sakura007
I caught wind of a rumor that various delicious dishes from the Seto Inland Sea have gathered in Hamamatsucho, so I headed there. I visited a very lovely Italian restaurant called "Ristorante Casa Setouchi." It was about a 4-minute walk from Hamamatsucho. I was surprised to see such a charming house suddenly appear. It was so cute that it wouldn't be strange to see it in a picture book. When I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by a refreshing scent of wood. The arch-shaped windows and grand piano made me feel like I had stepped into a luxurious villa. Inside the restaurant, there are private rooms that protrude like VIP viewing seats in overseas theaters. The curved lines instantly create an elegant atmosphere. I heard that they hold a dinner concert with live piano music once a month, and I can imagine how wonderful it would be to listen to the piano from such a elegant seat. And, there is something amazing here. The impressive large wooden pillar in the center is called the "pillar of matchmaking." It is a rare type of wood with knots in all four directions, like a Japanese cedar, and has been revered as the "pillar of matchmaking" that connects people since ancient times. The cocoon-like lights also create a warm ambiance and are lovely. In winter, the fireplace is lit, adding a cozy atmosphere. I would love to visit during the winter as well. The napkins are embroidered with the exterior of the restaurant, which is a nice touch. Here, the owner, who is full of love for Shodoshima, uses ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea and local seafood to create dishes. The chef is from Aqua Pazza, and the sommelier is from Ritz Carlton Kyoto. The show plate is from Bernard. The owner's wonderful attention to detail extends to the quality of the tableware. This time, I had the 4000 yen lunch. The dessert was 800 yen, so I added that as well. It became a 4800 yen lunch. There are also lunch courses priced at 6000 yen and 7500 yen, but the ambiance and price of this lunch were delightful. Seared Striped Jack Carpaccio with Shodoshima Plum Sauce and Caponata First, I started with the cold carpaccio. The fatty Striped Jack melted in a delicate texture. The plum sauce's acidity was perfect for this season. I added some acidity with a splash of vinegar, which also added a bit of spiciness, making the carpaccio even more enjoyable. They warmed the homemade walnut bread and focaccia on a marble slab. It was a thoughtful gesture. The bread was served with Aonodaiya bread, which is produced in Tadotsu, Kagawa, along with Aonodaiya olive oil. The oil, which won two gold awards at the OLIVE JAPAN 2022 International Olive Contest, had a fresh aroma. It had a slight bitterness and spiciness, and it was very delicious. Hira Spaghettini with Shallots I enjoyed the Hira fish from Okayama in this dish. The fish was carefully deboned and had a rich flavor. It was made in an oil-based sauce with the fragrance of shallots, the acidity of Italian parsley, and the crunchy texture of breadcrumbs as accents. Roasted Duroc Pork The main dish was a roasted Duroc pork from Hokkaido. It was served with a juicy sauce and whole grain mustard. Peach Granita For dessert, I had a peach granita made with seasonal peaches. It was lightly sweet and refreshing. House Orange Parfait The orange ice cream with orange and orange sauce was a citrusy and delightful dessert. This was an additional item for 800 yen. The tea set was Herend's Apponyi Green. It seemed to be matched with Shodoshima olives. Just looking at it made it feel luxurious. I had Earl Grey tea, and the small sweets included financiers, cookies, and chocolate cake. These are included in the course menu. It's nice to be able to enjoy a solid Italian meal in such a wonderful atmosphere. I recommend it for when you want to have a leisurely meal in a lovely space.