Nukita Keiichi, 37, has been cooking as a chief chef since the hotel opened four years ago. He said, "I have been a gourmet since I was a child. When I was a junior high school student, I used to save my allowance to eat at different restaurants and try some different cakes". His restaurant with dishes using only selected local ingredients, is in the spotlight as a new "naturalist Western dining place". Selecting ingredients is especially important for Nukita. When he chooses farm products, for instance, what he regards as the most important is the enthusiasm of the farmers. They have to be pesticide-free, organic crops, which are grown under natural sunlight absorbing sufficient nourishment from the earth, and most of all, be something the farmers are proud to put on market. "I often visit the farmers. As we talk, I can find the connection between us as an ingredient provider and a cook, to learn more about their attachment and principles. Also, a good farm has a spirit that gives some energy to you, and the crops grown in the farm are affected. The spirit in the crops works as a hidden flavor in my dish", he said and smiled.
There is something I can do only in Sapporo
"To be honest with you, I have been dreaming about opening a restaurant in Tokyo, but I thought about what I can do only in Sapporo, which was more important. Hokkaido is full of nature. Due to the environment, there are abundant marine products as well as animals and plants obtained from the mountains". Hokkaido must be the perfect place for Mr. Nukita, who pursues fresh and tasty ingredients. He continued, "I only use eggs from Mr. Murata's farm in Naganuma-cho. He keeps free-range hens nourished with home-made natural feed. For the vegetables, I try to use only ones from the farms I have seen, if possible. One day, a farming family, I do business with, came over for dinner. At first, they did not quite feel at home, but after tasting the food for themselves, they were happy to learn their products are cooked so well. I realized how happy I was, as a chef, to see friendship develop and to share the spirit of the agricultural producer. In such an occasion, I realize what I am living for.
Promoting our hometown by cooking what is unique to the region
"As I pursue good ingredient, I am becoming more involved in the local region". For the past ten years, Mr. Nukita has been traveling, searching for the best ingredient around Hokkaido. In the course of his efforts, he has been promoting the efficient use of local products, giving some advice with regard to their merchandising, as well as giving lectures and workshops related to food. He is also planning to have something very unique in the country, which is to present periodical events in cooperation with municipal governments. It seems his restaurant will vitalize the town. He states his philosophy. "The Chinese character representing 'food' is a combination of 'people' and 'good'. So it means that food is a way to improve people's lives. It would be great if I could contribute to activating each region by making the best of locally unique products because I believe that food culture is the core of people's lives". Mr. Nukita will continue to establish a network of friends and admirers through his new concept of food.
Photo: A main dish of very healthy "Diet Lunch C Set"
