From the hotel near Nemuro Station, we headed north towards the port. After descending a slope with a great view, the downtown area of Nemuro unfolded before us. We had done some research beforehand, but we decided to sniff around "Hanabi" and go into a nice looking izakaya.
The streets were quiet just before 5pm. While no shops were yet up, I found one shop that was still open. It was quietly nestled at the back of a narrow alley, and it clearly exuded the aura of a famous restaurant. I almost walked right past it, but my HarNavi spotted it.
Nemuro "Hometown"
The location, the atmosphere, the name of the restaurant - there's nothing to complain about when you look at Furusato. When you open the door, there are seven seats at the counter and two islands of table seating in the back.
Founded in 1990, the restaurant is run by an 85-year-old grandmother, who apparently prepares the delicious obanzai dishes lined up on the counter while it's still light out.
Apparently, he will be handing over the business to his daughter in the future, and even though it was my first time visiting the city, I felt happy to hear about the bar taking over, even though it may be none of my business.
North's Victory
Enjoy a chilled glass of local sake, "Kita no Katsu."
The appetizer is salmon roe. Let's start by sipping it slowly.
Obanzai
I order a few side dishes.
It looks like regular salmon, but it's actually "Tokishirazu," which is only caught in limited areas at this time of year. Because it's not salted, it's served with grated daikon radish and soy sauce.
By the way, the salmon roe served as an appetizer was also a tokishirazu baby. I was so grateful to be able to enjoy this precious combination of parent and child.
Small
From the regular menu, I ordered my favorite smelt, grilled. Five fish for just 500 yen!
Obanzai Part 2
"What is this?"
"Small melon with pickled plum"
When I heard about it, I didn't really get it, but it was bothering me so I asked him about it.
It's definitely melon! It's not sweet, but your brain still registers that you're eating melon!
In addition, there is octopus head dressed in vinegar and miso.
Octopus Head is another dish that is sure to go well with sake.
hot sake
I switched to the same "Kitanokatsu" sake, but at a hot temperature, and slowed down the pace.
Before we knew it, the counter was full of regulars. It was about time to pay the bill.
word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)
Regular customers pour their own draft beer to reduce the burden on staff, a kind self-service style.
Apparently, the bar used to be open until the morning, catering to former snack bar owners and local drinkers, and we were told some stories that are typical of a fishing town that was booming during the bubble economy.
With a beautiful young proprietress and a steady stream of young local male customers, the bar is sure to remain a safe haven! It looks set to become one of Nemuro's most representative bars!
menu
Store Information
Hometown
Time: From 5pm
Closed: Sunday
Address: 2-32 Umegaecho, Nemuro City, Hokkaido 087-0052
English
Japanese
Comment