Half a year has passed since the opening of the "Kun Factory Topaz" in Hirosaki (3, Joto, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-78-1206).

Hirosaki's first smoked specialty store opened on June 30 last year. Osamu Narita, who was involved in the sale of whiskey at a major liquor maker, came to propose smoked dishes as a sake liquor (shukou), which opened the door. Narita recalled, "On a business trip, I used to eat smoked vegetables and listen to how to make them as a hobby."

Regarding the appeal of smoked smoke, Narita says, "Smoked smoke that can condense umami, adjust saltiness, and add scent is not the same depending on the wood, temperature, and time."

The main menu, "Kaki no Tane" (200 yen each), is a smoked product made from a single smoke of wood. Mr. Narita reveals that he smoked to convey that the scent and taste differ depending on the tree. He explained that he chose persimmon seeds because "everyone has eaten it, it was reasonably priced, and the difference in taste was easy to understand."

The trees that have been smoked in the past include cherry blossoms, apples, walnuts, beech, oak, hiba, ginkgo, wigs, maple, chestnuts, etc. Mr. Narita smiles, saying, "A broad-leaved tree that can be obtained in Aomori. The strength of Aomori is the abundance of necessary wood. The standard smoked cherry trees and apples are truly representative of Hirosaki."

The menu lineup includes mixed nuts, cheese (500 yen or more), bonito chips, "smoked edamame" (400 yen or more). Narita says, "Smoked everything," according to the seasonal ingredients. "I smoked the autumn dried salmon and made it smoked, and the response was good. I want to try Akita's specialty, "Iburi-gakko," this year.

There is also a corner where you can experience smoked products. “I wanted you to feel free to smoke,” says Narita. Bring your own food and experience 500 yen each. “Some people tried smoked all day long to use the fish purchased at the supermarket as a snack for a drink,” he recalls.

Six months have passed since it opened, and the number of repeaters has increased. Narita smiled, "I didn't think there were such smoked lovers." It is said that some people who purchased at the event that opened the store come as a repeater and also come from outside the prefecture. “Some people want to buy it on the Internet, but I don't think of it at the moment. I want to continue smoked products that can only be done in Aomori,” he said.

“I heard that the topaz, which is the name of the store, is a jewel that can be changed in many colors, so I named it so that I can propose smoked products that match my taste. I will continue to convey the appeal of smoked products and various smoked products like topaz. As long as you make it."

Business hours from 13:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays.