The Seasonal Pleasures of Chicken Tataki

Welcome to our hidden gem in Minami-Kusatsu. Here, we use artisanal skill to elevate fresh chicken, raised in the rich nature of Shiga, into the finest culinary masterpieces. Our Chicken Tataki is especially popular among our guests. In this article, we'd like to introduce prospective customers to the profound depth of our seasonal Chicken Tataki—which is more than just a dish—and the charm of the various chicken cuisines you can enjoy at our restaurant.

Even when we say chicken cuisine, there are many diverse ways to enjoy it. Of course, you can savor our fresh Chicken Tataki simply on its own, but it also reveals a surprisingly wide range of expressions with seasonal condiments and preparation methods. You can also spend a special time watching our chefs at work from our Circle Counter in Minami-Kusatsu, or enjoy a lively conversation during a Girls' Night Out in Minami-Kusatsu. Our exquisite dishes, including our Minami-Kusatsu Yakitori, will enhance any occasion. We hope this article serves as an introduction to a special encounter, making you think, When in Minami-Kusatsu, this is the place for chicken.

Savoring Chicken Tataki to the Fullest: A Commitment to Seasonality

Our signature dish, Chicken Tataki, is a condensation of freshness and culinary skill. We strive to ensure that both first-time guests and our returning regulars can always experience the chicken's authentic umami at its absolute best.

Freshness is Everything! Our Signature Chicken Tataki

• We use only the freshest chicken, prepared the same morning it's served. Our skilled chefs carefully handle each piece of chicken, processed that very morning, to achieve a clean, pure meat quality and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Our Chicken Tataki is quickly seared at high heat to bring out its aroma, leaving the inside moist and rare. This exquisite control of heat is the secret to maximizing the chicken's umami. The skin is crisp and fragrant, while the meat is tender, releasing more sweetness with every bite. This contrast has captivated many of our customers.
• Every single slice of our Chicken Tataki is filled with respect for the chicken and gratitude to our customers. Please come and enjoy this special chicken dish in Minami-Kusatsu.

The Magic of Seasonal Condiments and Special Sauces

• To help you enjoy our Chicken Tataki on a deeper level, we offer carefully selected seasonal condiments and a secret homemade sauce. For example, in spring, we add the light flavor of new onions and Japanese ginger (myoga), while in summer, we offer a refreshing touch with sudachi citrus and shiso leaves. In autumn, citrus aromas enhance the chicken's umami, and in winter, yuzu kosho and green onions add a warm accent.
• Our special ponzu and uniquely blended soy sauce were created specifically for our Chicken Tataki to draw out its delicious flavors. These condiments and sauces bring out different facets of the chicken each season, allowing for new discoveries with every visit.
• Furthermore, by serving it with fresh seasonal vegetables, we add richness in texture and color, creating a delight for both the eyes and the palate. This is truly the essence of Minami-Kusatsu Chicken Cuisine.

Discover New Chicken Dishes that Color the Four Seasons

The appeal of our restaurant extends beyond our Chicken Tataki. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of chicken dishes combined with seasonal ingredients, ensuring our guests always have something new to enjoy.

Chicken Dishes that Change with the Seasons

• The Arrival of Spring: When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, we prepare dishes using light spring chicken breast and combinations with wild mountain vegetables, offering a taste of spring's vitality. They are characterized by their light flavor and tender texture.
• The Peak of Summer: In the hot season, we offer coolness with our selection of fragrant, charcoal-grilled Minami-Kusatsu Yakitori and chilled chicken dishes. They pair perfectly with beer and stimulate the appetite.
• Deepening Autumn: In the harvest season of autumn, we cook flavorful chicken with seasonal mountain bounties like mushrooms and root vegetables. The rich taste is perfect for the long autumn nights.
• The Coming of Winter: As it gets colder, we warm you from the core with hot pot dishes and fragrant seared chicken. The pairing with sake and shochu is exceptional.

A Marriage with Seasonal Ingredients

• We actively incorporate seasonal vegetables and fresh local ingredients unique to each time of year. For example, ingredients like bamboo shoots and rapeseed blossoms in spring, Kamo eggplant and Manganji peppers in summer, matsutake and maitake mushrooms in autumn, and Shogoin turnips in winter, all add a new depth to our chicken dishes throughout the year.
• Our special seasonal menus are filled with precious dishes you can only taste during that time. Even for our Noji Yakitori, we sometimes offer limited items like skewers wrapped with seasonal vegetables or made with special types of chicken. When you visit, please be sure to check out our daily specials menu.
• We continuously refine our craft, combining these seasonal ingredients to maximize the appeal of our Minami-Kusatsu Chicken Cuisine and always offer our customers a new and moving experience.

