The soft sound of the pot simmering filled the restaurant.
Nobuyuki was making stewed hamburg steak.
The grilled hamburg steaks were slowly simmering in a thick demi-glace sauce.
For today’s hospitality, the three of them, including Eva, discussed what kind of dish to serve. They decided that something with meat would be good for Adolf, who has a hearty appetite.
It was a dish that Nobuyuki was used to making.
One of the special dishes that his old restaurant, Yukitsuna, served only at Christmas every year was this stewed hamburg steak.
The key to Tōhara’s hamburg steak recipe is to cook it gently and carefully so that it is soft enough for children and the elderly to eat.
The two well-behaved customers seemed to be fascinated by Nobuyuki’s quick work of peeling potatoes.
They stared at him with wide eyes, as if they were watching a magic trick.
“Don’t you ever accidentally cut your fingers when you cut that fast?”
“When I was just starting my training, I used to cut them sometimes. I’m used to it now.”
Nobuyuki, who shows an unexpectedly friendly side to children, cuts the potatoes into easy-to-eat sizes while he talks.
He is warming the oil and crushing the garlic, so he must be making french fries. They are delicious. It’s a taste you’ll come back for.
Potatoes with fried garlic chips are so delicious, but for those in the service industry like Shinobu, they can’t eat them unless the next day is a holiday.
Angelica, who is still young, seems to be interested in both Nobuyuki’s skill and Eva’s movements, and her gaze wanders around.
When the potatoes start to make a nice clattering sound in the oil, she seems to be curious about them too. She is also curious about the salt mill on the counter, and she keeps fiddling with it, only to have Adolf slap her hand sharply.
“What a cute little brother and sister you have.”
“I’m sorry, they’re a bit embarrassing.”
Eva, who seems to be wondering whether she should stand by the shop or with her siblings, blushes and hides half of her face with a tray.
For Shinobu, who did not have a very good relationship with her siblings, it is something to be envious of.
“Here you go.”
When Nobuyuki presented the plates, the two of them cheered.
The hamburg steak was soaked in a thick stew and had a delicious aroma. Shinobu, who had tasted the prototype, almost smiled as she remembered the taste.
The hamburg steak, which has been cooked so tender that it does not require a knife and fork, is eaten with a spoon. The side dish of roughly cut french fries is eaten with toothpicks.
It was a consideration to make it easy for children to eat, but it may have been a little rude to Adolf, who seemed more mature than he thought.
The two of them scoop the hamburger steak with a spoon, mix it with the demi-glace sauce, and bring it to their mouths.
The next moment, their eyes opened wide.
“Delicious!”
“Delicious!”
This must be the first time they have ever eaten meat cooked so softly.
Although it was made small so that it would not fall apart, Adolf devoured one hamburg steak in two bites and started on the next one.
Angelica also uses the spoon with all her might, but the hamburg steak falls apart. Eva immediately lends a hand, showing her sisterly concern. They must have this kind of family gathering at home as well.
It makes you feel strangely happy to see someone eating something delicious. It is even more so when it is a child.
The people of the Old Capital eat well and laugh a lot.
Perhaps Shinobu continues to run Izakaya Nobu to see these smiles.
“Shinobu-chan, help yourself.”
He offered me the french fries made from the potatoes Adolf had brought. Of course, there are no garlic chips on top.
When I took a bite, I was surprised at how rich the flavor was.
The texture is similar to a May Queen potato, but the sticky texture is slightly reminiscent of taro. It is a taste that naturally brings a smile to your face.
Depending on how it is cooked, it may become even better.
“What do you think?”
“I think this potato would be better if it were boiled. For example…”
“Nikujaga?”
Shinobu nodded vigorously while taking another bite of the french fries.
These potatoes grown in Eva’s home and Nobuyuki’s broth.
With these, they might be able to make a very delicious nikujaga.
Angelica, whose mouth was smeared with potato, muttered curiously.
“Onee-chan. Is this really a witch’s shop?”
There was a light snapping sound, and Angelica started to cry.
It was Adolf who hit her on the head.
“Don’t say things like that!”
“Adolf!”
This time, Eva scolds Adolf.
Witch’s shop.
She knew she was being talked about like that.
Regular customers told them as a joke. More than once or twice.
She didn’t know the reason, and she didn’t think anything of it until now.
But when she hears that even a small child like Angelica knows about the rumor, she feels strange.
The rumor that there might be a witch in the old capital was already being talked about as if it were true. There are even people who claim to have met her.
The spread of this kind of talk may not be a good sign.
“Angelica, who did you hear that from?”
“Everyone says it. They say Izakaya Nobu is a witch’s shop.”
Eva grabs Adolf’s wrist as he tries to hit Angelica on the head again. Without looking at them, Shinobu was thinking vaguely about something else.
About this shop.
About life in the old capital.
And about the witch.
I don’t know exactly what the rumors are, but I hope it doesn’t turn out to be anything bad.
Shinobu just wants to see customers eat delicious food and be happy.
To comfort Angelica, who was about to cry, she took out a pudding from the refrigerator for dessert.
Ingrid’s and Camilla’s portions are kept separately.
Recently, Ingrid has started drinking with Arnoux a lot. Ingrid seems to be listening to Arnoux’s complaints that his poems were not accepted by Krowinkel, and they have become good friends.
It seems that Ingrid, who has just moved to the old capital and has few acquaintances, is also a good person to talk to.
When she came yesterday, the amulet was hanging from Ingrid’s neck.
The amulet, which has fulfilled its role, will be discharged from its duty.
“Thank you for the meal!”
“Thank you!”
The pudding containers are so clean that there is no need to wash them.
They both must have a sweet tooth.
“Shinobu-san, I’m sorry. Is this enough?”
The bag that Adolf apologetically opened on the counter was filled with copper coins.
He must have saved up his pocket money and tips.
“It’s okay today. I was just treating the two of you who came to thank us.”
“But…”
Eva gently took the bag from Adolf, who was still reluctant, and pushed it into his pocket.
“It’s important to learn to accept kindness. Thank Taisho and Shinobu properly.”
“Thank you very much for today.”
“Thank you!”
Shinobu and Nobuyuki smiled at each other as they watched the two bow politely.
The calm autumn day passed slowly with everyone’s smiles.