Chic dining establishments scattered throughout the city may be one of Kurashiki's hidden charms.
In fact, the city of Kurashiki not only allows you to enjoy scenery that has continued since the Edo period, but also offers a chance to savor cocktails in a grown-up atmosphere.
Among the alleys of Kurashiki, a particularly captivating spot is the dining bar Dan Y Dwa.
The owner of Dan Y Dwa is bartender Matsushita Tomohiro, who has been recognized in domestic cocktail competitions.
I spoke with Matsushita about the charm of Dan Y Dwa, a representative dining bar of Kurashiki.
What is the dining bar Dan Y Dwa?
The calm atmosphere visible through the windows from the street is impressive at the dining bar Dan Y Dwa.
Passersby may have caught a glimpse of the shop's ambiance and felt drawn to it.
I will introduce what kind of drinks can be enjoyed at the intriguing establishment Dan Y Dwa.
Concept of Dan Y Dwa
Dan Y Dwa is a dining bar located about 5 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station.
The calm interior features not only counter seats like those found in an authentic bar, but also table seats for groups to enjoy drinks and food.
In addition to cocktails, a wide variety of whiskey and wine are available, making it a place where you can find your favorite drink.
Moreover, a wide range of dishes is offered, from snacks like cheese and prosciutto to main courses like pasta and paella, as well as desserts.
It is a place you can visit whether you just want to have a little drink or enjoy a meal with friends around a table.
Introduction of owner Matsushita Tomohiro
The owner of Dan Y Dwa, Matsushita Tomohiro, is a bartender with experience recognized in domestic cocktail competitions.
In 2008, at the "15th Awamori Cocktail Competition" organized by the Okinawa branch of the Japan Bartenders Association, he received the Minister's Award, equivalent to the Grand Prize, from then Minister of Okinawa and Northern Strategy Kishida Fumio.
He proposed cocktails that arranged the unique flavor of awamori into a more approachable taste.
Additionally, in 2016, he won the top prize at the country's premier cocktail competition, the Suntory The Cocktail Award.
The award-winning cocktail Cactus Flower is designed to recreate the vibrant bloom of a tropical flower in a glass.
Drinks at Dan Y Dwa
At Dan Y Dwa, they offer Signature Cocktails created by Matsushita.
Signature means "confident and characteristic enough to be recognized."
The menu for Signature Cocktails is irregularly changed with the seasons, so you can expect to encounter new flavors each time you visit the shop.
Of course, you can also enjoy the award-winning Cactus Flower.
Being able to savor cocktails made by Japan's top bartender is perhaps the greatest charm of Dan Y Dwa.
Additionally, as a new initiative, they have introduced a machine developed by a British manufacturer called Flavor Blaster.
This machine creates a unique presentation by placing bubbles infused with aromatic smoke on top of cocktails.
In addition to distinctive Signature Cocktails, they also offer standard cocktails, whiskey, and wine, so you are sure to find a drink that suits your taste.
I tried ordering at Dan Y Dwa
I enjoyed a few drinks and dishes at Dan Y Dwa.
Here are some of the signature menu items at Dan Y Dwa.
Smoked Nuts
Before introducing the drinks and dishes on the menu, I must mention the appetizer Smoked Nuts.
It has secretly gained popularity among regular customers of Dan Y Dwa.
They are smoked with cherry wood and seasoned with herb salt.
The unique aroma of the smoked nuts enhances both the taste of the drinks and the stylish atmosphere of the space.
Cactus Flower
I ordered the Cactus Flower, which won the top prize at the Suntory The Cocktail Award in 2016.
This cocktail, made with tequila, has a strong alcohol flavor followed by a refreshing citrus taste that spreads in your mouth.
When you visit Dan Y Dwa, be sure to enjoy the taste of Japan's best cocktail.
Warm Vegetables with Thick-Cut Bacon and Raclette Cheese
One of Dan Y Dwa's signature products is the Raclette cheese from "Hanabatake Bokujo" in Tokachi.
They melt the raclette cheese right in front of you and pour it over warm vegetables, allowing you to enjoy the dish not only through taste but also through visual presentation.
In addition to warm vegetables, they also offer dishes like coarse sausage, thick-cut bacon, and Italian meatballs that pair excellently with the raclette cheese.
Each option pairs wonderfully with the cheese, making it hard to decide what to order.
Seafood Paella
The rice, infused with the flavors of various shellfish and shrimp, is served on a hot iron plate as a classic Spanish dish, paella.
The unique aroma of the seafood whets the appetite.
They also offer seasonal paella, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors.
The effort to keep customers engaged through their dishes is also part of the charm of Dan Y Dwa.
As I enjoyed cocktails and dishes at Dan Y Dwa, I began to understand why the establishment is always bustling with customers.
Through my interview with owner Matsushita Tomohiro, I will delve deeper into the reasons for Dan Y Dwa's popularity.
Interview with Matsushita Tomohiro
I spoke with Matsushita about his background and the commitment behind his shop.
