From appetizers to main course, guests get to pick and choose from Semina’s original menu. The appetizing descriptions, such as “Butter confit of Mr. Nakanishi’s burdock roots from Kunneppu,” add to the excitement of the meal while highlighting exactly where the ingredients came from.

Freshly made after each order, fresh Okoppe milk mozzarella is a delightful appetizer. Served with Italian prosciutto, the cheese is silky, soft and rich in flavor. The chef also makes his own ham using fresh pork from a farm in Ashoro. The meat is sliced into layers and served with sauteed apples and grated mountain wasabi.

A lover of pasta, the chef has a number of recipes using a variety of regional pastas such as chitarra and paccheri. The day’s choices include spaghetti with bottarga and snow-preserved cabbages. The saltiness of the fish roe and the sweetness of the cabbage go so well together. The bowl of Ezo deer ragu is rich in flavor.

Rice koji risotto is a Semina signature. The malt is cooked for just a couple of minutes until al dente and tossed with mussel to bring out more umami. The exquisite texture makes this dish unique and unforgettable.

Roasted Ezo venison is served with butter-confit burdock. The meat is well cooked at a high temperature, creating a crispy texture on the outside and a moist texture on the inside. Aged Tokachi wagyu sirloin roast is grilled to perfection with the inside moist and tender. The meat is sourced from Sakaeya, a famous butcher in Shiga Prefecture. Kita Akari potatoes are ripened to bring out its sweetness. “After returning to Hokkaido from Italy, I realized this place is full of incredible produce,” Tanaka says.

INGREDIENTS
As described in the detailed menu, most of the ingredients used in Semina’s cuisine are made in Hokkaido. Tanaka pays regular visits to producers, helping build strong relationships. The Okoppe milk used to make the homemade mozzarella is delivered to the restaurant three times a week. The rice malt comes from Ezo-Fuji Brewing in Yubari. The olive oil from Veneto has a gentle flavor.