朝食はビュッフェより和食で間違いなし！ : Japanese cuisine Hanakidori

Japanese cuisine Hanakidori

Repeat Visit Series Vol.52

As of December 26, 2024, Tabelog Rating: 3.52

A trip to Karuizawa
On the third day of my two-night stay.
Breakfast at XIV.

This time it's Japanese cuisine!
It's definitely better to enjoy a calm meal rather than a buffet!
A wide variety of dishes with great nutritional balance!
The only downside is that I always end up eating too much rice...
With this assortment, finishing one bowl feels like torture (laughs).

The quality meets the standard.
For breakfast at a resort hotel just below JPY 3,000, it’s not too expensive!

Japanese Gozen
・Drink: Apple Juice
XIV's signature, local fruit juice; it’s definitely apples in Karuizawa!
Sweet~
Personally, I prefer a slightly more tart type (like Akiwase or Shinano Gold), but...
・Vegetable Assortment (Salad)
Green oak, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, etc.
The dressing was miso mayonnaise!
The vegetables were fresh!
・Small Pot: Asama Mountain Tofu Soy Milk Hot Pot
Gentle flavor! It warms you up!
Made with Shinshu miso, local mushrooms, chicken meatballs, tofu, scallions, etc.
・Gozen
Shiba-zuke, Satsuma-age, Sardines in Sweet Soy Sauce, Mentaiko,
Tororo,
Grilled trout,
Nozawana pickles,
Soft-boiled egg and bonito flakes,
Grilled fish: Sawara,
Dashi-maki Tamago.
Lots of varieties!
There are quite a few salty options, which makes it easy to eat more rice...
And then there’s that finishing touch of Tororo (laughs).
・Rice
Koshihikari rice from Nagano Prefecture.
You can also choose porridge, but with these sides, fluffy rice is a must!
Shinshu miso soup (with slippery mushrooms and scallions).
・Dessert: Coffee Jelly
With soy milk and blueberries,
Using Mikado coffee.

Ah, I’m so full...
I might be affected at lunch (laughs).
But once again, there's no doubt that Japanese cuisine beats a buffet!

Alright, it’s the last day! Let’s enjoy our trip energetically!!

※History of...
Orbital "Belfast / Wasted"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oewMXXbl5O0

Taste Variation Value: 61
Comfort Level: 60
Tabelog rating = experiential judgment.

Frequent visitors: ■□□□□ General visitors:
Men:□□■□□ Women:
Casual dining: □□■□□ Upscale:
High CP: □■□□□ Low CP:

Japanese cuisine Hanakidori

A luxurious version of the ideal ryokan breakfast

As of October 19, 2023, Tabelog rating: 3.59

During a two-night, three-day trip to Karuizawa, our breakfast on the third day was at the Japanese restaurant Japanese cuisine Hanakidori in XIV.

The menu featured only one option:
"Karuizawa Shiro Hotaru Yudofu Zen"
This lavish meal includes a bountiful Japanese breakfast set along with a soymilk hot pot!
The price is JPY 2,640, tax included, plus a 10% service charge.
While it's not cheap, the content is quite fulfilling.

We set our breakfast time for 7:30 AM, as anything later might interfere with lunch.
We wouldn’t finish eating until at least 8:30 AM, which was cutting it close.
I enjoyed a refreshing soak in the outdoor hot spring from 6 AM before heading to the restaurant!

I had previously visited for dinner twice and had breakfast once, making this my fourth visit.

Karuizawa Shiro Hotaru Yudofu Zen - Japanese Breakfast Set
First, as is customary at XIV, we started with a glass of juice.
Today’s "Omeyaza" is apple juice from Shinshu.
It was quite sweet, haha! I wished there was a bit more acidity...

Almost simultaneously, a small pot started to heat up over solid fuel!
It arrived quicker than the rest of the set as it takes time to boil.
This time, we had "Shiro Hotaru Tofu and Shinshu Mushroom Hot Pot."
Shiro Hotaru tofu is a brand from a local tofu shop in Karuizawa, made from 100% Japanese soybeans, and set with salt from natural mineral springs, using pristine water from the foot of Mt. Asama, creating genuinely health-conscious tofu.
I guess it’s called “white firefly” because it’s local tofu? Probably.
Of course, it was delicious tofu.
Along with various Shinshu mushrooms, soybean meatballs, and scallions simmering in bean soup, it created a wonderfully rich and flavorful hot pot!

