In mid-June, I went for lunch with a friend.**Ehime Iwagi Island Lemon Pork** The pork was rich in flavor, with a depth reminiscent of meat miso.**Ehime Shirasu Genovese** Honestly, you wouldn’t even notice the inclusion of Kujo green onions unless told; it was incredibly well-balanced and packed with umami.**Wara-Grilled Katsuo from Ainanshi, Ehime** Served with apple, wild asparagus, beet, a chicken broth biscuit, and grilled eggplant mousse. The grilled eggplant mousse was particularly impressive, with a smoky aroma from the charcoal grilling that added a wonderful accent. The katsuo was equally aromatic and flavorful.**Water Eggplant** This was exceptionally juicy, truly a specialty of Osaka.**Surf Clam Risotto with Surf Clam Liver, Wakame, Surf Clam Broth + Hazelnut Foam, Dried Tomato** It felt like eating grilled surf clam directly, with hints of garlic and parsley oil. The liver risotto was rich yet not heavy, making for a beautifully balanced dish. The surf clam itself was tender and well-infused with flavor.**Foie Gras with Citrus Juice Coating** This was incredibly rich without being overwhelming, and as time passed, the citrus aroma gently emerged. It paired excellently with the homemade focaccia.**Chilled White Asparagus Soup with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Black Pepper Sablé** With subtle hints of citrus and lemon, this soup was refreshingly light. The umami was exceptionally strong, making it an impressively high-quality dish.**Pan-Seared Yellow Chidai from Ainanshi, Ehime** Served with fish broth sauce, yogurt sauce, zucchini, and zucchini flowers. The cooking was meticulous, preserving the fish's natural flavors while maintaining a perfect balance without overpowering the sauce.**Ehime Venison with Vinegar and Pepper Sauce, Celery and Cherry Sauce** This dish was exceptionally well-executed, with no complaints. The sauce was perfectly balanced, bringing everything together beautifully.**Ehime Melon with Flan and Yogurt Ice Cream** This dessert was a harmonious blend, with the use of mint being particularly effective. The texture reminiscent of warabi mochi added a delightful accent, keeping it enjoyable until the very end.