Let’s delve into the background of the sophisticated dining bar Dan Y Dwa.
Reason for becoming a bartender
What did you do before becoming a bartender?
Matsushita (no honorifics)
Actually, after graduating from industrial high school at 18, I worked in a job doing welding work in a factory.
During the day, I worked at a factory, but since I originally liked music, I started going to a DJ bar, what you would call a club, at night to enjoy music.
Every time I listened to black music like hip-hop and reggae, I became more and more captivated by the atmosphere of the place.
Eventually, I started working part-time at the DJ bar, doing physical labor during the day and serving customers at the DJ bar at night, continuing to work while pushing my physical limits.
One day, I overslept because I was exhausted and completely missed my day job.
That incident prompted me to decide, "I will quit my day job and work at the bar," and I became seriously involved in the food and beverage industry.
What is the reason you aimed to become a bartender?
Matsushita
At first, I worked as an employee at the DJ bar, but later I started working at a cocktail bar called Dan Y Dwa.
Since I enjoyed entertaining people, I gradually became attracted to entertaining customers with cocktails.
While working at the bar, I honed my skills as a bartender, and in 2004, I became independent after taking over Dan Y Dwa from the then-owner.
Background of Dan Y Dwa
When did you establish your store in the current location?
Matsushita
After taking over Dan Y Dwa from the then-owner, I have been managing it as the owner.
Fortunately, the store was thriving, but since it was not very spacious, there were times when customers who made the effort to visit had to be turned away.
Therefore, I was looking for a property where a stylish dining bar could be seen from the outside that was a bit larger.
As I hoped to find a new property, it seemed that there was a natural connection, and in 2009, when I turned 30, I encountered the current store through an introduction from an acquaintance.
What does Dan Y Dwa mean?
Matsushita
Actually, I don't know the details either (laughs).
In Welsh, the language used in Wales, it means "the calm in the river."
It seems to be the title of a song included in an album by the Irish singer Enya.
I heard that the previous owner liked that song and named the store after the title when it was established.
I don't know more than that, but I like the mysterious feeling and decided to keep the name unchanged when I took over the store.
Many people have asked me about the origin of Dan Y Dwa, and I feel that many have found it appealing precisely because it is ambiguous.
Reasons New Cocktails Are Created
Do you have any memorable cocktails?
Matsushita
The cocktail I drank at the bar of origin remains memorable.
For example, Irish coffee is a cocktail that was invented at a bar in San Francisco, and I actually went to that bar to drink it.
Additionally, I have memories of visiting the bars of origin for cocktails like Bloody Mary in Paris and Bellini in Venice.
Besides cocktails, I also visited wine regions like Napa Valley, which is about a two-hour drive from San Francisco, and Bordeaux in France.
I feel that drinking alcohol in various countries during my twenties has been a great experience as a bartender.
When do you come up with new cocktail ideas?
Matsushita
I feel like I am always thinking about cocktail ideas.
For example, today while looking at seasonal fruits displayed at the supermarket, I thought, "What kind of cocktail would go well with this?"
Since it's strawberry season, I thought, "Maybe a strawberry margarita would be good."
While pondering over ingredients, I often realize that Okayama Prefecture is a blessed land for fruits.
What Matsushita Values
Do you have any particular commitment when making cocktails?
Matsushita
In my personal opinion, I believe that the best cocktail is one that ten people drink and ten people say it's delicious.
Of course, I do not deny the importance of offering unique cocktails.
However, what I aim for is a cocktail that everyone finds delicious and wants to drink again.
Within what everyone finds delicious, I am conscious of adding a little bit of my own touch as an accent.
Is there anything you value when interacting with customers?
Matsushita
Our business is like a supporting role.
We exist to support customers, who are the main characters, so they can have a fun time.
It is my style to align with what the customers are looking for, rather than what I want to create in terms of cocktails or dishes.
Having a wide variety of alcoholic beverages and dishes is a way to cater to the hopes of our customers.
I am conscious that Dan Y Dwa is a dining bar for adults that anyone can enjoy.
After Enjoying Drinks at Dan Y Dwa
Kurashiki is known for its streets that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period, but as you stroll through the alleys, you will notice many stylish bars, revealing an unexpected side of the city.
In particular, the appearance of Dan Y Dwa after sunset is impressive.
Drawn in by the warm-colored light spilling from the windows, you can't help but peek inside the store.
Looking inside, you will see a sophisticated atmosphere with customers chatting happily.
Matsushita's hospitality, which aims to entertain customers, extends not only to drinks and food but also to the entire store, attracting many people.
From the warm light spilling from the windows of Dan Y Dwa, I could see the thoughtfulness of a top bartender.
Data on Dan Y Dwa
| Name | Dan Y Dwa |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2-28 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-421-3270 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Monday to Thursday: 6 PM to 12 AM Friday and Saturday: 6 PM to 2 AM |
| Regular Holiday | Sunday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes |
| Seating | 6 Counter Seats 6 Tables, 24 Seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed in designated areas only) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Dan Y Dwa (Instagram) |
