creating a calm atmosphere. The previous customers were not noisy, but rather enjoying work-related conversations. The staff, mainly a young male waiter, served us well, despite not having a direct connection with our son. The food, as shown in the photos, was mostly chosen by our son and consisted of izakaya staples like potato salad, fried chicken, and pizza. Each dish had a unique twist, with the potato salad standing out for its smoky cheese flavor. The large portion of fried chicken was satisfying and highly recommended. There were no disappointments in the food selection. Additionally, we were presented with four bottles of sake in a one-liter size, each with its own characteristics explained, allowing us to enjoy a cup of each. Our son, who never used to choose sake at home, seemed to be exploring the variety available in Kyoto, known for its sake breweries. Starting a new chapter as a working adult in an unfamiliar place during the COVID-19 pandemic made us worry about his adaptation to the company and location. However, finding out that he frequents such local, mature establishments with his colleagues gave us peace of mind. The customers at the table in the back seemed to be from the same company, although he mentioned not knowing them personally. It turns out this restaurant is favored by executives from a long-established Kyoto manufacturer. While we could sense his steady growth as a professional, we couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and disappointment at having dinner as a family of three, reminiscing on the time when Papa got a job in Tokyo and we dined together with grandparents and Mama before our son's marriage.