Chisou Nishi Kenichi, a renowned restaurant ranked 2nd in the French category nationwide and awarded the Tabelog Award Gold.I secured a dinner reservation on a weekday through a reservation service three months ago. It seems that there are occasionally cancellations available for OMAKASE as well. The location is about a 30-minute walk from Yaizu Station, and it gets quite dark in the area at night. Upon leaving, the staff kindly asked if I needed assistance with a taxi.In conclusion, this was undoubtedly the best dining experience I have ever had with French cuisine or Western food.The course features local seafood as the star, incorporating plenty of regional ingredients, all elevated through French techniques. It might be best described as "Japanese-French fusion cuisine." Throughout the entire course, there were no overlapping ingredients, cooking methods, or seasonings. Even I, who usually do not favor the heavy sauces of French cuisine, found the dishes so delicious that I wanted to savor every last bite.The pure sweetness of corn, the crispiness of fried items, the refreshing taste of marinated dishes, the melt-in-your-mouth softness of eggplant, the deep richness of the sauces, the perfectly finished fish in pastry, and the striking umami of the risotto—all reflect the chef's passion and meticulous planning. Even the accompanying bread was made with locally sourced seaweed, creating a continuous experience that made me fall in love with the flavors of French cuisine. There was a moment in the middle of the meal where grilled fish was served consecutively; while they might seem similar at first glance, each was beautifully transformed by different sauces, and considering the overall structure of the course, I was deeply convinced that this was the optimal arrangement. It was not just a minor flaw but a perfect composition.The drink pairings are also a major attraction of this restaurant. I chose a non-alcoholic pairing this time, and I could feel the restaurant's exceptional attention to detail here as well. They didn’t just use the same ingredients as the dishes (for example, if tomatoes were used in the fried items, they also used tomatoes in the drinks), but the perception of the drinks changed significantly before and after tasting the food. When I drank before eating, it felt a bit rich or sweet, but after tasting the food, the balance was astonishingly perfect. I have never experienced such a "synergistic effect" from pairings before, making this my best pairing experience to date.The atmosphere inside the restaurant is relaxed, with warm-toned decor and table settings that avoid the stiffness typical of traditional French restaurants. As for the service, it is not the heavy "butler-style" service, but all the staff are very attentive and considerate. Personally, I really appreciated this comfortable distance.Regarding the price, it is so reasonable that I worry about whether they are making a profit. If this were in Tokyo, it would undoubtedly be double the price. The slightly inconvenient location is the only hurdle, but I can confidently say that it is worth making the trip just for this experience.One point to note is that since fish dishes are the main focus, it might not resonate well with those who do not particularly like fish (my girlfriend is exactly that type). I am currently trying to persuade her to come along with me (laughs).With my limited vocabulary, I am unsure how to perfectly convey the emotions and astonishment I felt that day. However, even I, who do not usually enjoy French cuisine, have completely fallen for this restaurant. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. At my current level of experience, I may not fully grasp the deep intentions behind the entire course. Yet, I believe this is the essence of seeking out delicious food. By experiencing various gourmet dishes and refining my own sensibilities, I have come to realize that when I encounter truly wonderful cuisine, I can achieve a more complete and profound experience.
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