Upper Village – Darts, Billiards / Pool
WHETHER you are or you’re not a subscriber to organic and local food, you won’t be able to resist the fresh izakaya-style menu at famous Niseko locale Wild Bill’s.
WHEN locals found out that Dennis Van Den Brink, who tends to Niseko Green Farm in the summer, was taking over the Wild Bill’s kitchen this winter, they knew he would use the opportunity to show the thousands who visit the area the things he cares most about – local and organic produce and really good quality food. His food philosophy is much deeper than this, and if you share his passion, he’ll surely divulge this further over a few quiet ales.
Dennis’ experience working on farms and in kitchens brings a sense of community to the table. Taking ingredients from farm to plate when he can, Dennis provides a menu that reaches well into Niseko’s renowned agricultural community.
Tofu from nearby Makkari, for example, is used in several dishes – Spinach and Tofu Salad, Tofu with Ginger and Bonito Flakes and the Fried Tofu with Eggplant and Daikon (Agedashi Tofu). Other locally branded meals include Mixed Local Vegetables, Makkari Mino San Lilly Root Croquettes, Butter Sauteed Hokkaido Scallops, Hokkadio Crab Cakes and Max The Hunter’s Fresh Hokkaido Venison. In addition to this is Dennis’ own brand of Niseko Green Farm menu items including Niseko Green Farm Organic Pumpkin Soup and his Roast Potatoes with Hokkaido Butter.
Tonight we order five dishes between the two of us. To start is the colourful and fresh Daikon Root Salad with Miso Sesame Dressing. This dish tastes as fresh as it looks. Shaved daikon root and crispy lettuce leaves topped with beetroot and a light creamy sesame dressing is the perfect start. Following this is a grilled tsubodai fish. It’s cooked much like the popular Hokkadio dish hokkei (grilled mackerel), but tsubodai, although it may look smaller, has more meat, more fat and therefore more taste.
We also eat another standard izakaya dish – Fried Tofu with Eggplant and Daikon (Aggedashi Tofu). The tofu sits in a beautiful salty broth and is chewy on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside. Next are the Organic Chillis stuffed with Beef and topped with Red Onion Pickle, which is a spicy contrast to the tofu’s sweetness. Last to try is the Korean Beef Tartare – diced raw beef topped with a farm fresh egg. For those that like raw beef and any sort of tartare, you will understand the excitement this dish evoked when it was brought to
the table.
You’ll need a few visits, or a really big group of people, to test out the menu in its entirety. After dinner, you could stay around for a few drinks and party well into the night, or you can go home or wander into the nightspots nearby.
Most people know Wild Bill’s as one of the most popular bars in town, but they also serve up great food as well! The Japanese izakaya-style menu means you can order plenty of tasty dishes to share amongst your friends, including sashimi, hotpot, crispy fried chicken and more, all made from fresh local produce. Come and have a delicious meal, then stay on for beers, cocktails and free pool.
Words by Lizzy Hoo
Photography by Ross Cole Hunter
Contact Information:
Phone: 0136 22 5652
Intl Ph: +81 (0)136 22 5652