The breakfast set arrived on an impressively large tray!
So many items on this tray...
How am I supposed to finish this with just a small bowl of rice? Haha!
I definitely need beer or sake to tackle this in the morning!

Vegetable Salad (Green Oak Leaf, Cabbage, Mizuna, Red Onion, Mini Tomatoes, Bell Pepper)
With miso mayonnaise dressing.
Grilled Kamaboko (fish cake)
Spicy Cod Roe
Soft Boiled Sardines
Red Shiba Pickles
Grilled Sawara (Mackerel) with condiments and Ueda Midori grated daikon
Shinshu Tororo (grated yam)
Potato Salad
Smoked Duck
Grilled Shinshu Salmon
Tamago Yaki (Japanese omelet)
Rice from Nagano Prefecture’s Koshihikari
Miso Soup (Wakame Seaweed, Deep-fried Tofu, Scallions)
Fruits: Coffee jelly with blueberries and flower beans.

With this many dishes, and adding the grated yam, I felt compelled to keep asking for more...
It truly felt like an upgraded version of the ideal ryokan breakfast!
I had no complaints; everything was delicious. However, I have a feeling I might not be hungry for lunch later (laughs).

Now, on the final day...
Unfortunately, the weather isn’t great, so I’ll need to stay dry!
I plan to procure some vegetables and fruits at Super Tsuruya and Hacchi Ichitani.
Parking at Prince Outlet, I’ll walk to Old Karuizawa.
That’s where I plan to have lunch.
I think I’ll buy the local specialty "Toge no Kamameshi" from Ogino-ya as a souvenir on the way back.
I need to return by 5:30 PM, so I might be pretty busy! Haha!

History of...
The Clash "London Calling"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c
This piece from 1979 was indeed a shock at the time for its impact!
The Clash continually evolved their musical style while always moving forward!

Taste Deviation Value: 61
Comfort Level: 59
Tabelog Rating = Experience Judgment

For Regulars: ■□□□□ For First-Timers
For Men: □□■□□ For Women
For Everyday People: □□■□□ For High-End Seekers
High CP: □■□□□□ Low CP

Japanese cuisine Hanakidori

Recommended Course Hatsune JPY 14,500 + Tax

As of December 21, 2022, Tabelog Rating: 3.51

A two-night, three-day trip from Karuizawa to Tateshina.
The first night was spent at GRAND XIV Karuizawa.

Generally, I leave the meal reservations to my wife, but this time, dinner was at 'Japanese cuisine Hanakidori'.
Last year, I opted for the most basic casual course 'Asama Kaiseki' priced at JPY 6,600 + Tax, but this time, I decided to indulge with the 'Recommended Course Hatsune' at JPY 14,500 + Tax!!
Thanks to various travel discounts, we managed to enjoy it at a lower price!
However, I will review the meal at its original price.

Thinking about tomorrow and wanting to avoid overindulging, I limited myself to just the three kinds of Japanese sake tasting set.
Surprisingly, the amount was sufficient, and I was quite satisfied!
I had the option to choose from a selection of premium local sake, and true to my frugal nature, naturally selected the pricier options (laughs).

• Kaorishi Bito Kuheiji Junmai Daiginjo, JPY 2,700 per 180ml, Aichi
• Kubota Manju, JPY 2,700 per 180ml, Niigata
• Tengumai Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo, JPY 1,900 per 180ml, Ishikawa
(Prices listed exclude tax)
Of course, since it's a tasting set, each portion was not a full 180ml, but I believe there was about 120cc each.
Rich, dry, and each had its unique character, all delicious!
A great value too! (laughs)

Recommended Course Hatsune
• Seasonal Vegetables – 4 Types of Appetizers
• Soup – Soft-shelled Turtle Grilled Sesame Tofu
• Sashimi – Kinmedai, Hon-Maguro, Buri
• Hot Dish – Grilled Fugu Fin with Grilled Cod Milt
• Grilled Dish – Grilled Tachiuo with Sansho
• Side Dish – Shinshu Premium Wagyu Tenderloin Grill
• Main Dish – Chiri-Mirin Sansho Kombu Rice or Handmade Soba
• Dessert – Chestnut Anyoji Miso Daifuku, Shinshu Shine Muscat Sorbet
This is a full-course Japanese meal.
You can upgrade to a Unadon for an additional fee: half fillet JPY 2,200 + Tax, whole fillet JPY 3,850 + Tax.
But I didn’t upgrade, as I couldn’t eat that much. (^^;)

