We went as a group of five. First, we had fresh sashimi made from morning-harvested bamboo shoots topped with premium black-haired Wagyu yukke and plenty of caviar, along with fragrant flower pepper. The bamboo shoots had no bitterness or astringency even without boiling, and I was amazed at how delicious bamboo shoot sashimi could be. The yukke... More
We went as a group of five. First, we had fresh sashimi made from morning-harvested bamboo shoots topped with premium black-haired Wagyu yukke and plenty of caviar, along with fragrant flower pepper. The bamboo shoots had no bitterness or astringency even without boiling, and I was amazed at how delicious bamboo shoot sashimi could be. The yukke was rich with quality fat, perfectly complemented by the mild saltiness of the caviar, making it incredibly tasty. The flower pepper added a refreshing acidity and spiciness that was just right. The sea urchin from Awaji Island was firm enough to pick up with chopsticks, and since it was free from any alum, there was no unpleasant smell at all. The rich umami of the sea urchin paired wonderfully with the flower pepper and jelly ponzu. I enjoyed the red meat sashimi with wasabi soy sauce. The fat melted in my mouth, creating an irresistible flavor. The tongue sashimi was enjoyed with salt, perfectly aged with a gentle sweetness. The bamboo shoot sunomono was made from delicious bamboo shoots, and the texture was delightful. The strip loin was grilled to perfection, with the sauce and fat creating an exquisite taste. I found myself craving white rice. Now, it’s time for the shabu-shabu with Tsuki no Wa Kuma (Moon Ring Bear). This was my first time experiencing such beautifully marbled bear meat. The hot pot contained bamboo shoots, onions, and plenty of flower pepper. It was ready to eat in just a few seconds. I first tried just the fat. This isn’t just fat; it should be called white meat. It’s not fat, but a lump of sweetness and umami. I can only say it was incredibly delicious… When I combined the ample flower pepper with the white and red meat in my mouth, there are no words to describe it… Before I knew it, the other four were silent as well (laughs). After finishing the bear meat, all that came out of our mouths were sighs and words of how delicious it was. The additional black-haired Wagyu shabu-shabu was also outstandingly delicious, but after the bear meat, the beef had a slight gamey taste that highlighted the bear meat's exquisite flavor. The final rice porridge was infused with the deliciousness of the bear meat's white meat, and I felt like I could eat it endlessly. It was the best! Less
