Fenetre (フェネトレ) Nakashibetsu

Fenetre in Nakashibetsu, HokkaidoThis French restaurant is nestled in the woods of Nakashibetsu, featuring ingredients from the eastern region of Hokkaido.They value the concept of "cultures from around the world and the ingredients found nearby," allowing you to enjoy your meal in a calm atmosphere surrounded by Mizunara trees.On this day, I had:"A Dish of Surf Clam and Water Eggplant"The surf clam and water eggplant are mixed with dill and served with fresh blueberries. The unique aroma and freshness of the dill pair beautifully with the sweet and sour blueberries, creating a well-balanced dish. The contrasting textures of the surf clam and water eggplant make it a delightful experience."Boulettes of Bekkai Saffolk"The saffolk has no unpleasant odor, and when combined with raw bell pepper and coriander, it takes on an exotic flavor. Wrapped in shiso leaves, it leaves a pleasant aftertaste."A Dish of Menuke from Rausu and Snow Peas"The menuke from Rausu is confit with new garlic and paired with snow peas and okahijiki. The fragrant and rich flavor of the menuke is complemented by the beans, making it a satisfying dish."Risotto with Porcini and Cheese from Nemuro"The cooked porcini mushrooms have a wonderful aroma and texture, making them delicious. They pair well with the rich cheese, enhancing the wine experience.Wines were available in four types by the glass and bottle.It was a great meal.Smoked Silver Salmon Pancake with HazelnutsTomato and Cucumber GazpachoOrange Espuma with Flower Crab and MyogaBoulettes of Bekkai SaffolkRaw Bell Pepper and Coriander wrapped in ShisoChilled Blue Soup with Kiyosato Gold RushPolenta and Sea Urchin from NemuroChilled Wheat Noodle Pasta from OkhotskWhite Fish, Sweet Pepper, and Aged Citrus Sauce with Hoya PowderSurf Clam with Dill, Water Eggplant, and BlueberriesRisotto with Porcini (Yamadori) and Cheese from NemuroMenuke from Rausu with New Garlic ConfitSnow Peas and OkahijikiCharcoal-Grilled Kaiyo Black Beef and Man-gaji PepperParsley and Fresh CorianderTwo Types of Melon with Salted BlancmangeCacao Water Yokan and MangoCoffee Less

Number of people and cost: For 2 people, JPY 45,970 Order: Course (JPY 14,300) x2, today's selection of 4 glasses of wine, sweet red wine Visit date and time: I made a reservation for Saturday at 18:30 and found two other groups there, both seemed to be locals. Additional notes: I was able to reserve a wine pairing in advance when making the reservation. The restaurant is family-run and due to limited staff, the wine is served in 4 glasses simultaneously, allowing guests to enjoy it according to their preferences with the dishes. ○ Course Smoked cherry salmon pancake with shaved hazelnuts and nuts Jelly of surf clam and wasabi leaves, with watercress flowers Pasta with whitebait from Akkeshi, chili, and salt Onsen egg, cheese from Nemuro, and green asparagus soup Bluefin tuna from Shibetsu, okahijiki, perilla, and coriander Suffolk lamb from Bekkai, potato puree, and breadcrumbs Kinmedai and hamaboufu risotto Scallop and amanita mushroom terrine, white asparagus, and cream sauce Bekkai black beef, watercress, shallots, and whole grain mustard Strawberries, raspberries, and rhubarb. Less

Reservations can be made about three months in advance. The restaurant primarily operates in the evening, but there is a lunch course available once a month, if at all. The lunch menu features a 10-dish course similar to the dinner offerings.Children who have not yet entered school are not allowed, so I finally managed to visit using a day off. Since lunch service days are limited, it’s important to be cautious as reservations can be hard to secure.The parking location might be a bit tricky to find, but the anticipation of reaching the restaurant adds to the excitement. I've heard that some customers even travel to Hokkaido just to dine here. Inside, a relaxed atmosphere prevails.You can enjoy a course meal made with carefully selected seasonal local ingredients. There is also a wide selection of local wines, allowing for a delightful pairing experience.While the prices are on the higher side, I believe the unique course offerings here are worth it. Less

- Smoked Cherry Salmon Pancake with Hazelnuts and Mustard Greens- Octopus with Udo Pickles and Mitsuba Jelly- Shiretoko Chicken Wings with Snow Crab and Cajun Spices- Green Curry with Snow Crab Miso and White Asparagus- Mink Whale Bacon with Fuki and Warabi- Kinki Fish Risotto with Bamboo Shoots- Black Sea Eel with Shidoke Miso and Koshiabura- Scallops with Green Asparagus and Garlic Butter- Roasted Duck with Watercress- Blanmanje of Kawachi Bankan Citrus with Fromage Blanc and Forget-Me-NotWines:- 10R Winery Tairyman Series Sorachi Spark 2024- Marumegane- Jiki Kan 2024- Domaine Press Miyabi- Kido Winery- Norapon Blanc 2020 Less