This week we step inside a tiny pasta shop in Nagoya, Japan, where half a century of history, and a humble chef reveal how small, local restaurants can help create neighborhoods where good food is available to everyone.
I wonder if part of it is that food isn't as integral to our culture here in North America as it is in places like Japan, Italy, and France. And so good, high-quality food isn't protected. I had no idea that it was illegal to serve your own homegrown vegetables.
This must be a contributing factor, yet also, the same thing has been happening in Italy and France, to the lament of people who really love and want to support good quality bistros and cafes. But I like that you brought this up because there are definitely multiple forces at play here, economic, political, and social!
I’d like to open a restaurant in the middle of the woods. My favorite scenes from Crouching tiger, Hidden Dragon as well as ExistenZ are the scenes where restaurants are in the woods. And how the elves in Middle Earth eat in the woods at long tables…I love when regular life intersects with wilderness.
Hi! This essay is just great, I didn't know that even in Osaka you can find a farm-to-table café!
I hope such places will continue to welcome customers for at least another half century.
I wonder how many of these businesses are passed down from generation to generation? Or maybe they are inherited by locals who love the place.
As for me, I'd love to open a farm-to-table cafe here too!
Locally grown vegetables, locally fermented foods, and Asian-inspired cuisine.
Hmm, and locally brewed beer on the menu too!
Thanks Eugene!
Locally brewed beer? I'll be there ;-)
I wonder if part of it is that food isn't as integral to our culture here in North America as it is in places like Japan, Italy, and France. And so good, high-quality food isn't protected. I had no idea that it was illegal to serve your own homegrown vegetables.
This must be a contributing factor, yet also, the same thing has been happening in Italy and France, to the lament of people who really love and want to support good quality bistros and cafes. But I like that you brought this up because there are definitely multiple forces at play here, economic, political, and social!
I’d like to open a restaurant in the middle of the woods. My favorite scenes from Crouching tiger, Hidden Dragon as well as ExistenZ are the scenes where restaurants are in the woods. And how the elves in Middle Earth eat in the woods at long tables…I love when regular life intersects with wilderness.