Seasonal Vegetables
• Shinshu White Potato with Almonds
Local potatoes formed into balls and deep-fried.
Coated with sliced almonds for a roasted flavor!
• Grilled Yuba with Maitake Mushrooms and Wasabi
Handmade yuba and maitake mushrooms soaked in dashi.
Also some Komatsuna on the plate!
Delicate acidity and a hint of wasabi.
• Toyama Flatfish and Okura-kombu
Sticky white fish with a flavor of kombu! Served with Hakata red radish.
Using egg yolk vinegar.
• Fried Lotus Root and Ginkgo Nuts
Sweet and salty with a crunchy texture.
• Densuke Anago Sushi
Served with sansho and ginger for a refreshing taste!
A little bit of everything.
Pairs well with sake! (laughs)
【3.5】

Soup
• Whole Soft-shelled Turtle Grilled Sesame Tofu
Savory and rich sesame tofu with minced soft-shelled turtle.
Made with flavorful turtle broth.
Garnished with carrots, daikon, chrysanthemum greens, green onions, and yuzu.
【3.6】

Sashimi
• Kinmedai
• Hon-Maguro
• Buri with Yuzu Soy Sauce
Kinmedai (alfonsino) had a superb bounce!
Hon-Maguro was sticky!
For garnish, bright red konjac.
Fresh wasabi was delicious!♫
Buri was fatty and served with aromatic vegetables and ponzu sauce with momiji oroshi.
【3.7】

Hot Dish
• Grilled Fugu Fin and Grilled Cod Milt
A luxurious chawanmushi filled with grilled flounder fin and cod milt, rich with dashi.
Hints of ginger for flavor, served with mustard, greens, and green onions.
Gorgeous and delicious!!
【3.8】

Grilled Dish
• Grilled Tachiuo with Sansho
Served with spicy lotus root and aged gobou.
Beauty in the crispiness with a touch of sansho spice.
【3.4】

Side Dish
• Shinshu Premium Wagyu Tenderloin Grill with Shimotani Negi
Tender local Wagyu!
The crispy roasted Shimotani negi topped with sweet sauce and wasabi.
【4.0】

Main Dish
• Chiri-Mirin Sansho Kombu Rice
• Handmade Soba
My wife chose rice while I opted for soba.
Choosing soba was the right call!!
High level and completely satisfying!
The soup had a sweet taste.
【3.8】

Dessert
• Chestnut Anyoji Miso Daifuku
Served on fresh cream.
Unique miso filling!
• Shinshu Shine Muscat Sorbet with White Wine Jelly
Delicious!!
• Fruits: Persimmons, Kyoho Grapes
【3.5】

Overall, I was extremely satisfied!!
The difference from the casual course was evident.
Both the ingredients and cooking levels were impressive.
Flavor rating increased from 3.5 to 3.7.
It's no wonder that this restaurant is rated number one on Tabelog among the Hanakidori brand eateries of XIV.
Karuizawa boasts excellent options for Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines.
It's essential to choose restaurants wisely based on personal experiences due to various differences within hotel offerings.

Today's theme song is this one♪
Lizard「SA・KA・NA」
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlVcJLaR1NQ

Taste Deviation Score: 65
Comfort Level: 61
Tabelog Rating < Experience Judgment

Frequent Visitor Friendly ■□□□□ First-Timers
Male Friendly □□■□□ Female Friendly
Local Prices □□□■□ High-End Preference
High CP □■□□□ Low CP

Japanese cuisine Hanakidori

Delicious dishes perfect for drinking right from the morning!!

As of November 22, 2021, Tabelog Rating: 3.35

My trip to Karuizawa, lasting two nights and three days, continues.
XIV Karuizawa edition!
On the last day, I had Japanese food at the same restaurant, Hanakidori, as on the first night!

XIV's breakfast is typically JPY 2000, excluding tax, and this one is the same.

Japanese Style Breakfast Set - JPY 2400
Like at all XIV locations, you are served a glass of juice as an 'appetizer' with tea.
This time, probably due to being in Nagano, it was Apple Juice.
It seems to be 100% concentrated juice, but it's quite sweet.

