From Izu Kogen to South America!? Savoring the Mild Flavors of Mexican Cuisine Then, for lunch, we headed to “Family Restaurant Mexico,” which we’d spotted on a sign. The interior had a very authentic Mexican feel to it. However, true to its name as a family restaurant, it also offered kid-friendly menu items like hamburger steaks and pizza. They offer both authentic Mexican cuisine—which is still easy for Japanese people to enjoy—and dishes the whole family can enjoy together. The staff were also very kind, and I could really feel the restaurant’s warm atmosphere. I’ve visited Central and South America four times, and even in a single tile in the interior, I could sense the owner’s attention to detail. Since the owner was originally a musician, there were also many musical instruments, like a piano, displayed throughout the restaurant. This time, I ordered “chili con carne,” “tacos,” and the slightly spicy “Caribbean pizza.” Since everything is made from scratch, the pizza had a crispy crust and was absolutely delicious. Finally, they showed me some dried “chile”—Mexican chili peppers—which really drove home just how much care they put into their cooking. After filling up, I headed to “Wine Shop & Bar Viticult,” located quite close to my lodging, to buy some wine to enjoy back at the inn. Since our package included free wine bring-in, we bought a bottle that looked delicious and headed back to our lodging for the night, “Kaede-an.” This is a hotel I’d seen online and had wanted to visit for a long time. Every room comes with its own open-air bath, and you can even enjoy meals in rooms adorned with vintage British furniture. The meal was a course that blended Japanese and French styles; it was neither too heavy nor too light—just the right balance—and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In the spirit of celebration, I had a little wine and got a bit tipsy, then headed straight to my room to soak in the open-air bath. The staff were very attentive, even carefully adjusting the temperature of the bath for me. Breakfast the next morning was a luxurious spread; they even provided cute wrappers for guests who couldn’t finish their sandwiches. Since I was already full, I asked to take the tuna sandwich on an English muffin home to eat later if I got a little hungry. Eating in the room meant I didn’t have to go anywhere, and I was able to enjoy the charming room right up until the very end—it was the perfect breakfast.
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