"Human Gourmet Entry: Surprisingly Delicious Restaurants" (Chukyo TV/Nippon TV Network, Tuesdays at 7 PM) is a variety show that introduces "surprising restaurants" that defy expectations. On June 30th, the show will feature a diner in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, run by a former announcer with a clear, resonant voice.
Celebrating its 63rd year in business, this beloved local diner is run by the second-generation female owner. Its specialty is the "Daily Lunch" (700 yen), which includes 15 side dishes such as lotus root and pea sprouts with plum dressing, simmered hijiki seaweed, stewed hamburger steak, croquettes, tonkatsu (pork cutlet), and chilled tofu. Each side dish is individually packaged in an aluminum cup and piled high on the plate. A fried egg peeks out from underneath, and the nutritionally balanced meal is very popular.
A customer who has been coming for 20 years ordered the "Special Ramen" (800 yen). It's a hearty dish with about three servings of noodles, homemade char siu pork, a fried egg, tonkatsu (pork cutlet), and kakiage (vegetable tempura). The "Omurice" (750 yen) is a luxurious dish with 1.5 bowls of rice stir-fried with Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, and two eggs. Rice bowls are also popular, such as the "Yakiniku Don" (800 yen) made with pork loin seasoned with raw soy sauce and sugar, and the "Katsu Don" (800 yen) made with lean Canadian pork loin.
The shop owner, known for his brisk demeanor and clear, resonant voice, has an unusual background as a former announcer. After graduating from high school, he worked for a cable broadcasting company and, after winning an announcing competition, went on to work for broadcasting stations in Shizuoka and his hometown. However, when his mother, the founder of the shop, passed away from illness, he took over the business at the age of 24. For the past 43 years, he has managed the shop while continuing his announcing work, such as hosting events, on his days off.
The program will also feature "Shigi" (Kofu City), an izakaya (Japanese pub) that has been featured since its first broadcast in 2023. The owner is a skilled chef, and the daily special is an incredibly cheap 500 yen, but his habit of oversleeping is his only flaw.
The latest video from "Shigi" follows the farewell day of a female part-time employee who has been a key part of the restaurant's success for the past four years. The owner is full of enthusiasm, even making "Memories of Omelet Rice Bowl," a dish that holds special memories for her, the daily special. However, a surprisingly basic mistake is discovered, and a turbulent day begins.
The show's MC is entertainer Hiromi, and the host is Eiji Kotoge of the comedy trio "Viking". Guests include entertainer Hidetaka Kano, Daigo Nishihata from the popular group "Naniwa Danshi", and Rei Ozono and Neo Sato Sato from "Sakurazaka46".
