I came back again this year! Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is home to many famous eel restaurants. Among them, the reservation-only, ultra-popular eel specialty restaurant "Rin" stands out. Congratulations on winning the Tabelog AWARD 2026 BRONZE and being recognized as one of the top 100 eel restaurants in 2026! As the second branch of the renowned Japanese restaurant "Seirin," Rin carries on its essence. Although the head chef changed last year, I confirmed this year that the exceptional grilling quality and flavors of "Seirin" remain unchanged. I indulged in the main dish, the "Hamana Lake Deshiko Eel Special Rice Bowl." As you may already know, "Deshiko Eel" is a premium eel brand developed by the Hamana Lake Aquaculture Cooperative and local chefs who strive for deliciousness. And as you can see in the pictures, the thick, extra-large eel generously overflows from the rice bowl. Rin's grilling technique is a hybrid method that transcends the boundaries of Kanto and Kansai styles, lightly steaming the eel before grilling it over charcoal. By removing excess fat before grilling, the richness and heaviness disappear, leaving only the concentrated umami. Additionally, they make small holes in the skin of the eel with a needle before placing it on the charcoal, which is also a distinctive feature. This efficiently drains excess fat and prevents the skin from shrinking due to heat, ensuring a uniform texture while rendering the gelatinous skin to enhance flavor and aroma. Thanks to this technique, the rich umami and sweet aroma of the Deshiko Eel are concentrated, achieving the ultimate balance of crispy surface, juicy texture, and flavor. Delicious. Truly delicious. Even better than last year. The liver soup is lightly grilled over charcoal, providing a rich, aromatic depth that complements the eel's flavor without overpowering it, embodying the subtractive aesthetics of Japanese cuisine. Of course, the fluffy, glossy rice cooked in a pot is irresistibly delicious, enhancing the eel's flavor. In short, everything about this is a perfect domestic top-tier eel rice bowl! I will definitely come back. It was a great meal.