From Otaru we drove to the beautiful area of Niseko. Niseko is a popular ski area in the winter and during the summer months visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, including the view of Mt. Yotei.
Raku-ichi
We had the ultimate soba experience at this special restaurant! This restaurant is located in Niseko and we learned about it through one of Anthony Bourdain's shows. We visited this restaurant the day before hoping to have lunch, but we were very disappointed because when we got there they had sold out for the day (we arrived two hours before the restaurant was scheduled to close!). So we went back the next day and got there early to avoid disappointment.
There are only 12 seats in this restaurant, it is pristine (no wonder, as all patrons have to remove their shoes before entering and are given slippers to wear instead), they don't allow children under the age of 12, and it is owned by a husband and wife team.
There is only a limited amount of soba made fresh each day and once they run out, they close. The soba is hand-made to order by the husband, who we were fortunate to watch prepare, roll and then cut the soba with absolute precision. In a world where lots of food is commercially mass-produced, it was wonderful to see this man practicing his craft.
There is only a limited amount of soba made fresh each day and once they run out, they close. The soba is hand-made to order by the husband, who we were fortunate to watch prepare, roll and then cut the soba with absolute precision. In a world where lots of food is commercially mass-produced, it was wonderful to see this man practicing his craft.
We ordered cold soba, hot soba in a delicious duck broth and tempura. Eating at this restaurant was an amazing experience, as it was so relaxed and peaceful (the jazz music in the background helped create a special atmosphere). The food itself was simple, yet delicious and made even more special by the care and attention that went into preparing it!
Milk Kobo
We made a stop at this well known dairy farm and shop that is famous for its Niseko cheese tarts and cream puffs. It is a beautiful shop selling an array of baked goods and ice cream. We bought some cheese tarts (they are sweet rather than savoury) and a cream puff to share, and everything was really good. It was a nice treat!
Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Made a stop at this market and had an interesting time browsing all the shops selling an array of food, especially seafood. Some of these shops even had restaurants and sushi bars attached, so people can pick their seafood, have it prepared right on the spot and eat it there too.
No comments:
Post a Comment