[Hotto Motto] A Night Sinking into a Golden Sea

A hot night in August.
The asphalt still holds its heat, slowly shimmering in the air.
The cicadas have stopped their chorus, and the veil of night is slowly descending.
On a day like this, I want to eat curry.
That curry, sweet and with just a hint of spice.

The Hotto Motto on the corner.
It's my go-to spot.
Through the glass, I can see the staff moving busily about.
When I open the door, there is that wonderful aroma of bento being prepared.
Within it, I can faintly detect the scent of curry.

Having ordered via the app, I glance at the people in line and simply pick up my order to head home.
Reservations are truly a wonderful system.

I unwrap the package.
The pleasant aroma of curry stimulates my stomach.

A pork loin cutlet sits proudly atop the white rice.
Beside it, the glossy roux.
Several chunks of beef that look like they might fall apart at a touch are submerged within.
Depending on the angle of the light, the roux looks amber, or perhaps like the setting sun.

One bite.

The moment it enters my mouth, a soft sweetness envelops my tongue.
A fragrance faintly reminiscent of fruit slowly spreads.
The spiciness is mild, with only a hint of spice arriving from afar in the aftertaste.
Ah, this is a curry meant to be savored slowly.
A luxury for a summer night, meant to be enjoyed over time.

As I make my way through the rice, the roux starts to run low.
At times like this, the presence of the pork loin cutlet is reassuring.
The crispy breading and the savory flavor of the meat support the white rice perfectly.
In my mouth, the sweetness and the savory notes mingle to tell a single story.

Spicy umami spice.

I usually don't add spice since I'm not good with hot food, but I decided to sprinkle a little on as a test.
In an instant, a heat like the summer sun falling onto my tongue raced through.
It transformed into a curry rich with the aroma of spices.
If I added all of it, I'm sure a different story would begin.
But for today, half is enough.
Just enough to make me break a light sweat.

After fully enjoying the lingering flavor, I cleared away the container.
Indeed, this was a greedy curry.

For some reason, summer makes me want to eat curry.
By the time I finish the plate, my body is warm, and my heart is quietly satisfied.
I want to remember this summer, along with that lingering aftertaste.