Creating a Special Evening: The Charm of Our Circle Counter and Private Rooms

To suit any occasion, we offer different dining spaces for you to choose from. Each space has its own unique atmosphere to enrich your dining experience.

Enjoy Live Cooking at the Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu

• Located at the heart of our restaurant, the Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu is a prime spot where you can enjoy a dynamic dining experience. You can watch up close as our skilled chefs prepare fresh chicken and carefully grill it over charcoal right before your eyes. This immersive experience is the true pleasure of counter seating.
• Freshly made Chicken Tataki and yakitori are served immediately after cooking, allowing you to enjoy them at their absolute best. You can also deepen your knowledge of our commitment to ingredients and cooking methods through conversation with the chefs.
• It's perfect for solo diners who want to focus on their food or for couples looking to share a special time together. Food connoisseurs have praised it as culinary entertainment.

A Space to Enhance Girls' Nights and Parties in Minami-Kusatsu

• For customers who wish to dine comfortably in a private space, we offer private and semi-private rooms. You can enjoy your meal and lively conversation in a relaxed, serene atmosphere.
• For a Minami-Kusatsu Girls' Night Out, we especially recommend our course meals, which are easy to share, and our visually stunning menu items. Create wonderful memories surrounded by delicious food and drinks.
• We also have larger private rooms available for various types of parties. Please use our restaurant as a place to deepen bonds with colleagues and friends over Minami-Kusatsu Yakitori and seasonal chicken dishes. We will propose the best plan to suit your needs.

Seasonal Drink Recommendations to Enjoy with Chicken Tataki

Delicious chicken dishes deserve the perfect drink pairing. From our extensive drink menu, we'd like to introduce some recommendations that will further enhance our Chicken Tataki and seasonal chicken dishes.

Sake and Shochu to Enhance the Chicken's Umami

• Our Chicken Tataki pairs exceptionally well with sake and shochu. In particular, Junmai Ginjo and dry sake cleanse the palate without overwhelming the delicate umami of the chicken. We also have seasonal local sakes available, so please feel free to ask.
• We offer a wide variety of shochu, including sweet potato (imo), barley (mugi), and rice (kome). The rich aroma of imo shochu pairs well with our fragrant charcoal-grilled Minami-Kusatsu Yakitori, while kome or mugi shochu is recommended for the lighter Chicken Tataki.
• We can suggest the best pairings with our dishes based on your preferences, so please don't hesitate to ask. You might discover a new favorite combination.

A Full Selection of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• For those who don't drink alcohol, designated drivers, or guests who prefer soft drinks at a Minami-Kusatsu Girls' Night Out, we offer an extensive selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
• In addition to standard soft drinks, we also have homemade mocktails made with luxurious seasonal fruits and special health teas. These visually beautiful drinks make your dining experience even more enjoyable.
• We ensure that even without alcohol, you can have a wonderful time with delicious food and drinks to your heart's content.

For First-Time Visitors: Steps to More Deeply Savor Chicken Tataki

Here are a few tips for our first-time visitors to fully enjoy our Chicken Tataki and other chicken dishes. Use these to have the best possible experience.

What to Know Before You Visit

• Choosing from the Menu: First, we highly recommend trying our specialty, the Chicken Tataki. After that, we suggest adding a few items like our Minami-Kusatsu Yakitori or seasonal chicken dishes to experience a variety of flavors.
• About Reservations: We expect to be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To ensure smooth seating, we recommend making a reservation by phone or online in advance. If you would like a seat at the Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, please mention it when you book to secure your spot.
• Allergy Information: If you have any food allergies, please inform our staff when you make a reservation or upon arrival. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Tips to Maximize Your Chicken Tataki Experience at Our Restaurant

1. First, try a slice without any condiments or sauce to enjoy the chicken's natural flavor and texture. You'll be able to taste the pure umami that only the freshest chicken can offer.
2. Next, add a small amount of seasonal condiments and our special sauce to experience the change in taste. Discover the harmony of how they enhance the chicken's umami.
3. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask our chefs or staff for recommendations on how to eat it or what to pair it with. They will suggest the best way for you to enjoy it from a professional's perspective.
4. By ordering not only the Chicken Tataki but also our Minami-Kusatsu Yakitori and other seasonal chicken dishes, you can compare flavors and discover the deeper world of chicken cuisine.
5. When seated at the Circle Counter Minami-Kusatsu, be sure to enjoy the spectacle of the cooking process unfolding before your eyes. You can savor the meal with all five senses.

When you come to Minami-Kusatsu, please visit our restaurant to experience our sensory-engaging Chicken Tataki and seasonal chicken dishes. Our entire staff will welcome you with heartfelt hospitality to ensure you have an unforgettable gourmet experience. We sincerely look forward to your visit.