軽井沢に過ぎたるもの３つあり。長き店名、遠き道のり、良い顧客 : Fogliolina della Porta Fortuna

With a reputation steeped in legend, I bravely resolved to reach Chef Kobayashi's restaurant after more than two months filled with many trials and tribulations.

Dubbed 'the one without talent, study, or virtue,' I have never before learned as much about my own lack of knowledge, experience, and understanding as I have this time.
First, Chef Kobayashi's handwritten menu was a triple challenge of "I don’t understand, I can’t read, I don’t know," akin to a Helen Keller experience.
It was quite a struggle to follow the instruction, "To look at the menu and not understand means one lacks education."
Moreover, listening to the chef's rapid-fire explanation left me feeling overwhelmed: "It sounds like a lot of work to prepare… Surely it must take much effort."
He spoke of Piedmont... ravioli cheese... wild asparagus... Meanwhile, observing the labor-intensive preparation of the shrimp—crushing the shells, boiling, and straining—I felt as if blood was being squeezed from me, and the process strained my patience. The chef mentioned Piedmont three times and Chevre twice, leaving me nearly speechless as I counted their repetitions.
The exquisite ingredients, reserved for someone far more sophisticated than my ignorant self, lay before me like a delicate maiden subject to the whims of a corrupt official.
It was truly a sight to behold.
The seeker before me was without words, powerless to express anything.

The flavors of the dishes were robust, slightly on the saltier side, offering a delightful encounter for those who enjoy wine; for them, it was a blissful experience, akin to "catnip for cats." However, for those of us who don’t partake in alcohol, it simply turned "catnip" into "gold coins."
Yet, reflecting on the many years past when Chef was at Nishi-Azabu Maries, the dishes were undeniably powerful, compelling one to return even without wine accompanying the meal.
Always preferring small plates and a wide variety over costly fare, I present a verse:

☆ Even in the age of gods, little is known of Karuizawa, yet small plates fill the belly.

Thinking of the story where Christ broke a piece of bread by the Galilee shore to feed his followers, I am inspired to sing this song.

HenriⅣ