Interview with the owner and chef of Assiette, Okahara Tsuyoshi
From bread and hard types to sweet and savory breads, a wide range is available.
Additionally, a café is established, offering popular menu items such as morning sets at Pan & Café Assiette.
We interviewed the owner and chef of Assiette, Okahara Tsuyoshi.
We discussed the background of the business, the characteristics of the store, his commitment to bread, and future prospects.
Founded in Osaka, relocated to hometown Kasaoka
What is the background of the establishment?
Okahara
I originally wanted to work in the food industry.
It didn't necessarily have to be a bakery.
By chance, I got a job at a bakery, and as I started making bread, I began to want to open my own bakery.
I am originally from Kasaoka City, but I got a job at a bakery in Osaka and worked there for a long time.
It was about 15 years.
Then, I became independent and started my bakery in Osaka.
The business was founded in the late 2000s.
After that, in 2013, I relocated to my hometown, Kasaoka City, to open a bakery.
The name Assiette means "plate"
What about the name Assiette?
Okahara
Assiette means "plate" in French.
When I founded the business in Osaka, it was a store mainly focused on hard breads like French bread.
Since I was making bread primarily for meals, I chose a name that means "plate."
After relocating to Kasaoka, I established a café, so the name "plate" continues to signify that meals can also be enjoyed at the café.
What kind of customers do you have?
Okahara
On weekdays, there are many women in their 30s to 60s.
On weekends, there are also many men. Additionally, families often visit on weekends.
During the week, most customers are from around Kasaoka, but on weekends, many customers come from slightly farther away, such as Fukuyama and Kurashiki.
I am very grateful that people come all the way from afar to visit our store.
A café is also established to match the local characteristics
Why did you establish a café that wasn't present during your time in Osaka?
Okahara
The main reason is to match the characteristics of Kasaoka.
Kasaoka is an area with many elderly people.
I thought that if there was a place where elderly people could relax, it would be appreciated.
We focus on our morning offerings, which have also been well received.
Additionally, I have a desire for customers to enjoy freshly baked bread immediately in the eat-in area.
Being able to hear feedback on the bread right away is also a benefit of having a café, I feel.
Long-selling classics also change with the times
What are your innovations and commitments in store management and bread making?
Okahara
It is important to adapt to the needs of customers and the times.
For example, we have had our signature bread since the founding in Osaka, but we have changed the recipes to match the needs of the times.
When crispy crusts were preferred, we adjusted accordingly, and conversely, when softer crusts were favored, we adapted to that as well.
Moreover, Osaka has many bakeries nearby, allowing each store to showcase its individuality.
However, in rural areas like Kasaoka, there are few bakeries nearby.
Therefore, it is necessary to meet various needs with one store in Kasaoka.
We have responded to customer requests and increased products that were not available during our time in Osaka.
Additionally, we create seasonal products.
In spring, we use seasonal ingredients like cherry blossoms and strawberries, and in summer, we make spicy breads.
We also enjoy creating breads that reflect the changes throughout the year.
I want to create a store where everyone can have fun
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Okahara
At first, I had a desire to open a second or third store.
Now, I want to focus on operating this one store properly (laughs).
I want to create a store where everyone involved—myself, the employees, and the customers—can have fun!
Conclusion
Pan & Café Assiette offers a wide variety of breads, making it very enjoyable to choose.
Moreover, the most popular brioche cream bread, along with classic breads, has a unique Assiette touch, making it interesting to eat.
It is also recommended to relax and enjoy the purchased bread or morning menu at the attached café.
During the pleasant season, it would be nice to buy bread and eat it outside.
There are several large parks nearby, as well as roadside stations famous for their flower fields.
Although owner Okahara initially chose to work at a bakery by chance, he seemed very happy when talking about bread, and I could feel his love for it.
Please be sure to try the carefully crafted breads and morning offerings created by Okahara, who has returned to his hometown after years of training in Osaka.
Udon to Osake to Irodori siki Information
| Name | Udon to Osake to Irodori siki |
|---|---|
| Address | 244-1 Nishi-Oshima Shinden, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0865-67-3320 |
| Parking | Available 8 cars |
| Business Hours | Bread: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (until sold out) Cafe: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM *No cafe menu available on Mondays and Tuesdays (eat-in is allowed) |
| Regular Holidays | Wednesday Second Tuesday *No cafe menu available on Mondays and Tuesdays (eat-in is allowed) |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Available ・Bread can be reserved ・Cafe reservations are only on weekdays ・Accepted by phone |
| Seating | 24 seats ・2-person table: 2 tables ・4-person table: 5 tables |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | ・Strollers are allowed ・Children's utensils available |
| Barrier-Free | Wheelchair access available (toilet is not wheelchair accessible) |
| Website | Udon to Osake to Irodori siki |
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