My recent favorite thing to do when drinking in the countryside is to finish off with some local sushi.
I heard from an acquaintance in Sapporo that there was a great local sushi restaurant that was delicious and, above all, fun, so I took the subway from Susukino, where my hotel was, and headed to Kita 24-jo in high spirits.
North 24th Street "Matsumoto"
We headed to the company that was founded in April 1989 (Heisei 1)."Matsumoto"The day before, I heard the news about the first catch of Pacific saury this year, and with my heart pumping with anticipation, I stepped through the curtain of the sushi restaurant, breathing heavily, hoping to enjoy some fresh Pacific saury.
Looking at the display case in front of the counter, there were no Pacific saury fish in sight. When I asked the chef, he told me that he only buys Pacific saury fish when its nose turns yellow.
At first glance, the chef seems unmotivated, but he is particular about purchasing ingredients and ensuring freshness, and only ingredients that meet his discerning eye are displayed in the showcase.
Highball and appetizer
First, I sip on a highball and an appetizer of boiled seashells while gazing intently at the display case.
Assorted sashimi
If I looked at too many things, I would end up with too much, so I decided to limit myself to a few Hokkaido-produced items.
Mantis shrimp
Mantis shrimp caught directly from fishermen in Otaru. It is drizzled with a sweet sauce and the delicious flavor of the mantis shrimp fills your nose.
Octopus
The willow octopus is smaller than the Pacific octopus or the water octopus. The chef is proud of this live octopus, which is cooked until tender and has a nice chewy texture with the suckers. This is a must-try signature dish when you come here.
herring
Since there was no pacific saury, I used herring instead. It was a perfect substitute and I was very satisfied.
oyster
Apparently Senposhi oysters are the only oysters available in Hokkaido in the summer, and they are said to be at their richest and creamiest at this time of year.
cold sake
I switch to cold Kunimare Tokubetsu Junmai sake from Mashike Town, which seems to make your hair grow just by drinking it.
grip
Finally, I have you squeeze until your stomach reaches its limit.
Button shrimp
The cheeks and egg come later, making this a great value meal.
Seki mackerel
You can also try Seki mackerel, which only comes from Kyushu a few times a year. Take a little trip to Oita for just a few seconds!
Tokishirazu
This young salmon is unique to Hokkaido and is available in the summer before spawning when it is full of fat.
sea urchin
Purple sea urchin from Mikuni Town. "Eat it quickly without adding anything," they say. This is probably the only place where you can get this for just 500 yen!
word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)
Finally, the dish fades away with a delicious cod soup.
Apparently, Hokkaido fishermen will be taking a Bon holiday until around the 20th, and after that, the showcase will be even more plentiful. Even without that, Matsumoto has the potential to satisfy you. The witty exchanges between the chef and the staff made this a local sushi restaurant that will make you want to come back!
menu
Store Information
Sushi Restaurant Matsumoto(Matsugen)
Time: 18:00-23:00
Closed: Sunday
Phone: 0117298910
Address: 〒001-0024, Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Kita Ward, Kita 24th Street, 2-14, Kan Building
English
Japanese
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