I had lunch alone, but I was guided to a prime seat. Dining while enjoying the wonderful view on a sunny day felt truly luxurious.I opted for the JPY 8,000 lunch course, paired with four glasses of wine selected by the chef.Each dish featured local ingredients, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. Everything was delicious, and since I was quite hungry, I realized that most of my photos were of half-eaten dishes when I looked back at my album... my apologies.First, I enjoyed a Champagne paired with complex squid and caviar finger food. Next was a soup made with sweet corn and popcorn ice.I had a 100% Hakodate Chardonnay, "Domaine Montille's "望 Chardonnay Bellevue 2023."It had a fragrance reminiscent of small white flowers. Light yet crisp with acidity. I was a bit apprehensive thinking, "Is this a domestic wine...?" but it exceeded my expectations in the best possible way.I paired it with a specialty featuring skate and squid ink with spices, resembling small stones. Then, there was lightly grilled herring, a local delicacy, served with a salad of white onions that had no unpleasant spiciness.The absence of spiciness allowed the natural sweetness of the onions to shine. I was pleasantly surprised by this dish. It was refreshing and felt energizing.Particularly memorable was the Matsunami sea bream.It paired beautifully with the Puligny-Montrachet in the photo. The 2019 vintage had a well-balanced acidity, a buttery flavor that wasn’t overwhelming, and a rich aroma. It was like a soothing balm for the soul, reminiscent of the wonderful old Burgundy whites, served with two types of sauces and crispy skin. The elegant Matsunami sea bream was stuffed with scallop mousse and zucchini blossoms. Each pairing was intriguing and delightful. I also enjoyed it with bread and Calpis butter, as well as a rillettes reminiscent of Gokatteya Yokan. Pure bliss.For the main course, I had braised cheek meat in red wine sauce. The side dish was a rich potato gratin, aged for an impressive 18 months.I paired it with Pinot Noir.It was fresh yet robust in flavor, with fine tannins. While it had hints of grain and a slight gamey quality, it was complex and had a natural, classic feel.Dessert was a bit rushed due to prior commitments. I had the macarons wrapped up to enjoy with my grandparents! With wonderful dishes and perfect service, I had a fantastic time.
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