Xiào Fú Tíng Dào の Yì Diàn

When returning from Wakayama to Mie, I used to take the Osaka route on the highway, but now that Nara and Wakayama are connected and it's free to pass through, it's cheaper and more convenient than going through Osaka. The highway is clean and free, but there are few places to take a break... Thankfully, there is a parking area at this road station with restrooms, a small restaurant, and local souvenirs for sale. ＼^o^／

I had lunch at the restaurant "Men no Sotokuro" at Michi no Eki Katsuragi, as it was just around noon. Today's menu was the Wakayama Chashu-men and rice set, priced at 1,000 yen. Although a bit on the higher side, I chose it. The chashu was grilled on a burner after ordering, bringing out a delicious smoky flavor, and the soy-based aromatic oil was carefully emulsified in the rich and velvety soup, creating a highly satisfying ramen. The soup paired well with the rice, leaving me fully satisfied. The facilities were clean, and there was a direct sales area for vegetables, offering fresh produce for purchase. There was also a resting area, and although small in scale, it was a nice Michi no Eki.

I visited the restaurant during peak hours at 30. Just like on the way down, there was high demand and the parking lot was almost full. I wish they had a service area on a larger scale, haha. The facilities are of medium size, with a dining area and small retail section. It was bustling with customers. They had alcohol disinfection as part of their COVID-19 measures.