The Background of Starting a Restaurant Centered on Candles
The interview is based on the content from the initial coverage conducted in February 2019.
Why did you decide to open a restaurant centered on candles?
Inoue
The foundation of "Candle Table Watanabe Residence" is a candle manufacturer called Pegasus Candle.
When I thought about how to spread candles more widely, I considered that if candles were near the essential element of life, food, they would feel more familiar.
Additionally, I established "Candle Table Watanabe Residence" to create a space where people can experience candles.
Dining in the enchanting light of candles makes you want to use candles at home as well, right?
Inoue
Thank you.
Many people who experience the candlelight on the first floor often purchase candles for home use or as gifts in the shop on the second floor.
Please tell us about your commitment to the exterior and interior design.
Inoue
We are renovating a storehouse from the Taisho era, preserving what can be preserved and renewing what needs to be new.
With candles and creative French cuisine, there are quite a few elements intertwined, but I believe they are well balanced and harmonized.
As a mechanism, there are two professionals inside.
Mito, who has been directing the store since its establishment, and table coordinator Noriko Hara.
The table coordination right at the entrance is something that anyone who knows Hara will recognize immediately as "Hara-sensei's work."
The design of the candle chandeliers in the hall and the separate room, as well as many of the interior decorations, are selected and created by Mito.
Please tell us about your commitment to the exterior and interior design.
Inoue
Regarding the commitment to ingredients, since we are completely reservation-based, we take time to prepare and cook.
If the ingredients themselves are good, it is natural for them to be delicious, and I believe that "if you put in more effort, it will become even more delicious," which is the kind of cuisine we serve.
Also, since it is creative French cuisine, we are conscious of making it interesting.
When we bring out the dishes, we explain each ingredient, but they are probably things that you can't imagine the taste of just by hearing about them.
I hope that guests can enjoy each bite of the explained dishes.
Finally, please tell us the points you want customers to enjoy.
Inoue
I hope you can come with a relaxed mindset.
Of course, the candle space is wonderful, but we also have innovations that allow you to enjoy unexpected aspects.
What those innovations are will be a surprise for you when you actually come.
Recently, there have been spoilers on social media, but I think you will enjoy it more if you come without seeing them.
Conclusion
At "Candle Table Watanabe Residence," you can enjoy creative French cuisine surrounded by the gentle light of candles.
In a thoroughly crafted candle space, a veteran chef showcases exquisite creative French cuisine.
And I was truly moved by the careful attention that can only be understood by actually visiting.
When you visit the Bikan Historical Area, it might be nice to spend a special night at the nearby "Candle Table Watanabe Residence."
Additionally, you can enjoy an "afternoon tea-style lunch" during lunchtime.
The price for lunch starts at "4,500 yen including tax."
Both lunch and dinner are completely reservation-based, so it is recommended to make a reservation at least one week in advance.
Please do visit with someone special.
Data on Candle Table Watanabe Residence
| Name | Candle Table Watanabe Residence |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-5-19 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-435-3930 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Gallery & Candle Shop: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday Except on holidays and during events |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservation Availability | Yes Both lunch and dinner are completely reservation-based. Phone reservations: 086-435-3930 Reception hours: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM *It is often difficult to answer calls during business hours and immediately before and after, so online reservations are recommended. Online reservations are accepted until 9:00 PM the day before. |
| Seating | A total of 32 seats (22 in the hall, 10 in the separate room): ・Table for 4 x 3 ・Table for 2 x 5 ・Separate room for 2 x 5, accommodating up to 10 guests |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Candle Table Watanabe Residence |
