約10年ぶりの山盛りカレー。 : Jeizu Kare- Kitasenju Ten

We had lunch in Kitasenju for the first time this year, and wandered around the Honcho shopping street. With so many options at our fingertips, today we decided to head to ARK, a popular curry restaurant. It's been about 10 years since I visited there once when the store name was "J's Curry." When I arrived after 12 o'clock, the signboard still read "J's Curry" for some reason. It didn't seem too crowded, and there was only one other customer. I remember that the layout used to be mainly counter seats surrounding the open kitchen, but now it seems like it has been completely renovated and there are only table seats. I was guided by a staff member and took a seat at the back. As you can see at the store, the menu includes three types of curry made with aged roast beef, as well as a roast beef bowl and daily curry. Today's daily special is "Low temperature aged pork belly cutlet curry". When water and towels were brought to me, I ordered ``<Bushi> (large size)'' (1,400 yen). There didn't seem to be many samples in the store, so I ordered a large one. I didn't think it was bad for 200 yen with the extra rice and curry. I ordered ``Bushi,'' but the waiter's reaction was a bit disappointing. The store clerk may have been confused about which one because it sounds similar to the signature product ``Fuji.'' I think it's because of my humorous tongue, but I think they gave it a more confusing name. Anyway, the music that plays in the store is a relaxing bossa nova style song. Not only the layout but also the atmosphere has changed completely from before. If you just look at the table seats, you'll think it's a cafe. Approximately 7 minutes after ordering, the meal was served, saying, ``This is a large serving of Samurai.'' The voluminous feel at first glance is correct with a large serving. However, perhaps because the area of cream sauce is small, it feels more tame than I imagined from the photo. First, take a bite of black curry. Yes, it's quite delicious. I don't know what spices they use, but it feels like it comes together nicely based on the richness that comes from roasting. The white sauce that contrasts well with this black curry is also delicious. It's a potato cream sauce with coconut milk, and it's the first time I've tasted it, but it has a faintly Ethnic Cuisine and mellow flavor. This is a new discovery. At this point, I finally take on the challenge of climbing the mountain. I try to put a spoon in first, but it is blocked by a wall of hidden roast beef. Even if you forcefully stab the rice with a spoon and cut it into pieces, the rice is hard-cooked and will not fall apart easily. With this challenge fueling my spirit, I eat my way through the mountain bit by bit in front of me. Onsen eggs are reminiscent of lava flowing from a volcano. The spicy, rich curry becomes layered and mellow with the collaboration of cheese, eggs, and potatoes. There's no way this wouldn't be delicious. Since it's a curry, if you put half of it in your mouth as if it were a drink, you can eat it in just over 10 minutes even if it's a large serving. The customer next to me who ordered the standard curry seemed to finish his daily special curry first, even though it was served a few minutes late. Shortly after I finished eating, a waiter came over and asked, ``May I take this, please?'' and immediately lowered the plate. I can feel the eyes of the customers diligently checking to see if they have finished eating. The heaping portion of curry I ate here after a long time left a better impression than the last time. However, I am concerned about the fact that there are almost no vegetables unless you add salad. Since it can't be helped, the lack of greenery will be visually supplemented with cactus-like ornamental plants placed inside the store. This time I ordered a large portion for volume and impact, but I feel like I ended up eating a little too much. Next time, I think I'll make it a standard size and add a salad and a drink. PS. As of February 6th, the store name has been confirmed to be "J's Curry" again. By the way, according to the official website, it changed to "ARK" on October 24, 2022, so this store name has been in use for about a year and several months. In the end, it seems like it didn't sink in. [Visited on 2024.1.30]