After deciding to travel to Okayama for the summer, I didn’t have much trouble figuring out where to have dinner, because I already knew about this restaurant.With a rating of over 4 on Tabelog and a Bronze award for three consecutive years, the owner chef, who has trained many excellent students, comes from "Azabu Choko." What’s even more important is that the course meal is under JPY 20,000!I made a reservation for 7:30 PM on a weekday a month in advance. After enjoying the scorching heat of Kurashiki, I relaxed in the hotel’s large public bath and then set out!I arrived at the restaurant right on time. It was tucked away a bit from the bustling downtown area, with a cozy atmosphere. I could catch a glimpse inside through a small window, and it seemed lively already. The seating was divided between the open kitchen counter and tables, and I was guided to a table this time. The course was a single option priced at JPY 16,500.When asked about drinks, I informed them that my wife doesn’t drink alcohol, so I opted for the pairing while she chose iced tea.The iced tea was also carefully crafted, made with Darjeeling first flush and a hint of cardamom. It had a refreshing taste with a pleasant bitterness.Now, let the feast begin!*Each dish and pairing review is noted in the photos.*Ah, it was delicious!!The cooking of the ingredients, the aromas, and the combinations were impeccable. They used spices inspired by Thailand and Vietnam, resulting in a light overall experience. Even after enjoying all 13 dishes, including dessert, my stomach felt light. Each plate delighted my eyes, palate, and nose.The chef came to our table and said, "I can make Mapo Tofu depending on how full you are." What?! That’s a must-try! The additional Mapo Tofu we ordered was incredible. *Refer to the photo comments.*One downside was regarding the pairings. This time, there were 8 types of wine and 2 types of Japanese sake. It seems the owner is quite passionate about wine and holds a sommelier certification. Looking at their Instagram, there are many posts about wine, with a strong impression of natural wines.Regarding the pairing wines, while each had a distinct flavor, many had a pronounced acidity, which created a somewhat similar overall trend.There’s no issue with serving a lot of wine, but since the dishes had a wide variety, it would be nice to see a broader range of flavors in the wines as well.At one point, I really craved Shaoxing wine, so I ordered a glass! I thought it might be nice to add a recent single vintage Shaoxing wine to the pairings.Now, for the bill:Course JPY 16,500 x 2,Iced tea (water brewed) JPY 600,Jin Xuan Oolong tea JPY 1,200,Kame-dashi Shaoxing wine glass JPY 900,Additional Mapo Tofu? JPY (estimated 1,900),Pairing? JPY (estimated 11,000),Totaling JPY 48,600.With no service charge, the pricing was clear. Despite my comments about the pairings, getting 10 types for an estimated JPY 11,000 is quite reasonable. Though it’s a place I don’t visit often, I definitely want to return!
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