軽井沢の老舗定食屋さん♫ : Fressgasse

It's a tradition for me to enjoy lunch at Fressgasse, just a 5-minute walk from the north exit of Karuizawa Station, and to purchase takeaway items.
While savoring the ginger pork and homemade bacon spaghetti, I noticed that the ham set and sausage set, which used to be available, were no longer on the menu!
When I asked the staff, they informed me that they couldn’t produce enough sausages to offer takeout items at the moment.
Disappointed, I decided to purchase smoked duck, bacon, and tenderloin pastrami, planning to return the next day to pick them up.
To my delight, when I returned the next day, the sausage set was back in stock!
While it was a shame that the ham set wasn’t available, I was pleased to have purchased various souvenirs.
I’m thrilled that I can continue to enjoy the flavors of Fressgasse at home for a while!

During my ski trip to Karuizawa in February, I visited this restaurant for lunch.
Karuizawa is known for its various handmade ham and sausage shops, and this place seems to be a long-established one.
Summer might be crowded, but I wondered how it would be during the slow winter season. After turning right onto the main street from the north exit of the station, I quickly found a rustic cabin-style shop (more like a makeshift hut...).
Upon entering, as expected, I found no customers. It was around 1:30 PM on a Sunday, and winter sure is quiet.
The interior felt like time had stood still for at least 20 years, with signed memorabilia from famous people plastered on the walls, creating a wonderfully retro atmosphere.

I decided to send handmade hams and sausages as souvenirs via courier, so for lunch, I ordered the Piccata Set Meal (JPY 1,100) and the Ham Steak Set Meal (JPY 1,000).
Considering it's Karuizawa, the prices are quite reasonable!

Piccata is essentially thinly sliced pork coated with Parmesan cheese and beaten eggs, then pan-fried with tomato sauce on top. It reminds me of a nostalgic flavor from my childhood.
Their Piccata captured that same essence, and the crispy coating was quite similar to Tonkatsu, while the cheesy richness was delightful!
The tomato-based sauce paired perfectly, making it exceptional.

The ham steak was cut as thick as a real steak, expertly grilled to a fragrant finish.
The salty ham, with a touch of pepper for a zesty accent, was perfect alongside a beer!

I also sent a sausage set (JPY 1,300) and a ham set (JPY 1,300) as souvenirs via courier.
The sausages and hams I enjoyed back home were absolutely delicious!
The additive-free ham was best enjoyed as is, while I wanted to savor the flavor of the sausage, so I lightly boiled the boiled sausage.
You could really taste the quality of the meat being handmade, making it worth the effort to send it all the way.
Next time I visit Karuizawa, I will definitely return to eat here and buy some souvenirs!