"Human Gourmet Entry: Surprisingly Delicious Restaurants" (Chukyo TV/Nippon TV Network, Tuesdays at 7 PM) is a variety show that introduces "surprising restaurants" that exceed expectations. On April 14th, the show will feature a set meal restaurant in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, where you can enjoy generous portions, and an update on a greengrocer in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, that sadly closed down, much to the regret of its fans.
◇Wakayama, Iwade City
This diner is known for its generously portioned set meals, which often elicit exclamations of surprise from customers such as, "It's so big!" and "It's so long!" The "Chicken Cutlet Set Meal" (900 yen) includes a whole chicken thigh, a chicken cutlet weighing approximately 370 grams, along with yakisoba noodles and a mini udon noodle dish.
The signature dish is the "Special Set Meal" (1200 yen), prepared by the head chef who previously worked at a traditional Japanese restaurant. It includes nine small side dishes, all handmade, such as daikon radish with miso dressing, blanched spinach, rolled omelet made with fragrant bonito broth, and homemade chicken ham. It also comes with three pieces of fried chicken. Because of the sheer number of dishes, it's served on a single plate.
Furthermore, they offer a variety of dishes to satisfy customers' appetites, including the "Hamburg Steak Set Meal" (1200 yen), which features 230 grams of meat topped with a special sauce made from a blend of several types of roux, and the "Sashimi Set Meal" (1200 yen), which includes about 20 slices of natural sea bass and yellowtail from Wakayama Prefecture, as well as seared sea bream and flounder.
Five years ago, the female owner opened the restaurant with a former colleague, the head chef. She smiles and says, "It makes me so happy when people tell me they don't need dinner." Although prices continue to rise, she says, "Being able to eat is a blessing," and has no intention of reducing portion sizes. Here's why she's so particular about her food.
◇Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Kobayashi-kun Yaoya, a greengrocer in Midori City, Gunma Prefecture, was known for its generosity, often giving away an entire watermelon (worth 2,500 yen) to customers. The owner became famous for passionately singing Masaki Suda's "Niji" (Rainbow) to his customers, but the shop closed in August 2024, with the owner stating that he wanted to "travel the world while singing."
About a year and a half has passed since then. The shop owner, Tetsuo, has opened a baked sweet potato shop in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture. He sources high-quality Silk Sweet and Beni Haruka sweet potatoes from Ibaraki Prefecture and bakes them slowly for over an hour to bring out their sweetness. A bag of baked sweet potatoes (6 pieces) costs 500 yen. He also continues to offer the service of singing "Rainbow." What kind of "happiness" has the shop owner, who traveled around Europe after closing his greengrocer, found in his new shop?
The show's MC is entertainer Hiromi, and the host is Eiji Kotoge of the comedy trio "Viking". Guests include Hiroya Yamazaki of the comedy duo "Untouchable" and track and field athlete Hitomi Nakajima.
