Sea Delicacies WATANABE

We stayed with you on a weekend in late September.With the weather swinging between hot and cool, days of rain, and even a typhoon, it really feels like anything can happen these days. So we decided: go where you want to go while you can, meet the people you want to meet when you can, and eat what you want to eat when you feel like it. And that meant—let’s go to WATANABE and enjoy autumn!By the time dinner started at 6:00 p.m., it was already dark outside the window. Looking up at the night sky reminded me how last year felt like summer all the way into October, and how we only started sensing autumn around mid-October.This dinner was another wonderful “WATANABE Special”—a luxurious and delicious course (including abalone salad and live Ise lobster with bouillabaisse sauce) that made me genuinely happy from start to finish.Boiled Toneri shellfish in seawater Mehikari fish fritters Herb toast topped with kampachi prosciutto-style ham Gougère filled with tartare of kombu-cured shrimp Snow crab and mushroom cake salé Red bell pepper mousse topped with Hokkaido sea urchin and consommé jelly Steamed abalone tabbouleh (couscous) with celery salad Ayu confit baked in pastry with tapenade and cucumber sauce Local turban shell & brown mushroom bourguignon-style dish Pan-seared white tilefish with peanuts, lightly curry-flavored Lemongrass granita Live Ise lobster with bouillabaisse sauce (assorted mushrooms) Homemade whole-wheat bread Japanese chestnut Mont Blanc dessert Madam’s petit fours and teaEvery dish was delicious—especially for someone like me who loves fish roe/innards and being able to enjoy whole fish. Thank you for the wonderful feast both evening and morning. I’m always moved by the chef’s cooking, and soothed by Madam’s gentle smile. Thank you again for such a happy time.Today’s discovery: Madam makes that wonderfully chestnut-filled base of the Mont Blanc herself—amazing!

This auberge is well known as an Accommodation serving outstanding fish-focused cuisine. The owner couple are genuinely kind, and you may find it hard to leave. As an auberge, it’s not the place to expect luxurious Room amenities, but they provide a clean and comfortable space.I reduced the bath rating by one star because the private bath is no longer an Onsen, but considering how satisfying the meals are, it more than makes up for it.Dinner is excellent, making full use of high-quality ingredients, but breakfast is equally impressive—be sure to take your time and enjoy it.