I visited kitchen Toshiki for the first time in a while.As always, the blackboard menu was incredibly tempting.After sitting down, I spent more time daydreaming while gazing at the blackboard than actually choosing my dishes."I want to try that!""This one looks interesting!"I could already feel the limitations of my stomach capacity before even placing my order.The appetizers were visually stunning, giving off a vibe more like a neighborhood bistro than a typical Western restaurant. The careful presentation really lifted my spirits.However, on this occasion, the main dish didn’t quite match my expectations.I had imagined a juicy hamburger, but it felt more like a fried hamburger. It was as if I went to pick up a hamburger, but a cousin in the form of a menchi-katsu arrived first.I also tried the beef stew, but it had a stronger bitterness than I anticipated. While one might describe it as having a mature flavor, I personally preferred something with a bit more richness and sweetness.Perhaps because it had been a while since my last visit, the service felt a bit more subdued compared to before. While it was still attentive, I missed the warmth and familiarity I remembered from my previous experiences.That said, the overall charm of the restaurant was still very much present.By the time I was leaving, my thoughts were dominated by,"I should have ordered that from the blackboard."And the chef’s warm smile as I was being seen off made a significant recovery.Even though I had my preferences regarding the dishes, it was clear that the restaurant is well cared for, which strangely made me want to return.In the end, the blackboard menu was the MVP of the day, while the chef earned an honorable mention.Next time, I think I’ll simply give in to the temptations of the blackboard.It was a great meal.