[Blog/Nikomi Mist] Stewed chicken skin at the long-established "Suzuki" in Sakaemachi, Chiba

A 10-minute walk from Chiba Station, Sakaemachi is a neighborhood for grown-ups, home to a plethora of bars and bars, including the 90-year-old Yokozuna "Hakkaku," the "Yokozuna" that suddenly closed in October 2024, and "Hanazawa Mitomo," known for its fried chicken.

Chiba "Suzuki"

Suzuki is a long-established bar that has been in business for over 70 years, run by the father who was the first owner, the older brother who was the second owner, and now the third generation owner.

A brown noren curtain, a frosted glass lattice sliding door, an illuminated stand sign, and stacks of beer bottles. The perfect exterior makes it look like a sushi restaurant, and I was excited to enter the restaurant.

There is a counter and a raised tatami room. The menu is mainly fish, but they also have yakitori and other meat dishes, making it a great choice for both land and water. This is an authentic bar that makes you feel at ease the moment you enter.

Stew and Hoppy

I fell for the sign that said "Stew available" and ordered it.

At first glance, it seems to be large intestine, but it turns out to be stewed chicken skin, which reminds me of Toriman in Kamata and Torimasa in Otsuka.

Actually, I really don't like the slimy chicken skin that comes with chicken in hot pots and stews, but this is a refreshing dish that doesn't have that feeling at all.

As expected from "simmered food"! Rediscover the power of simmering to make anything delicious!

Pair it with a homemade black Hoppy, available in black or white.

Squid sashimi

We chose the black squid from the many sashimi menu items. It has a texture that is somewhere between crispy and crunchy, and as you chew it, it changes to a sticky texture inside your mouth. It's a masterful work of art that lets you experience the various expressions of the squid!

hot sake

The hot sake is a pure rice ginjo made with Kyoto sake "Tamanohikari." It is served in a sake cup with the word "Suzuki" on it, making it a great value.

Tamanohikari Junmai Ginjo and Junmai Daiginjo: A gorgeous tasting set of three varieties, perfect for New Year's gifts, year-end presents, celebrations, birthdays, and other special occasions. Gift wrapping and a message card are included. Kyoto-made local sake. Price: 5,500 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of December 31, 2024) Buy at Rakuten

Dried komai salmon and cold sake

We had the thick, meaty komai grilled and then slowly washed it down with a bottle of Ozeki's dry "Kara Tamba" sake.

word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)

After using the second store from Yakaku-san, everything was in order.

The menu is packed with great choices, from sashimi to grilled and fried dishes, so I'd like to return and make this my first stop.

Store Information

Suzuki(Suzuki)

Time: 17:00-23:00
Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Address: 25-13 Sakaemachi, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, 260-0016