Make Fishing More Creative. Discover the Allure of Fish Through Cooking. | feature

Make fishing more creative. Discover the appeal of fish through cooking.

There are many joys to fishing. Of course, there’s the thrill of the catch itself, but everything—from the preparations leading up to the day of the trip, to the journey to the fishing spot, and even the time spent figuring out how to get the fish to bite—is simply the best. And when it comes to saltwater fishing, cooking the fish you’ve caught is part of the fun. At “Peperosso,” an Italian restaurant in Ikenoue, Tokyo, the staff enjoy fishing themselves and incorporate their catch into the menu. They say they decide on cooking methods and seasonings based on the type and condition of the fish, but what really stands out is their creative freedom. How will they cap off a day spent in Odawara at the end of summer?

Photo_Fumihiko Ikemoto

Text_Shogo Komatsu

Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Exploring the Best: Various Cooking Methods.

I returned to Tokyo and headed to “Pepelosso” in Ikenoue. Ikenoue is located about a 10-minute walk from Shimokitazawa and is known as a neighborhood brimming with charming shops, ranging from gourmet restaurants to fashion boutiques. “Pepelosso” is conveniently located about 50 meters from the station, and its stylish exterior blends seamlessly into the quiet streetscape.

Inside the restaurant, displays featuring photos of the staff’s memorable catches and lures give the place a distinct fishing enthusiast vibe. Another charm of this restaurant is that you can enjoy exquisite dishes in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Among the tableware he uses are pieces crafted by Mr. Imai. He says he creates them based on the seas of the regions where he has gone fishing. For example, one piece features a color scheme inspired by the sea—tinged with shades of purple and yellow—that he saw when his boat set out at sunrise in Choshi, Chiba, where the first sunrise on the mainland can be seen. Knowing that his fishing sensibilities are woven into the tableware makes me look forward to the meal even more.

This time, we decided to prepare seven dishes. At “Pepe Rosso,” they say they taste the fish they catch prepared in every possible way—raw, grilled, simmered, and deep-fried. With an approach that breaks free from conventional thinking, they bring out new flavors in the ingredients. Incidentally, they record the types and quantities of every catch and keep this data for reference the following year.

Mihara:It’s fun to think about what cooking methods work best for this fish and what seasonings will make it taste even better. When you explore different ideas, you sometimes discover unexpected combinations. I don’t think the information you find online covers everything about fish flavors and cooking methods. It’s fun to cook based on what we actually see and experience ourselves.

Whether it’s maintaining precise temperatures, distinguishing the sounds of food cooking, paying attention to textural contrasts, or arranging dishes beautifully—cooking, which engages all five senses, stimulates creativity just like art. Since you have to plan out the cooking process, it might also be perfect for brain training.