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[Takarazuka City] Superb udon that will come back again and again! Sanuki Dining “Frankel”
``Frankel'', named after the British racehorse known as the world's strongest, is located near the Hanshin Racecourse. The restaurant, which is busy especially during lunch time, offers a diverse lineup of izakaya menu items, including Sanuki udon, which is chewy and full-bodied!
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Table of Contents
- I was impressed by the freshly fried crispy chicken tempura!
- Enjoy the overwhelming volume
- Great for izakaya use or casual drinking.
- There are comfortable table seats in the back.
- basic information
I was impressed by the freshly fried crispy chicken tempura!
On the 1st floor of Sarasa Incheon North Building, a commercial facility adjacent to Incheon Station on the Hankyu Imazu Line, known for the Hanshin Racecourse, there is a famous restaurant called ``Frankel'' that will delight udon freaks. Sanuki Dining was selected as a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2016, and is visited by fans of all ages, especially during lunchtime.
When I asked him what he recommended, the owner, Mr. Harada, said, ``The chicken tempura series is very popular.'' The restaurant's name, which any horse racing fan will appreciate, comes from the legendary racehorse "Frankel," said to be the strongest in the world. The creative menu created by the owner, who loves both horse racing and udon, is attracting a lot of attention.
I was excited to see the menu, and there were 9 different types of chicken tempura udon, including chicken tempura with egg sauce, grated chicken tempura and vinegar soy sauce, grated chicken tempura bukkake with mentaiko tartar sauce, and more! I had a lot of trouble deciding, but I ordered the ``Chicken Tempura Bukkake Udon with Homemade Tartar Sauce'' (1,150 yen).
Not only the taste, but also the three-dimensional visuals are impressive! Three pieces of freshly fried crispy chicken tempura are perfectly satisfying to eat. The homemade tartar sauce, which is said to be ``made with an original taste using plenty of eggs,'' is also deeply delicious! It goes well not only with a generous amount of chicken tempura, but also when dissolved in soup stock.
The udon noodles are boiled only after an order is placed. The two types of flour are blended together, and each cup is carefully made by finely adjusting the beating method to suit the temperature and humidity.
Enjoy the overwhelming volume
My family ordered the ``Selectable Udon Set'' (1,030 yen), which was labeled as ``No. 1 in popularity!''. This one comes with the main udon (kake udon or bukkake udon, hot or cold), 4 types of tempura, and rice, so it's a great deal! Choose from four types of rice: mentaiko rice, egg-cooked rice, whitebait rice, and yam rice. We have selected the egg-cooked rice recommended by Mr. Harada.
The shiny noodles are a work of art! It was a blissful moment that filled my stomach while enjoying the chewy texture and fresh aroma. ``It's very filling, so it's okay for parents and children to share it,'' says Harada.
Today's tempura consisted of four types: chicken, shrimp, eggplant, and sweet potato. After piping hot and salted, we topped it with noodles like this and enjoyed it luxuriously.
Great for izakaya use or casual drinking.
When I suddenly looked up at the counter, I saw bottles of sake, shochu, and other alcoholic beverages lined up! Yes, another attraction of "Frankel" is the selection of a la carte dishes. There are about 80 types of food, from quick menus perfect for quick drinks to creative tempura menus from udon restaurants, salads, and special dishes! Udon is also great for a quick drink, to go to an izakaya, or as a accompaniment to a nice drink.
The ``Grilled Duck Loin Caprese'' (800 yen), which I ordered to accompany my cold draft beer (570 yen), had a refreshing aroma of smoky duck meat, mozzarella cheese, basil sauce, and olive oil!
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There is a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, highballs, sake, shochu, and cocktails. ``Sweet Potato and Cream Cheese Salad'' (580 yen) is popular among women for its warm and gentle sweetness.
Unique cocktails named after racehorses are a must-see for horse racing fans! In addition, the great value ``Alcohol Set'' (1,100 yen) comes with 3 types of omakase, 1 type of today's fried food, and 1 drink (draft beer, various highballs, or various sours), making it perfect for a quick drink. Yo.
There are comfortable table seats in the back.
The deep interior is equipped with comfortable counter seats and table seats. The counter seats lined up in rows are also special seats where you can see the kitchen up close! Even a woman alone can feel at ease here. Also, this chair is height adjustable, so children are welcome.
On the wall behind the counter, there are lots of autographed colored papers with cute pictures of horses! Due to its proximity to the Takarazuka Grand Theater, many people visit Takarazuka Theater or on their way home from the theater.
For group meals such as families or mom-friend gatherings, please sit at a table in the back. It's a comfortable space where you'll want to stay for a long time.
When the crowded lunch time calms down, Mr. Harada is quietly preparing noodles in the back of the kitchen. Let the dough rest overnight and prepare it for the next day. A popular restaurant that attracts a wide range of people, from students returning from club activities to solo female customers and families. Whether you're a horse racing fan or not, please come and check out the new menu inspired by the owner.
(Writer Kayoko Sotozono)
*This article is information as of July 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.
basic information
Frankel
Address: Sarasara Incheon Kita Building 105, 2-5-1 Incheon Kita, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone number: 050-5590-4890
Business hours: 11:00-23:00 Closed on Mondays
Access: 1 minute walk from Hankyu Imazu Line “Incheon Station”
Parking: Available (“Sara Incheon” underground parking lot/service tickets issued)
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