I visited for a weekend lunch.Ji-Cube is a Sichuan restaurant located in a quiet residential area of Nishi-Azabu, housed in a charming standalone building. They offer traditional Sichuan cuisine with a Japanese twist, utilizing seasonal ingredients in their course meals. The restaurant features a counter and private rooms, creating a hidden gem atmosphere.During my last visit, I enjoyed their reasonably priced lunch course, so I decided to return. The course menu changes every three months, and this time it was the summer menu.The interior has an open kitchen with counter seating on the first floor, while the second floor has about three private rooms. The space is modern and sophisticated, yet warm and inviting, allowing for a relaxed dining experience.◆ Seasonal Omakase Course @ JPY 6,600For drinks, I chose the Baihao Yinzhen @ JPY 900. This Chinese tea has a soft, fruity aroma and a refreshing taste.Here’s what the course included:● Shrimp and Young Ginger Salad A summer appetizer that highlights the sweet, plump shrimp paired with a tangy sauce. It leaves a refreshing aftertaste that whets the appetite.● Kato Pork and Winter Melon in Spicy Sauce Using Kato Pork, a brand from Ota City in Gunma Prefecture, this dish features sweet fat and no porky smell, with a strong spicy kick.● Chilled Tomato Soup Another summer dish, this features a clear tomato consomme jelly with a bright acidity.Perhaps due to the summer menu, the dishes continued to emphasize acidity and spiciness.● Peking Duck This Peking duck is exemplary, guaranteed to please anyone who tries it.● Steamed Fish The fish is flounder, served with a rich, dark sauce reminiscent of tamari soy sauce, which pairs well with the delicate flavor of the flounder.● Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken The aroma of fragrant oil wafts up. The dish is packed with chili for flavor and heat, and I couldn't help but eat more, only to find it quite spicy…The spiciness clung to my throat, causing me to cough quite a bit, much to the amusement of the staff.● Abalone Risotto-style Fried Rice This dish features abalone and shark fin, seasoned with truffle and butter. It’s incredibly rich, with a strong umami presence.The abalone is chewy and tender, while the shark fin has a thick, crunchy texture. The rice absorbs the flavors of the ingredients, making it delicious enough to eat a whole bowl!● Chilled Dan Dan Noodles I wondered if there would be more spiciness at the end, but surprisingly, the bright red soup was not very spicy. Instead, it was mild with a rich sesame flavor, served with very thin noodles.● Peach Jasmine Milk Tea Dessert This was a mousse made with almond tofu, a light and refreshing dessert with a fluffy texture.Overall, compared to the winter menu I had previously, this summer menu featured more refreshing dishes with pronounced acidity and spiciness.While it was a fitting summer selection, I felt that the overall satisfaction was slightly less than my last visit. Now, I’m looking forward to the autumn menu!