At the end of my trip to Tohoku, I visited "giueme" in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture.This restaurant has been selected as one of the top 100 Italian restaurants in the Tabelog EAST category and has received a Bronze award from Tabelog. It is also featured in the Go! Go! Michelin guide, making it a well-regarded establishment. I had been curious about this place for a while, so I made a reservation for the "Lunch Course B" to conclude my trip.The restaurant is a charming house surrounded by greenery, with only about five tables inside. It has a cozy and cute atmosphere, resembling a hidden gem. The decorations, including flowers, tableware, lighting, and small items, are exquisite, creating a harmonious space that incorporates the greenery outside the windows. As soon as I sat down, my anticipation for the meal naturally heightened.Lunch starts at 12 PM, and there is no menu provided. Instead, each dish is explained as it is served, adding to the excitement of not knowing what will come next.The first dish, an assorted appetizer platter, was stunningly beautiful as it arrived. On a large, transparent plate, various seafood, meats, and colorful vegetables were artfully arranged. It wasn't just about the number of items; each was meticulously prepared, offering different flavors and textures. The time spent deciding where to start was enjoyable, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.I was offered fresh oysters midway through the meal, so I ordered some in addition to the course. They were large, and as I bit into them, the ocean flavor and rich umami of the oysters spread in my mouth. Later, a dish featuring oysters was served in the course, and I thought it would have been more enjoyable to have a different ingredient for variety. However, the fresh oysters were so delicious that I had no regrets about ordering them.The oyster dish in the course was a gratin-like plate with oysters and seaweed. Cooking the oysters intensified their flavor, and they paired well with the seaweed. The preparation and taste were distinct from the fresh oysters, allowing me to enjoy a comparison of two oyster dishes.One dish that particularly stood out was the ayu (sweetfish) risotto. The roasted aroma of the ayu and its characteristic slight bitterness blended beautifully with the rice. It was not overly refined, allowing the bitterness of the ayu to shine as part of the dish's personality, resulting in a layered flavor of toastiness, umami, and bitterness. Although the portion was modest, it left a strong impression.The pasta featured lamb, which was well-seasoned with spices, leaving a unique flavor without being difficult to eat. The umami of the lamb and the aroma of the spices clung well to the pasta, creating a robust taste. The detailed introduction of the lamb's origin and specifics reflected the restaurant's strong commitment to its ingredients.The main dish was a premium fish called "Kue." I had expected a meat dish based on the course's progression, so I felt a bit disappointed when it turned out to be fish. However, once I tasted it, that feeling quickly vanished.The Kue had thick, moist flesh with a firm texture, offering a rich umami that differed from bland white fish. The cooking was exquisite, and the balance with the accompanying vegetables and sauce was perfect, making it a truly exceptional dish worthy of its premium status. My expectation for meat was merely my own assumption, and I was ultimately glad to have experienced the Kue dish at this restaurant.The dessert, an ice cream, was also very unique. If I recall correctly, it was made with roasted eggplant. Upon tasting it, I noticed a toasty flavor unlike any typical vegetable ice cream, presenting a taste I had never encountered before. It was so well-integrated that I wouldn't have guessed it was eggplant if I hadn't been told, yet it left a lingering roasted aroma that made me crave another bite. The entire course was full of surprises until the end.The coffee served after the meal had a distinct acidity. I prefer coffee with a balance of acidity, bitterness, and richness, so this cup was slightly different from my taste. I believe it showcased the beans' individuality, but personally, I would have enjoyed a smoother, more balanced flavor for greater satisfaction.While the deliciousness of the food was certainly impressive, what stood out even more was the warm hospitality of the staff. They provided explanations with each dish and frequently checked in during the meal. Their genuine desire for guests to enjoy the food was evident, allowing me to relax and savor the dining experience.As I was leaving, the chef and what appeared to be his wife came out to see me off. In such a small restaurant with only about five tables, the closeness between those who prepare the food and those who enjoy it fosters natural communication.Given the accolades of being a top restaurant, receiving a Bronze award from Tabelog, and being featured in Go! Go! Michelin, I had imagined a somewhat intimidating high-end establishment before my visit. However, in reality, while the quality of the dishes was high, there was no stiffness, and I was able to enjoy my meal in a charming space with warm service.With beautiful appetizers, the fragrant and slightly bitter ayu risotto, spiced lamb pasta, exquisite Kue, and the uniquely roasted ice cream, this lunch became a memorable conclusion to my Tohoku trip, encompassing not just the dishes but also the ambiance, conversation, and farewell.
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