I ended up going to Gotemba Premium Outlets twice this year alone. Strange, isn’t it. Anyway, I was driving along the expressway and thought I would just pop into the outlet on the way, but I ended up spending a good chunk of time there. Outlets are such dangerous places. If you are looking for lunch at the Gotemba outlet, it has to be Numazu Uogashi Zushi. It is best to go around 11, but I missed my timing and I think I waited about 30 minutes. Next time I will make sure to line up early.
Spanish mackerel
Spanish mackerel is a really tasty fish, but in Korea it is eaten braised far more often than raw. It may not look like much, but it is shipped straight from the source and the fish is in great condition.
Negitoro maki
Negitoro is the truth.
Aburi salmon
Salmon is such a fatty fish that it is at its best lightly seared.
Anago
Good portions, good taste. Sushi chains at this level are not that common. To be fair, the Midori and Toriton chains do this well too, but their lines are ridiculously long.
Negitoro gunkan
I am a negitoro lover, so I ordered two.
Chutoro
Otoro is just too fatty for me these days, so chutoro is about right.
Aburi sea bream with yuzu salt
It was a recommended item so I tried it, and it was good. After eating this well, the bill came to about 3,000 yen including the akadashi. That is about 1,500 yen per person, so the value for money is in a league of its own. Of course, if you order the pricey stuff and have a beer, you would blow past 2,500 yen in no time, but I had to drive and I am a small eater anyway, so that is unlikely to happen.
Inside the restaurant
Spacious and clean.
Inside the restaurant
There are not as many seats as you might think. This place really is a must-visit if you go to the Gotemba outlet. The problem is that there is so much to see at the outlet that the time spent in line feels like a waste.. McDonald’s, with no line at all, is way better in terms of time. It was a close call this day too.
Godiva
For dessert I just ordered a rich Godiva drink. It was rich all right.. This place is part of the routine too, so I could not skip it.
Gotemba has plenty of good brands, but as always, finding good clothes is a matter of luck. I did buy a few summer outfits this time, but who knows how it will go next time. Considering the time and effort, it might be easier to just go to a department store, but there is a certain thrill to an outlet. Anyway, if I go again, I will need to free up the whole day from the morning and take my time going around. And eat early too. This time I only got to see half of it before heading home, which is a real shame.
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