Establishment of Gourmet King

A new activity has started with four members, Nankaku, Toda, Nakano, and Sato, who have an extraordinary passion for food, one of the real pleasures. First, we will introduce recommended lunch spots around DENSO headquarters. Please share your recommendations too!

Restaurant 1: BRASSERIE USAGI

Nankaku: It is located near the railroad tracks, exiting the west gate of DENSO headquarters. It opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lunch prices are a bit high for this area, but the portions are substantial, so itʼs recommended. They have daily specials of fish, meat, and pasta, all of which come with a small bowl, rice, and soup. You can also get refills on the rice.

The interior is clean and well-branded. They provide stylish hand towels by pouring hot water over dried, compressed cloths right in front of you. The water is detox water, infused with fruits and mint. If youʼre unsure where to have lunch, this is the place to go.

The curry is excellent, with spices that donʼt leave a lingering heat. Even with the curry, you get a small bowl of side dishes, which is nice. They are open on company holidays, so when I crave curry, I go here.

Toda: Nankaku took me there once. You can see people heading to the company from the windows.

Nankaku: If it feels awkward making eye contact, I just lower the blinds.

Sato: Do you go there at night as well?

Nankaku: At night, itʼs an izakaya with delicious meat and wine. They serve local Japanese wines. You should definitely try it.

Restaurant 2: Farmerʼs Pasta House NAPPA

Nakano: My first visit was with my family for dinner. Itʼs a homey place, and the staff are kind, making it easy to go with kids. As the name suggests, they use vegetables grown in Aichi. The salad that comes first is beautifully arranged on a large plate. I like how they bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, so I go there quite often. When you order a course meal at night, they serve juice and explain that itʼs made from fresh vegetables and fruits. They have unique dishes, like perilla (shiso) and Genovese, which you donʼt see in other places. The salad is highly recommended, and itʼs very accessible from the company, just 1-2 minutes north of the west gate. The tables are made of natural wood, and they have dried flowers for an organic feel. Theyʼre open at night too.

Restaurant 3: Café Berry

Toda: Do you all know Café Berry?

Nankaku: Oh, Iʼve been there.

Toda: Iʼve often gone there with colleagues from the design department. Itʼs located a bit off the main street near the station. Itʼs a trendy café. The lunch menu includes pasta, pizza, and curry, but I always get the curry. When I had it, it was baked curry with sausage, very filling and flavorful. I havenʼt been able to go recently, but I really want to eat there again.

Sato: Baked curry means itʼs baked in the oven?

Toda: Yes, thatʼs right. Another feature of Café Berry is that they serve potatoes with the meals.

Nankaku: The potatoes are delicious.

Toda: They come with cheese, and they are very tasty. While waiting for the curry, you can keep eating the potatoes. They are also open at night and can host large parties. The place is spacious.

Nankaku: I havenʼt tried the curry yet, so I want to go.

Toda: Iʼve only ever had the curry, though.

Restaurant 4: Ramen Ushio

Nankaku: I highly recommend Ramen Ushio. I go there about once a week. They offer salt and soy sauce ramen, with the salt ramen being their signature dish. During lunchtime, you can get in relatively smoothly, but itʼs a counter-seating-only place.

Nakano: They have two locations, right?

Nankaku: The other location is partnered with a yakiniku restaurant, offering harami bowls and grilled meat bowls, but this one serves only ramen. The ramen is topped with aosa seaweed, and though it looks mild, it packs a punch and is very tasty.

Tasting

Tasting at Farmerʼs Pasta House NAPPA for Lunch

Sato: Since itʼs a place known for good salads, I want to try the salad!

Toda: I was thinking the same!

Sato: What is this? I canʼt tell just by looking.

Nakano: Itʼs yam with a curry flavor. They always have surprising flavors.

Sato: Wow, Iʼve never had yam in a salad before! Itʼs delicious.

Nakano: This is one of my favorite dishes. The thick slices of grilled lotus root highlight the vegetablesʼ appeal, making it enjoyable to look at as well. After the shrimp and sauce flavors come through, the freshness of the shiso ties everything together, making it easy to keep eating. I want seconds.

Nankaku: The grilled cheese gives off a savory aroma, stimulating the appetite. The mild saltiness of the cheese and the acidity of the tomato are well-balanced, and the basil adds a harmonious touch.

Toda: The large pieces of burdock and mushrooms add a substantial feel. Though itʼs a Bolognese, the vegetables are the main stars. Itʼs very delicious.

Thank you for the meal!