Italian Gastronomy: Spring “Tidbits” at Soloio in Shizuoka City, Japan!

Now, what was that superlative risotto made with?
Read below!

Service: Pro and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late!

Whenever I discover a new risotto concocted by Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦, who unofficially make the best in Shizuoka Prefecture, it seems to reminds me of Charles at Five Euro Food.. It might be time to challenge him to create a risotto for 5 euros!

I’ve already introduced Solio in Shizuoka many a time, but I go there regularly for a glass of wine and a single dish in between work I’ll just proceed directly to introduce the “tidbits” I recently enjoyed!

This salad was prepared with enormous lucolla/roquette leaves organically grown by one of the Chef’s neighbors!
In Shizuoka there is very little in using imported or mass-produced vegetables!

Beautiful lucolla leaves! Enormous, crispy and so delicious with a minimal dressing. Health in heaven!

The orange tomatoes are also grown in Shizuoka City!

Solio’s risottos are mostly seasonal.
The other day I asked if Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦 had any secrets for his famous recipes.
He simply enough replied:
“Any good chef can come up with truly great risottos if he uses good and fresh products. The only difference is the stock/stock soup!”
Great answer, but I will never know his secret stock!
Now, what was the above risotto made with?

Shizuoka-grown Na no Hana/Broccolini and Hokkaido “Kegani/毛蟹/Horsehair crab, Horse crab, supposedly the best crab in Japan!
Extravagant!

Now, how about this creamy one I had last night?

Sora mame/蚕豆/Broad beans and Talegio Cheese!

Takehiko asked me to try and come when the restaurant is not too busy as I tend to request dishes that are written on the official menu…

To be continued…

SOLOIO
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

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