I love this restaurant and often visit for lunch, going solo.▼ Corn Soup - Freshly Harvested Gold RushThe sweetness of the corn was absolutely divine. Just one sip filled me with happiness—what a fantastic start!▼ MehikariRich and incredibly tender. Just a light touch and the flesh crumbles, with the sweetness, bitterness, and saltiness of the fat melting in my mouth along with the aroma of charcoal.▼ Hoshigarei with Sea Snail Puree and Egg SoupThe plump flesh and beautiful fat were simply stunning. The richness and intensity of flavor were overwhelming. The combination with the scattered sea snail was also fantastic. When paired with the Hoshigarei soup they brought later, the umami intensified even more, creating an incredible experience. The white wine suggested by the lady was also excellent, but the downside of Ohtsu is that by the second or third dish, I was already overwhelmed and my mind was full. I am grateful for that.▼ Beets, Fennel, and Consommé JellyA gentle and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed even in the summer heat. It maximizes the beauty of the beets grown by Ozawa-san, and I could feel my brain rejoicing at its richness. They regularly participate in the Village Market in Tsukuba, where you can buy their amazing vegetables.▼ Natural Eel from Nakagawa - GrilledPerhaps because it’s natural, I was overwhelmed by the rich and beautiful flavor of the eel, unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The skin was crispy while the inside was tender, showcasing incredible skill (with no bones at all). The sauce made with red wine and sansho oil was also delicious, perfect for soaking up with bread.▼ Natural Torigai with Shallot SauceThe fresh scent of the torigai and the exquisite sauce spread happiness to my tongue and nose. I was almost brought to tears with gratitude and emotion for encountering such a dish in my life. This is definitely a highlight of the meal. I plan to return next summer to catch the torigai again.▼ Abalone TartareEvery year, I look forward to enjoying seasonal abalone at Ohtsu. This time, it was incredibly interesting, fun, and delicious. The tartare, which can only be made with fresh abalone, had a delightful texture that varied between soft and firm, with a hint of saltiness paired with caviar, making it a perfect match with wine and bread. The flavor of the abalone and caviar was so overwhelming that I found myself speechless. When I combined the tartare with bread and sour cream, it was so delicious that I wanted to bang the table in excitement. I held back, but the versatility and boldness of how Ohtsu uses abalone is truly unique.▼ Higedai with Hokkigai Roll - Shabu-shabuIn contrast to the strong umami of the Hoshigarei I had first, this dish allowed me to savor its flavor deeply, and when my mouth was empty, I felt a gentle umami that made me relax. The light texture of the hokkigai added a nice touch. If I were to compare it to Pokémon moves, the Hoshigarei would be like Mascarene's Triple Axel, while Higedai would be like Dragonite's Rest. Both are wonderful techniques and skills.▼ Ise Lobster with Lobster Miso SauceAs I enjoyed the shrimp dishes at Ohtsu, my love for shrimp grew even stronger. This Ise lobster dish radiated the restaurant's passion for shrimp. The plump, tender flesh (which was shiny and glistening) paired with the rich and refreshing lobster miso sauce showcased a unique flavor that could only be achieved with a deep understanding and overwhelming enthusiasm for shrimp. I feel so lucky to enjoy such exquisite shrimp dishes almost every time I visit.▼ Rosé LambI was surprised by its tenderness as soon as I cut into it, but even more so when I tasted it. It had an incredible juiciness and softness that felt almost unreal, capturing only the beautiful aspects of lamb meat with a lightness and richness. I used to be obsessed with lamb chops and tried them at various restaurants, but honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever encounter a lamb dish more delicious than this in my life. What a delightful despair! The accompanying creamy eggplant was also incredibly delicious, and when I checked the review from my mentor, I found out it was from my favorite Ozawa Farm.▼ Peach Crepe with Jersey Milk Ice Cream and Peach SauceA new dessert combining sweet, soft peaches with chewy crepes. The refreshing Jersey milk ice cream paired with the vanilla-scented custard cream (probably) hidden inside the crepe was simply delightful. The combination of milk ice cream and the sweet aroma of vanilla matched perfectly with the peach. This is why I can’t miss the dessert paradise at Ohtsu.▼ Cherry ParfaitA happiness-inducing treat filled with large, compote cherries. I mean, were cherries always this delicious? The peach crepe was so incredibly good that I finished it quickly, thinking I would take my time with the second dessert, but I couldn’t stop and ended up finishing the cherry parfait in less than five minutes.I’ve been playing the Pokémon Champions battle game released on April 8 this year almost every day, but I can’t keep winning against all the strong trainers. I’ve also faced a crushing defeat of 0 wins and 6 losses against Ohtsu, which constantly exceeds my expectations with their strategies and aggressive approach. I realized that I lack an aggressive mindset. After reorganizing my attacking party, I quickly ranked up to Master Ball level. It was exhilarating.Ohtsu teaches me that strong people are always challenging and pushing forward. I feel like I can never win against Ohtsu.
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