A local treasure, one of a kind, but expensive and average service as a result.

The other day, I visited 忠弥 in 中延. It has a wonderfully old-fashioned, understated atmosphere, like a renowned spot known only to those in the know, and I was excited the moment I entered. The space consists only of a U-shaped counter, and even waiting is enjoyable as you watch the skewers grilling right in front of you. Every skewer is large and satisfying, with the harami and tongue especially outstanding. Flavor spreads with every bite, making the drinks go down easily. The signature stew was also delicious, with the seasoning thoroughly soaked in. The ordering system is distinctive too: you write your order on paper and hand it over, which adds another charming, interesting touch. I completely understood why it's packed with regulars despite its short opening hours. Definitely recommended if you want delicious grilled offal or skewers in 中延. It was a wonderful place that made me want to return.

+3

25.12 Arrived before 16 on a weekday, with 10 people waiting. Some old guys were drinking and talking really loudly, so the clientele wasn't great. They showed us inside after 16:15. I got in with the first seating, with a little over 20 people inside. 12 skewers and 3 cocktails. Skewers were 210円 each. Cocktails were 480円, if I remember correctly. The skewers are generally thick and meaty. The harami and tongue were good. The tataki was clearly undercooked, red and very soft inside. The taste wasn't anything to rave about either. I thought the bill would be just over 4,000円, but it was an unexpected 5,980円. Although I thought the calculation must be wrong, the difference wasn't that big, so I left without saying anything. Was the cabbage appetizer nearly 2,000円? The person next to me had roughly the same amount of food and drinks, but their bill was around 3,500円, so I think it was clearly a mistake. I ordered 3 harami skewers, so did they mix up harami and beef harami, or do they only have beef harami in the first place? I think beef harami was about 700円, so if it's the latter, perhaps the price was right?!

+2

This is the place I always go whenever I crave skewers. The current owner is easier to talk to than his predecessor. Under the previous owner, it was 'Strictly no chatting.' You were expected to order the skewers and drinks you needed, eat in silence, and pay. To be fair, there was always a queue at the entrance back then, so that may have been the best way to turn tables quickly. I was told off too…. When visiting with 2 or more people, please wait until everyone has arrived before entering. You'll get scolded if you enter before your whole party is there…! ① Order your drink when you enter. (The drinks menu is on the wall toward the back.) ② On the small notepad on the counter, write the 'skewer name,' 'seasoning (salt, tare, soy sauce, stamina),' and 'number of skewers (using 正 tally marks!)'. ★ The skewer names and what they contain are on the wall. ★ Also write down 'nikomi,' 'gatsu karasu,' or 'jumbo (salt-massaged cabbage)' if ordering them. ③ Leave your written note at the front of the counter and wait. ★ Order drinks verbally from the son or wife each time. If you talk to the owner while he's grilling skewers, you'll almost certainly get scolded. Also, if you don't let him concentrate on grilling, you may end up with burnt skewers, so be careful about talking to him! He'll talk to you himself when he has time (he's actually kind…) …So please come with a reasonable understanding of the rules. If you're unsure, ask the regulars beside you or nearby. I love tataki (salt), liver (salt), hatsushita (soy sauce), teppou (tare), himo (stamina), cartilage (soy sauce), gatsu karasu, and nikomi!

On weekdays, it's open by 16:15. The first seating filled up with about 2 seats left. (There was 1 person waiting after 15:30. Around 16:05, I was something like 12th.) I used to come often, and the food was incredibly good. Returning after about 3 years, my memories dimmed a little. Didn't the stamina seasoning have more impact…? I don't remember the husband speaking this harshly to his wife… The cocktails still pack an incredible punch. I felt the flavor had changed just a little, but the nostalgic atmosphere made it an enjoyable return. (They still had abura! It's amazingly good with salt.)

+1