Day 28 - The Hideout in a Cave

So I was in central Auckland today doing some sightseeing and scoping out my research areas when I passed this place on my way home.

It was dark (the picture was taken the next day), and I felt the need to check out a hole in the wall restaurant. I opened the door and peered down some dark stairs into a dimly light room. I could not make out what was down there, so naturally I walked down the stairs to check out what was going on.

I saw a bar surrounded by people sitting in chairs in the center of the room with tables and booths hugging the walls. Servers were running around inside the bar attending to the people. A man told me to sit in the corner.

I sat down and they gave me a drink menu and a food menu. I got some drink I had no idea about (it was around the cheapest they had). I ended up getting some Kizakura yamahai jikomi, or some mountain water. It was sake. It came in a small clay jug, about 4 ounces big, with a tiny cup with it (like this). I know what to do, I have seen movies that looked like this.

I poured the clear liquid into the cup and took a shot of it. It was like tasting a sweet vodka. I didn't want to just have vodka for dinner, so I grabbed a black Asahi beer for contrast. I also ordered some food with my beer, but it was not just any kind of food.

I ordered some rice, chicken, and some deep fried pork belly. The food tasted really good and the atmosphere was great. I liked the dimly lit room filled with flair outlining the walls. I ended the meal off with a dessert of chocolate-filled wontons and a side of whip cream. An expensive but rewarding night.

#Daily #Food #Restaurant