[Rewrite Project Part 1: If I were to write it now...] The Venison Burger is delicious! A record of my 'Gourmet Exploration' food tour (Michi-no-Eki Tabayama)

Introduction

Hello everyone, this is Masa.

I started note on July 8, 2024.
At first, I posted four articles about facial nerve palsy while going through a lot of trial and error.
But then I suddenly thought, 'I'd like to post something else, too.'

That was the thought behind this first installment of my [Gourmet Exploration].
The title was... a bit embarrassing, but ”The Venison Burger is delicious! A record of my 'Gourmet Exploration' food tour (Michi-no-Eki Tabayama)”.

Back then, I didn't know how to use note, didn't know what or how I should write, and I agonized over it before posting.
It's nostalgic, and also embarrassing. That's how I feel.

Almost a year has passed!

I suppose I've gotten quite used to writing. Recently, I've been creating and posting without hesitation.

Is this the result of one year of effort?

And when I looked at my past articles, I wondered, how would I write them if I were to do it now?
A small question popped into my mind.

So, this time, I decided to rewrite that original, simple article.

[Rewritten Version] The Venison Burger is delicious! A record of my 'Gourmet Exploration' food tour (Michi-no-Eki Tabayama)

■ What kind of place is Michi-no-Eki Tabayama?

Tabayama Village is located in the northernmost part of Yamanashi Prefecture, right next to Okutama Town in Tokyo.
It is a nature-rich area surrounded by mountains and rivers, and a treasure trove for outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and mountain climbing.

One of its famous attractions is the 'roller slide,' which once boasted the longest length in Japan.
It's very popular with children, but... for adults, climbing to the top is a bit of a trial (laughs).

Michi-no-Eki Tabayama is located in that very village of Tabayama.
It's the perfect place to take a break during a drive or motorcycle trip.

If you cross the bridge right by the roadside station, there is a day-trip hot spring called 'Nomekoi-yu,' which is a welcome relief for a body tired from driving or outdoor activities.
It's a popular spot among the locals as well.

■ What is the famous 'Venison Burger'?

What caught my eye at this roadside station was the 'Venison Burger' at the light meal restaurant TABA Terrace.
It's a gibier dish that you can only find because it's in the mountains.

The name has an impact, so at first I thought, 'Wouldn't it have a strong flavor?', but surprisingly, it has no strong flavor at all.

The buns are slightly sweet and fluffy.
Add thick-sliced tomatoes, onions, and a savory venison patty, and you have an exquisite balance.
The more you chew, the more the flavor of the venison and the special sauce spread throughout your mouth.

There was no gamey flavor at all; rather, my impression was that it was 'easy-to-eat lean meat'.

What I think now

My previous article ended with 'It might be a little small...', but now I think this:

• This size is just right while sightseeing

• Easy to eat even with children (also great for game meat beginners)

• Enjoying it as a set with the hot spring increases satisfaction all at once

Even a gourmet experience that I previously summed up in just a few words can now be conveyed with proper context and insights.
That was the realization I had during this reflection.

Looking ahead to the 'Rewrite Project'

Moving forward, I hope to continue reviewing past articles as part of the 'Rewrite Project',
and once again carefully convey the charm of these places and gourmet foods.

'How would I write that article if I were writing it today?'──
I feel that asking myself that question is becoming a testament to my growth.

Thank you very much for reading until the end.
Please look forward to the next rewrite.

Thank you very much for reading until the end.