I regularly visit Gourmandise, and this review is from August 2026.While the dishes are basic, the balance of flavors is remarkably refined, with each plate having a distinct outline.By skillfully layering the umami and aroma of the ingredients with acidity, saltiness, and spices, the flavors bloom beautifully while maintaining a graceful finish.The dishes may appear simple, but they are deeply complex, with a flawless balance of texture, aroma, and taste.Chef Hokuto's aesthetic sense shines vividly in each dish.▪️Pricing▪️Course + Omakase Alcohol (4 glasses)JPY 25,000▪️Course Duration▪️Just under 2 hours▪️List of Dishes▪️【Blinis】★★★ 【Mita Beef Tartare】★★★★ 【Shinshu Salmon Beignet】★★★★★ 【Mita Beef Carpaccio】★★★★ 【Crab Risotto】★★★★★ 【Mita Beef Thigh Steak】★★★★★ 【Mascarpone with Honey】★★★★ ▪️Details Below▪️【Blinis】★★★ Blinis served as canapés topped with caviar and cheese.The aroma and flavor of the cheese connect beautifully with the caviar, and the saltiness enhances its outline. The moist and gentle texture of the blinis welcomes the beginning of the course with lightness.【Mita Beef Tartare】★★★★ The luscious umami and aroma of the meat are complemented by the acidity of mustard, while the firm texture of the toast supports it.Its simplicity allows each element's role to be clearly conveyed. A wonderful balance.【Shinshu Salmon Beignet】★★★★★ The light batter melts in your mouth, leading to the tender, well-hydrated salmon, releasing beautiful aromas and flavors with each bite.The creamy tartar sauce harmonizes with the fat, while the salad adds freshness, and the crisp acidity and texture of the apple balance the dish.You are surprised by the texture, drawn in by the flavor, and moved by the balance.【Mita Beef Carpaccio】★★★★ Peach and marinated tomatoes, topped generously with grated cheese.The delicate and luscious umami and aroma of Mita beef. The grated cheese adds a light richness and aroma, while the distinct sweet and sour notes of the tomatoes and the juicy sweetness and fruity acidity of the peach overlap.The summery flavors bloom beautifully, finishing with pepper that tightens the overall experience.A journey of flavors in one bite.Simple yet profound, this is one of my favorite dishes.【Crab Risotto】★★★★★ A sauce that seems to concentrate the essence of rich crab, combined with the creaminess and sweetness of onions, and the refreshing spiciness of pepper.Rich yet not heavy, the aroma of crab fills your mouth, and the creamy umami overflows to a perfect finish.Your mouth is filled with the deliciousness of crab risotto.Basic yet elegant.A dish that truly represents Gourmandise.【Mita Beef Thigh Steak】★★★★★ The crispy surface tempts your appetite, while the inside is moist and tender.With each bite, the trapped umami bursts forth.Despite being thigh meat, it is juicy without being heavy.It’s a straightforwardly delicious piece of meat that you could eat endlessly.When paired with homemade mustard, the acidity and aroma enhance the meat's umami, adding even more depth.The simplicity highlights the cooking and the meat's deliciousness.【Mascarpone with Honey】★★★★ Topped with candy art infused with anise.The light texture of the candy art transitions to the rich mouthfeel of the mascarpone.The sweetness and aroma of honey, the spicy depth of cinnamon, the acidity of cheese, and the intense aroma of anise come together to create a single delicious experience.This dessert beautifully incorporates not just sweetness but also aroma and acidity.The entire course was filled with a sense of balance, showcasing Chef Hokuto's aesthetic vision.It was a great meal.Thank you for reading. If you found this helpful, I would appreciate a "like" or a "follow."I also have an Instagram account. I would be grateful if you could check it out as well.Instagram: gatarou19 URL: https://www.instagram.com/gatarou19