Each table has a private stove with solid fuel, lit up, and a small pot is placed on it to start the meal.
The Small Pot is filled with lots of mushrooms!
Primarily enoki mushrooms, but also includes chicken meatballs, tofu, green onions, and more.
Just as it starts to simmer, the main dishes are served!

A large black tray holds an array of delightful small dishes that are truly tempting!!
Here are the details:

- White Rice
It was a choice between rice and soba porridge, but with the quality and quantity of the side dishes, I had to choose white rice!
The rice was served individually (about 160g), not in a container.
Of course, you can get a refill, but with this variety of side dishes, it would get out of hand to eat too much!
Unlike the night before, the rice was from a local brand called Yaehara Rice.
I hadn’t heard of this variety, but after researching, I found out it comes from the Yaehara area in Nagano and is made with delicious Koshihikari rice, cultivated in the mineral-rich waters from Mount Tateshina.
It had a sweetness and moderate stickiness, making it excellent rice!

- Miso Soup
Since we're in Nagano, it naturally uses Shinshu miso!
With ingredients like fried tofu and wakame seaweed.
It was a properly seasoned and delicious flavor! ♬

- Grilled Dish
A lightly dried kinmedai (goldeneye snapper).
It had a flavor reminiscent of Saikyo-yaki and was delicious!
Despite being in a landlocked prefecture, it was much tastier than the one from XIV Izu!!
The dashi rolled omelet was perfectly sweet without being too much!

- Vegetable Platter
This was basically a salad.
The miso mayonnaise dressing is particularly characteristic of Nagano! ♫
Includes purple daikon, cherry tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and cucumber.
It was very fresh.

- Squid with Tororo
This was the biggest surprise!!!
I thought the topping on the tororo was 'nameko' mushrooms, but it turned out to be seasoned squid!
This definitely demands some Japanese sake! (laughs)
Just this would fill a whole bowl of rice...
It's quite intimidating! (laughs)

- Small Dish Box
This alone could probably go with two bowls of rice…(laughs)
Marui Soy Sauce's Shoyu is truly meant for drinkers!
You could easily drink two cups of sake with just this!
Shinshu Salmon is presented on a bed of Sashimi Konnyaku.
You eat it with wasabi.
This is also more suited as a late-night dish! (laughs)
Deep-fried Eggplant comes with nameko mushroom sauce!
What I thought was crab turned out to be 'surimi crab'—a little quirky...
It was topped on Potato Salad.
Two pieces of Grilled Kamaboko, Walnuts with Bonito Flakes, Rikyu Burdock, Poached Sardines, Togakushi Daikon Pickles, and Shibazuke.
And for some reason, they added Tokoroten topped with Chicken Breast...
The seasoning was vinegar soy sauce.

To be honest, all dishes were perfect for enjoying drinks right from the morning!!!
If this were the Showa era, you’d expect to have a big celebration the day after a company trip with this! (ToT)/~~~
It makes you nostalgic for that time!

The final Fruity Dessert was Pumpkin Pudding topped with flower beans.

I ate too much from breakfast, so honestly, skipping lunch wouldn’t be a problem, and I’m definitely over the calorie & salt limits!
…So, my conclusion is I’ll have to walk a lot until I go home today.

My enjoyable trip to Karuizawa is coming to an end soon.
I promised to return next year as I left XIV.

*If Japanese cuisine Hanakidori's Japanese Style Breakfast Set were to be expressed in music?
THE YOUNG GODS 'Gasoline Man'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxWLVRlGa10
I definitely stepped on the gas—and ate too much!

Taste Deviation Value: 60
Comfort Level: 59
Tabelog evaluation < Personal Experience Rating

Regulars: ■□□□□ First-timers:
Men: □□■□□ Women:
Public: □□■□□ High-end preference:
High CP: □■□□□□ Low CP:

Japanese cuisine Hanakidori

Casual Cuisine "Asama Kaiseki" JPY 6,000 + tax

As of November 18, 2021, Tabelog Rating: 3.35

A 2-night, 3-day trip to Karuizawa.
This time, our lodging was at "GRAND XIV Karuizawa 3.17".

As usual, we took a leisurely trip in our electric vehicle, stopping for charging breaks along the way.
We followed the route: Shin-Shonan BP ➡ Ken-o Expressway ➡ Kan-Etsu Expressway ➡ Joshin-Etsu Expressway, exiting at Usui Karuizawa IC.
We stopped to charge at several locations: Ken-o Expressway