A hidden gem of a shop in the shopping mall in ChitoseOkamura"Mr./Ms." There was no sign in particular, just a plain silver door with small hiragana characters carved into it.”"Okamura"”This hidden gem of a restaurant is easily recognizable by its signage and the menu displayed next to the door. Basically, there's no menu other than drinks, and the owner-chef...Shinya OkamuraThey offer dishes made with carefully selected ingredients, prepared with a spirit of hospitality that's left to the chef's discretion. If you tell them your budget in advance, they will accommodate you within that range!
The interior of the restaurant has a calming color scheme, creating a sophisticated atmosphere, and a large, thick L-shaped counter welcomes you. There are glass table seats in the back, creating a comfortable space for enjoying a meal with a small group. On this particular day, after a dinner party, I was with someone who works at Hamamatsu Shinkin Bank in Iwata.Michiya ItoI came here on the recommendation of Mr. M and Ms. M. I had heard rumors about this place before, and although I had tried to go several times, it was always full and I could never get in, so I was lucky to be brought here this time by Mr. Ito and other regulars. Since we had just finished a delicious full-course French meal, the four of us decided to have a light drink♪
"Roberto Jota Moul" Spanish CAVA
Roberto Jota MoulThis winery, established in 1987, produces world-renowned Cava using state-of-the-art brewing equipment. Their Especial Tradicio Brut Nature is the same wine served at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Rosas, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain, which was one of the most difficult restaurants in the world to get a reservation at.El BulliIt is also known for being used as the house cava of "[Name of winery]". Despite its reasonable price, it is aged for over 20 months before release, making it excellent value for money. The grape varieties are 40% Macabeo, 40% Xarel·lo, and 20% Parellada. The abundant fruitiness is well supported by acidity and minerality, and it is a bottle that offers the refreshing crispness characteristic of sparkling wine.
"Homemade cream cheese and strawberry canapés"
Since we were already full, these canapés with their gentle sweetness were a welcome treat, almost like a dessert. They feature homemade cream cheese prepared by the chef himself, paired with strawberries, and served with sun-dried tomatoes.
"Pecorino Romano cheese and early-harvested Sicilian olives"
Pecorino is a sheep's milk cheese with a unique flavor and umami, characterized by its saltiness, making it perfect with wine. The Sicilian olive harvest is extremely early, with the entire harvest completed by November. This lightly pickled olive preserves the freshness of the fruit, highlighting the flavor of the oil contained within the olives, resulting in a delicious product!
Owner Okamura carefully observes your drinking pace and eating timing, bringing out several appetizers at just the right moment without you even having to order them.
"White asparagus soup"
M-chan recommended this restaurant, saying that all the soups are delicious! The soup, made with domestically grown white asparagus, had a gentle saltiness that brought out the natural flavor, yet the taste was rich. It was a soup that felt more like eating than drinking, and it was incredibly satisfying. Afterwards, we also had the chef's recommended red wine, but unusually, my husband forgot to take a picture (lol). That just goes to show how fun and lively the get-together was. The enjoyable after-party with the two of them, who share our love of delicious food, passed by in a flash, and since we only drank this time and didn't get to try the food they recommended, next time I'd like to make a proper reservation and enjoy the chef's choice menu. We also planned a short trip together with Ito-san and M-chan. Ito-san, M-chan, please let's get together again soon!
Okamura
79 Chitose-cho, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Taisho Building 1F TEL: 053-456-8883
Opening hours: 18:00 - 23:00 Closed: Sundays
