1年半ぶり : Pyrenees

It had been a year and a half since my last visit.
This is a grill restaurant I visit at least once a year.
I made a reservation, but the place was completely packed.
As always, you can't get in without a reservation.
I quickly ordered the set with young chicken, strip loin, and pasta.
The young chicken, although only half a bird, was grilled to perfection, filling my mouth with a delightful aroma. The subtle saltiness from the rock salt enhanced the chicken's fat, making it even more tender.
I ordered the strip loin cooked medium, and the enticing red color made my mouth water.
The light saltiness from the rock salt blended beautifully with the meat's sweetness, making any additional seasoning unnecessary.
If you want to change things up, adding a bit of garlic soy sauce transforms the wild flavor into a more Japanese taste, which is quite fascinating.
The pasta was al dente, served with a unique meat sauce, and the hidden flavor of shiso leaves played a supporting role that enhanced the meat's umami.
The appetizers, which have remained unchanged, were all exquisite, as expected.
However, despite the times, the prices have become quite high, making it difficult to visit frequently.
While the service was excellent, the clientele has changed, and I can no longer enjoy a leisurely meal like before. This might be due to the limited dining time.

I visited Pyrenees in Karuizawa for the first time in a while.

Since I had a reservation, I entered right on time.
This is a restaurant where it’s essential to book in advance, or you’ll end up waiting a long time.

I quickly ordered the beef steak, young chicken steak, and pasta.

The beef steak was served rare and enhanced lightly with garlic soy sauce, allowing me to savor the sweetness of the meat juices.

The young chicken steak was rich in herb aroma and incredibly tender.

The pasta was quite similar to a rich meat sauce, yet the texture of the meat was delightfully direct on my palate.

Additionally, the appetizers are quite elaborate and offered as an all-you-can-eat option, ensuring satisfaction every time I visit.

However, due to the current situation, prices have increased quite a bit.
It's becoming difficult to come here regularly.

It had been about 3 and a half years since my last visit to this restaurant.
I was really craving that meat grilled over charcoal.

I quickly ordered the steak set from the lunch menu.
Before the main dish, I was served a generous amount of appetizers.
The variety and volume of these appetizers laid out on the counter were more than enough.
Today's highlight was the grilled cabbage from Karuizawa, which had an amazing crunch and a hint of garlic flavor—delicious!

For the main dish, I ordered the steak cooked to medium.
It is normally served with either rock salt or garlic soy sauce, but this time I chose the rock salt.

Using rock salt allows me to appreciate the meat's texture and richness.
Every bite resonates in my mind with a satisfying chew.

This restaurant is truly incredible.

A famous restaurant in Karuizawa.
It may be a bit pricey, but the service is outstanding.
The dishes served are truly justifiable.
Especially, the Japanese Black Wagyu steak is absolutely tender and melts in your mouth.