店主の敷居に身をまかせ。 : Akinai Sakaba Masumasu.

I was looking for a place in Nagaoka where I could drink Kinmiya Shochu and Hoppy, and this bar was the clue. I called to see if I could make a reservation to make sure I got a seat, and they said that if I was alone I should come directly (so is it OK for more than two people?), but they said they couldn't guarantee that I'd be able to sit down. That's quite reasonable. I had already made a reservation at another bar, so I tried to avoid the busy time and go to the next bar right after they opened in the evening, but I hesitated until the last minute because, after reading various reviews, the owner is quite particular and unique. But I still felt a strong desire to meet Kinmiya and Hoppy, which are indispensable for a nightcap at home, in Nagaoka. What's more, this bar has returnable bottles, which is rare in Niigata! I had a drink at the first bar and was on my way to the hotel where I was staying, so at first I checked the crowds indirectly, and then the owner, with both arms on the window frame, locked me in through a small window! I don't know where he was watching from, but he was always smiling and watching my movements. Um, I'm alone, is there a vacancy? I'm not sure if he thought I was the same person who called to make the reservation, but I asked the same question again, so I guess the owner didn't answer at first. If I had been able to enter later, I would have been welcome. It was raining and it was already after 9pm, so there were four customers ahead of me. Although the counter was free, I believe the owner led me to the raised area because he felt sorry for the two regulars, who were spacing out their seats and putting me in the middle of their engrossed conversation. So I sat cross-legged at a round table that could seat three, staring at everyone's backs. The baptism that the word-of-mouth reviews said comes when you order. First, they ask you what you want to drink, bring it to you, and then take your order. I understand. Then the first glass of Hoppy and a glass were placed, and I said what filefish I wanted to eat. There was a short silence, followed by silence, and then bonito, which I recommend. What is this menu for? I don't have any likes or dislikes, so I follow the owner here. The bonito tataki that came out was carefully grilled, garnished with mustard and salt, and was very delicious. It was said to be grilled over straw, but it was ready just when I wanted a second serving, so it was a time-consuming dish. I understood why it was recommended. When I ordered potato salad and pork tongue in succession after the bonito, there was silence again... The owner must have had a few seconds to decide YES or NO in his head, and it was probably an acceptable choice order. The two dishes went through without any complaint. The appetizer came, and I wonder if it overlapped with the potato salad. Small dish that looked similar, but the flavor was very rich. The pork tongue, cooked at low temperature, was on the same level as the ones I've had at various grilled offal bars in Tokyo. It was well done. It was thick and moist, and the green onions and sesame oil essence were excellent. A regular customer ordered a sashimi platter (special?) from the counter. I heard the owner explain the fish, and I wanted to eat the filefish... They have Hoppy, black and white, and the Kinmiya glass is nice, but I'm a little worried about the amount of ice for the regular and Naka refills. There are also many Kinmiya keep bottles lined up, so the restaurant is very popular locally. Looking at the regulars, I guess they all meet the owner's standards. Is it too much praise to say that they are all big shots who are just as impressive as the owner? The menu isn't that extensive, but there are no part-time employees and there is only one owner. As you might guess, the style of the drinks and menu overall, perhaps the owner trained in Tokyo. It's natural that there will be all kinds of opinions. Absurd questions and excessive attitudes. Bar-hopping. If you're not drunk and within the bounds of common sense, how about a bar where you can drink comfortably and be treated normally, even if it's your first time there? If you search your pockets, you'll be asked, "Is it the bill?" You're being watched every step of the way.