I visited on a weekend at 8 PM and was seated at the prime spot right in front of the head chef.The atmosphere inside was filled with a pleasant tension, showcasing the chef's precise movements and the perfect coordination of his apprentices.I started with a draft beer and enjoyed a course that concentrated the blessings of Niigata.- Yokei Edamame: Rich aroma and strong sweetness reminiscent of tea beans.- Sado Moku-Garei (aged for 3 days): The matured umami is exceptional.- Niigata City Chidai (Kasugo): The delicate sweetness is enhanced by the fragrance of yuzu.- Niigata Bai Shellfish Skewers: The aroma and texture are exquisite.- Niigata Nanban Shrimp and Sado Nodoguro: The shrimp paste hidden between the sushi rice creates a heavenly fusion of richness and depth.- Aosa and Ume Chawanmushi: The fresh scent of the ocean and the pleasant acidity of plum.- Sado Tuna (Akami and Otoro): Caught in fixed nets. The transition from the clear umami of akami to the richness of otoro is perfect.- Murakami City Yamakita Rock Oysters: The taste of the sea fills your mouth like milk.- Niigata City Shinkawa Fishing Port Sweetfish (Kombu-zuke): A sticky texture with deep umami.- Aomori Hachinohe Purple Sea Urchin: Pairs excellently with the flavorful seaweed from Mikawa Bay.- Minami Uonuma Sweetfish: Rich aroma with a pleasant bitterness.- Niigata Maika (Surumeika) Chutoro: Served with a soy sauce blended with maika paste, this was a surprising piece.- Niigata Tsunan Town Asparagus / Daikon Pickles: A perfect palate cleanser.- Niigata City Mase Fishing Port Hairy Crab Hand Roll: A luxurious flavor wrapped in seaweed from Ariake.- Red Miso Thick Roll: The texture and aroma of walnuts add an accent.- Tamagoyaki: Contains minced Nanban shrimp, resembling a dessert.- Murakami Black Tea: A refreshing and beautiful aftertaste brewed with water from a sake brewery.I paired my meal with "Kagetora Torashiro," "Takachiyo (Gin-Ginga)," and "Musou (Shin-Kara)."While the restaurant is committed to sourcing most of its ingredients locally from Niigata, it does not hesitate to include top-quality tuna and sea urchin from outside the prefecture.According to the chef, these are "essential ingredients that cannot be overlooked for special occasions or for customers who make the effort to visit." I was deeply impressed by this sincere philosophy.In the latter part of the meal, I engaged in lively conversation with the guests at the neighboring table, and together with the chef, we listened to "deep stories from the sushi industry (including some slightly behind-the-scenes tales...!)." It was a truly enriching experience.This is a renowned establishment that elevates the potential of Niigata's ingredients in a beautiful setting. I will definitely return.It was incredibly delicious!
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