There are many reasonably priced and delicious foods in the provinces compared to Tokyo, and Morioka’s a la montan is another one I would recommend, along with Morioka’s three generations of noodles.
Hmm? What is a la montan? Many people may be wondering.
A La Montagne is a dish that is an adaptation of Neapolitan, with almost the same ingredients as Neapolitan, but in a tomato broth.
The spicy and tantalizing flavor will make you sweat, but it is so refreshing and comforting that you will become addicted to it.
So, in this article, I will explain about Morioka’s a la montant, its history, points of attraction, recommended specialty restaurants and menus, and sightseeing spots in the area, including my own experiences.
I hope you will be inspired to learn about Morioka’s a la montant.
How did Morioka’s A La Montagne come to be?
A La Montagne” was born about 50 years ago as a side dish at the jazz cafe ‘Montagne’ in Odori, Morioka City.
Using tomato juice that was always on hand, he invented spaghetti with spicy tomato soup for the hungover staff.
The taste was so well received that “A La Montagne” was promoted to the signature dish.
Currently, Mr. Ogawa, who was a staff member at that time, has gone independent, and his father and son have inherited the flavor of the dish.
How did you come up with the name “A La Montagne”?
The name “à la Montant” is a combination of the French words “à la” and the name of the jazz cafe “Montant,” where the restaurant was born.
It means “in the Montant style,” and was named after the owner’s desire to give the cuisine the same individuality and style as the music.
The stylish sound and uniqueness of the cuisine highlights the uniqueness of the food.
Heh. So it’s a combination of the French language and the name of the restaurant. Interesting idea of wanting the cuisine to have style…
Three Attractions of Morioka’s A La Montagne
I have summarized some of the attractions of Morioka’s A La Montagne.
The perfect combination of tomato soup and spaghetti
A La Montagne” is a dish that combines a tangy and spicy tomato soup with 2mm extra-thick spaghetti.
Ingredients such as bacon, onions, and green peppers are added and topped with powdered cheese.
This soup spaghetti has its own unique flavor, similar to but completely different from Neapolitan.
The hot soup and the sticky noodles intertwine perfectly and captivate those who eat it.
Traditional flavors and family ties that have lasted for over 50 years
A La Montagne” was born about 50 years ago as a makanai dish at the jazz cafe ”Montagne.
Later, in response to requests from regular customers, it was put on the menu, and now the founder’s son has inherited the taste.
This family bond and tradition further enhances the depth of flavor of the dish.
For locals, the dish evokes a sense of nostalgia and security.
Morioka’s cultural and historical location
Located near Morioka Castle Ruins Park and Sakurayama Shrine, Montan is the perfect place to stop by between sightseeing excursions.
The interior of the restaurant has a retro atmosphere, giving it the feel of an old-fashioned coffee shop.
In spring, there are special seats where you can see cherry blossoms from the windows, allowing you to enjoy the four seasons of Morioka along with your meal.
Why not try a special dish while experiencing the local culture and history?
Indeed. As well as the deliciousness of A La Montagne itself, it is nice to enjoy the traditional space and location…
My recommendation for a la montant restaurant in Morioka
In this article, I will introduce some of the best Morioka wanko soba restaurants and their recommended menus.
My recommendation for Morioka wanko soba restaurants
My recommendation for Morioka wanko soba restaurants
Montane
✅ Recommended Points
- Located in Morioka Uchimaru, Montan is a long-established spaghetti specialty restaurant that has been a local favorite for over 50 years since its establishment.
- Located near Morioka Castle Ruins Park and Sakurayama Shrine, the restaurant offers an excellent location from which to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring.
- The retro atmosphere of the restaurant, with jazz music playing in the background, allows customers to enjoy a relaxing time.
- The food is generous in volume, yet reasonably priced.
- In addition, you will feel the hospitality of the staff, who will provide you with free hot coffee after your meal.
✅ Recommended menu
- A La Montagne
- A La Montagne” is a dish synonymous with Montagne. It is a unique spaghetti soup with extra-thick spaghetti simmered in a spicy tomato broth.
- Ingredients include bacon, onions, and green peppers, and the rich yet spicy broth is mellowed by powdered cheese, making it an appetizing dish.
- This dish, which is distinctly different from Neapolitan, is a local food that symbolizes Morioka’s food culture, and was born out of the makimanai of the jazz cafe era.
- It is a must-try dish even for first-timers.
✅ Recommended menu
- Eggs over rice
- Eggs over rice” is a spaghetti dish that looks simple but is unique to Montant.
- The rich egg is mixed with the hot spaghetti, and the soy sauce drizzled over the top adds a savory flavor.
- The taste, which is similar to that of Japanese “egg on rice,” is a fresh and memorable experience for foreign tourists.
- This dish is like a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors, with a balance of gentle taste and just the right amount of saltiness, making it perfect for breakfast or as a light meal.
- Recommended for those who want to enjoy a different taste sensation from soup-based dishes.
✅ Recommended menu
- Milanese
- Milanese” is not a tomato-based dish, but a salty oil-based spaghetti dish that allows you to fully enjoy the flavor of shrimp and bacon.
- The garlic aroma stimulates the appetite, and the plump texture of the shrimp and the richness of the bacon are a perfect match.
- It is refreshing yet satisfying, and is especially recommended for those who are tired of tomato-based spaghetti and for seafood lovers.
- The generous portions will satisfy even foreign travelers who want to eat well.
Oh. There are so many attractive pasta dishes to choose from, it’s hard to decide which one to go for…
Column: Is it true that painters, poets, and other cultural figures used to frequent Montant?
Yes, it is true.
CAFE Montant, a jazz cafe that opened in the 1960s in Odori, Morioka City, was a gathering place for painters, poets, jazz lovers, and many other cultural figures.
Opened by the first master, Ryohei Kosekawa, it was a place for art, music, and literary exchange, hosting exhibitions and record concerts titled the “Montant Contemporary Series.
It was also the focus of national attention, as it established the “M (Montan) Prize,” a contemporary art competition for artists under the age of 45, with the winner promised a solo exhibition at a gallery in Ginza, Tokyo.
Thus, “Montant” was loved by many cultural figures as a source of culture and art in Morioka.
Heh. Montantin itself has always been a salon for cultural figures, and it’s interesting that there’s a competition for the crown…
Places to stop by while eating a la montane in Morioka
Here are three recommended places to stop by in Morioka during your meal.
✅ Hoonji Temple (Five Hundred Arhats)
Hoonji Temple, located in Kitayama, Morioka City, is an old Soto sect temple known as the family temple of the Nanbu clan.
It is especially famous for its five hundred arhat statues built in the Edo period (1603-1867).
All of the statues are carved out of wood and have rich expressions, such as angry or smiling, and one cannot get tired of looking at them.
The interior of the hall is solemn and quiet, a space that is truly refreshing.
This is a historical spot recommended for foreign visitors as well, where they can experience Buddhist culture and think about the art of Japanese wood carving and the way of belief in the Edo period.
