[Blog/Simmered Mist] A 30-minute one-shot challenge in an underground hideaway! "Kotomi" in Kumamoto

Kumamoto "Shokusui Kotomi"

I heard from a liquor store in Shimo-dori, Kumamoto's most bustling shopping district, that they had a recommended restaurant, so I went to Kotomi, located in the basement of Shimo-dori Center Building, a mixed-use building on Sumomachi-dori.

As you walk down the stairs, you can hear the excitement inside the store, which shows just how busy it is. You'll be excited even before you step through the noren curtain.

As soon as I entered the store,

"We're fully booked! Sorry!"

And, just as I was about to go home with a heavy heart,

"But I have 30 minutes until my reservation at the counter arrives?"

He replied immediately, "I'll just have one drink and go home, so please do!"

I managed to force my way into the 30-minute match.

Rice shochu

Speaking of Kumamoto, rice shochu is the first thing that comes to mind. In keeping with the local customs, I'd like a glass of Shiratake Shiro mixed with water.

Refreshing and easy to drink.

Lotus root meatballs

You might think it's a meatball sandwiched between lotus root, but it turns out to have an unexpected appearance.

The yolk splits into the sweet sauce, creating a sexy taste.

Hairtail

I assumed this was sashimi as well, but it was actually grilled with salt, which surprised me. Hairtail fish tend to have an unpleasant smell, but this was not the case at all. This locally caught hairtail fish was topped with a squeeze of Kumamoto lemon, making it fluffy and fluffy!

When combined with the innards, it's truly top-notch! Kumamon! Kumamoto lemon!

Kumamoto lemons are very sweet and delicious even when eaten raw.

Sweet potato shochu

I felt like I could have one more drink, so I switched to Kuro Isanishiki sake with water.

Oops, the time limit is fast approaching!

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

According to the proprietress, the restaurant was founded around 2001. The exterior looks like an old establishment, but the inside is very beautiful. It is a friendly izakaya run by a husband and wife team with a high rate of regular customers.

For various reasons, the customer who had made a reservation was a little late, so I ended up staying for about 50 minutes.

Next time I want to enjoy it more leisurely! It was such a wonderful izakaya!

menu

MAP

Food Drunk Kotomi

Shimotori Center Building B1F, 1-6-23 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 860-0807

Hometown Tax Donation: 1.5kg of Domestically Grown Lemons (Imperfect), Certified by the Prefectural Government, from Kumamoto Prefecture. Lemon Juice, Perfect for Home Use. Damaged Lemons, Food Waste, Citrus Fruit, Kyushu Grown, Domestically Grown, No Preservatives or Wax. Free Shipping. Scheduled to Ship by Early June 2025. Price: 4,000 yen (tax included, free shipping) (as of 3/2/2025)