PIRATEMAN OPENING

　 Most of Hotel Romulus’s guests can recognize our chef by the ever-present bandana on his head. And whether you know him as Kurashina-san or by his nickname, “Pirateman”, if you have ever eaten his cooking, you’ll be pleased to know he’s finally gone public.

　An izakaya is a wonderful place where Japanese meet to share drinks and conversation over a good meal, half café and half pub.

On December 16th a small group of friends and colleagues met at a lodge set back among the trees next to the resort and celebrated the opening of Izakaya Pirateman.

　With a warm fire burning in the stove and champagne corks flying we all toasted his success. Most chose a second round of fine Japanese sake, but a few enjoyed beer or some of Pirateman’s best European wines. Then as the rest of us began to chat and nurse our drinks, Pirateman disappeared behind the counter to do what he does best. A mixed crowd of Japanese, Australians, and Russians laughed the night away while dish after dish flew out of Pirateman’s kitchen. Local Japanese specialties came out side by side with French, Italian and even a few Chinese dishes. Salads, seafood, beef, chicken, deserts; each sauce and dressing made from scratch, and every one better than the last. It was enough for a small, but very lucky, army.

　When the evening finally ended, lots of new friends had been made and good times had been shared. Everyone agreed that the wonderful food and the comfortable atmosphere would have them coming back again and again.