【観光地のランチ…】 : Karuizawa Veranda

Karuizawa is bustling with people due to the nationwide travel discounts and the easing of inbound restrictions. It’s understandable since it's the autumn foliage season, but the Old Karuizawa Ginza street is crowded with people everywhere.

I came to Old Karuizawa Ginza intending to have my favorite "Beef Stew (with Bread & Drink Set, JPY 2180, tax included)" from Asanoya bakery. However, it was already close to 2 PM... As I entered the restaurant and headed to the dining area, I was shocked to see a sticker that said "Beef Stew is currently being prepared."

Uh-oh. I decided to confirm with the staff, asking, "Will it be ready if I wait a bit?" The staff coldly replied, "Today is already sold out."

So, they are preparing it for tomorrow...

At that point, I had to completely give up. Since I was a bit hungry, I thought I should eat something and started walking listlessly down Old Karuizawa Ginza... Huh? A galette sign? Well, maybe a light snack will do... so I entered a building known as "Church Street" (which connects Old Karuizawa Ginza and St. Paul Catholic Church). It was my first time in this building. As I walked in, I found nearly 20 shops lined up, and my target cafe, "Karuizawa Veranda," was located toward the back.

Since it was past 2 PM, there were no other customers. I ordered the "Galette with Bacon, Egg, and Three Cheeses (JPY 1320, tax included)" along with a "French Plus Coffee (JPY 660, tax included)." By making it a set, it came to JPY 1760, which saved me JPY 220!

I was told there was also a seasonal topping option, "Pumpkin Galette (JPY 1320, tax included)," but it sounded a bit too sweet, so I opted not to choose that. I’m just not the adventurous type...

First, the French-press coffee arrived. The taste was quite average. Next, the "Galette with Bacon, Egg, and Three Cheeses" was served. The egg was a soft-boiled egg, the bacon was thinly sliced, and the cheese included Gorgonzola, adding a strong flavor. The galette appeared to use buckwheat flour from Azumino but might have some wheat flour mixed in based on its color?

A salad with mizuna greens accompanied the dish, providing a satisfactory light meal composition. However, the overall experience wasn’t particularly unique or special, making it hard to find noteworthy expressions.

While I was thinking this, two Asian customers and two other Japanese visitors entered the store. Katsu, as expected, Karuizawa is indeed a strong tourist destination.

The galette was fine, and the price was reasonable. It’s a cafe in a tourist area after all. I should feel grateful just to have gotten lunch.