[Creative Fiction x Recipe] Virtual Izakaya 'Shukoroku' Episode 10: Saga Beef Fillet Steak and Red Wine
Content Introduction
Today's dish is 'Saga Beef Fillet Steak,' which brings out the maximum deliciousness of Wagyu beef.
Please enjoy the story of red wine and heart-easing moments unfolding in a virtual izakaya, along with the recipe and ingredient introduction.
Main Story
When you pass through the noren curtain, you are enveloped in a small world.
Words unravel in the sake, and we talk over the appetizers.
What shall be recorded tonight?
Tetsuo Negishi is a first-class architect specializing in the restoration of cultural properties. He has been involved in the preservation of cultural architecture for many years and recently worked on a project to revitalize old folk houses in Fukui. He runs a small private office in Hongo, Tokyo, and is currently focusing on training his apprentices.
Tetsuo's hobby was to stroll through the town and observe buildings whenever he had free time. In particular, he enjoyed nothing more than looking at the old houses lined up in the intricate terrain of the alleys.
One day, while strolling through Tokyo, he discovered an alley he had never entered before. Towns and buildings are so profound that they are far beyond what a single person can grasp. Thinking this, Tetsuo took a step into the alley.
The alley was quite intricate. Even for Tetsuo, who had more confidence in his spatial awareness than others, it was enough to make him lose track of where he was and which direction he was heading.
While immersed in a space that satisfied his curiosity to the fullest, he came across a small, old-fashioned house. Nothing was written on the white noren, and a pale lantern stood in the dim air just after sunset.
Observing closely, among the overall desolate impression of this gate, only the Japanese paper on the lantern was emitting a new light while inheriting the traditions of this building. Tetsuo felt an irresistible interest in this house that seemed to be a shop, and before he knew it, he had passed through the noren.
“Welcome.”
When he went inside, the Japanese painting hanging on the wall first caught his eye. Tetsuo intuitively felt that this painting must represent this shop.
Out of professional habit, he observed the inside of the shop one by one. It was sparse and bleak, but that seemed to optimize the space.
Tetsuo finally noticed Ikkon Mashiro, who was standing behind the counter wearing a navy samue and a white apron. Tetsuo bowed slightly and sat down at the counter seat.
“I'm sorry for staring. It's a professional habit.”
“By any chance, are you in the architecture business?”
“Yes, that's right. Is the Japanese paper on the lantern outside newly replaced?”
“As expected, a professional is different. You noticed well. That is the work of Urara Shinjo, a Japanese paper craftsman.”
“Shinjo? From Fukui?”
“Yes, she is a young craftsman.”
“I see. I was just working with her on a project in Fukui the other day. Even though she is young, she was a wonderful person with a strong core.”
“That is a mysterious connection. Well then, please wait a moment.”
Tetsuo was surprised that Mashiro turned his back and started working without even taking an order. Would an appetizer be coming?
However, Mashiro took a frying pan and put it on high heat. Then, he took a small lump of meat out of an aluminum foil wrapper and carefully placed it on the hot, smoking frying pan. At that moment, a sizzling sound rang out vigorously. A savory smell drifted to the counter. Tetsuo swallowed his saliva involuntarily. This must be the smell of beef fat.
Mashiro seared the surface of the beef one after another, then quickly took it out and carefully placed it on a plate. Then, in the remaining frying pan, he added red wine, soy sauce, honey, and a little bit of something else that looked like thin red wine, and brought it to a boil. The liquid immediately began to bubble and thicken. Mashiro scooped it up with a spoon and drizzled a small amount over the beef.
“It is Saga beef fillet steak.”
At the beauty of its appearance, Tetsuo swallowed his saliva once more. The surface of the beef was browned, and the inside of the cross-section was slightly reddish. The red of the condensed wine flowed down over it like a small waterfall. It was a dish constructed three-dimensionally.
Tetsuo reached his limit, quickly picked up his knife and fork, and put the knife into the beef. A soft response came through the knife. He put the bite-sized beef into his mouth. The moment he chewed, the elegant fat spread throughout his mouth. The sweet sauce embraced it with a slight acidity. I see, that last thing he added was wine vinegar.
“It might be a sin not to drink alcohol with this.”
“That's right. Right away.”
Mashiro showed a slightly triumphant smile, then took a wine glass with a long stem and a large bowl, and a wine bottle from the kitchen. He quickly pulled the cork and tilted the bottle into the glass.
“It is Napa Highrise, Cabernet Sauvignon.”
The glass was filled with a very deep red. When he lifted it and brought it to his nose, it smelled as if he were surrounded by barrels. This is something to look forward to. He put his lips to it and tilted the glass. While it had fruitiness, the tannins asserted themselves powerfully. There was even a richness like cocoa. This would not only not lose to the meat, but would even fight alongside it. Tetsuo cut the meat with his knife again, coated it with the sauce, and carried it to his mouth. As expected, there was no mistake. He poured the wine in again. Tetsuo's left and right brains were stimulated at the same time. Now, no one could stop him.
“This building doesn't seem to need any work for the time being.”
“If the need arises, please lend us your strength.”
“Of course. What is the name of this shop?”
“It is 'Shukoroku.' Sake and appetizers, so it is Shukoroku.”
“I look forward to the next 100 years.”
Tetsuo passed through the noren again. The second time, wrapped in the scent of beef fat and deep red.
Ikkon Mashiro watched Tetsuo's back as he left, then returned to the kitchen. Tonight, once again, a sake and appetizer pairing was recorded.
Return to Episode 1
Return to Episode 9
Continue to Episode 11...
Bonus Recipe
Season the block of fillet with salt and pepper, then coat with cake flour.
Heat a frying pan over high heat and add olive oil.
Once the pan is sufficiently hot, sear the surface of the meat.
Remove the meat, wrap it in aluminum foil, and cook it at a low temperature in an oven or similar at 65 degrees Celsius for about 3 hours.
Heat the frying pan again and sear the surface of the meat once more.
In the pan used for the meat, add red wine, soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar, then simmer until thickened to make the sauce.
Ingredient Introduction
Saga Beef Fillet: Get delicious meat through the hometown tax donation program.
Unbreakable Plate: It looks luxurious, yet it won't break even if you drop it 1,000 times?! Simply the best.
Olive Oil: The best balance of taste and price. For everyday use.
Napa Highrise: This is the one for meat dishes.
RIEDEL Wine Glass: The taste and aroma of wine change with just one glass.