JPN: Hotel Park (ホテルパーク) [Dinner]
Am I, or are you, as sweet as a sweetfish?
The dinner curtain drew to a close with coffee jelly and a cup of tea. Dark and glossy, the coffee jelly topped with fruits had a silky texture that wobbled with every gentle spoonful. The slight astrigency of the tea offered a perfect conclusion to the meal.
After soaking myself in a hot bath, I donned my yukata, ready to enjoy the evening with kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meal) dinner that was a much a feast for the eyes as it was for the palate. It was an immersive journey through seasonal delights, truly a perfect end to a relaxing day in Gifu.
Kaiseki Dinner
Taste: 9/10
To open up the palate, I started with a small cup of fruit vinegar, which offered a refreshing tanginess that awakened the senses. Alongside the meal, I also ordered a bottle of cider; its light sweetness and effervescence paired beautifully with the array of flavours to come. Pika's advice: Do look out for the message from them after making your booking, so that you can specify your preference, especially if you don't consume either one of them.
Seven Appetiser Dishes (Set Menu)
Served on two separate bowls were a pale green-coloured tofu infused with shiso (lit. perilla herb) and anchovies simmered in soy sauce. On the black rectangular plate sat a shrimp, unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) atop vinegared rice and three kinds of fish, one of which was minced and wrapped in a leafy pouch.
Assorted Sashimi (Set Menu)
I relished the freshness of the vibrant orange salmon and the crimson tuna slices. Contrasting them beautifully were the clean white slices of squid - translucent and smooth with natural sweetness that lingered on the palate.
Chicken Meatball Soup (Set Menu)
Infused with ginseng, the soup offered soothing flavours complemented by its healing properties. With each sip, the earthiness of the ginseng harmonised with the mild sweetness of the tender, juicy chicken meatball.
Tempura (Set Menu)
The delicate crunch of the deep-fried items was delightful. I'd certainly love to have more of them, but anyway, they were wonderfully complemented by the green tea salt that accentuated their natural sweetness.
Grilled Sweetfish (Set Menu)
Sweetfish, which is known as ayu in Japanese, is native to East Asia. Its subtle sweetness was brought to life by the gentle char from grilling, which also crisped up its skin. Served on the side was a rice cake topped with miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) paste.
Wagyu Steak (Set Menu)
A marbled chunk of beef stood before me right from the start. which made my mouth water even before it touched the flame. Accompanied by onion, carrot and baby corn, the red meat was delectably succulent even though it wasn't the highest grade. All it needed was a sprinkle of salt to draw out the depth of its flavour.
Rice, Pickles & Miso Soup (Set Menu)
Fluffy and slightly sticky, the rice was accompanied by miso soup and pickles.
Dessert & Tea (Set Menu)
Melon's Rating
Taste: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Overall: 8.5/10
As the final spoonful of the coffee jelly melted away, I found myself wishing for a rewind button. Feeling thoroughly contented, I left the dining hall and enjoyed the rest of the evening before retiring to bed.
Hotel Park
(ホテルパーク)
397-2 Minatomachi
Gifu City, Gifu
Japan
*No separate price given as dinner is included in the room price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
Comments