A Gourmet Excursion to Yanagiya in GifuYanagiya is renowned as the pinnacle of regional cuisine in Japan, and it is also celebrated for its exceptional game dishes. It is widely recognized among chefs, with many saying, "If you have the chance to go, you must make it happen." Yanagiya has even been referred to as a "sanctuary for food lovers" in Gifu.The restaurant has achieved remarkable accolades, including a 3rd place ranking in the prestigious French restaurant guide "La Liste" and winning the World’s Best Regional Cuisine award. It has also earned two Michelin stars, elevating Yanagiya from a local gem to a global culinary destination.Using primarily local ingredients, Yanagiya sources the finest natural produce from hunters across the country. The restaurant's expertise in bold charcoal grilling results in exquisite flavors that truly showcase the essence of Yanagiya.The cooking method is quite simple, focusing on robatayaki, which is grilled with just salt and a secret sauce. However, the intense presence of the ingredients and the superb grilling technique create a taste that transcends the typical concept of game.Personally, I adore the summer specialties of sweetfish and natural eel, but regulars at Yanagiya often reserve a spot to enjoy the rare "bear" meat available only in November and December. This time, I indulged in a "Game Festival" featuring a variety of meats.I was delighted to savor the "Fallen Sweetfish," which was packed with eggs from head to tail. I enjoyed dishes like black bear, wild boar, and Ezo deer, finishing with a wild boar hot pot and a rice dish made with natural yam and mukago, leaving me completely satisfied.To my surprise, the grilling was done by the owner herself, ensuring perfect cooking. The exquisite grilling was truly impressive. I also enjoyed hearing stories from the owner about the relocation of the traditional house and tales of bears, making for a delightful experience.
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