Interview with Tatsuya Fujii, manager of CAFE＆DINING GLITTER
How he came to open a restaurant in Mabi
What inspired you to open a restaurant in Mabi?
Fujii
I’m from Soja, and there was a hair salon in Arii, Mabi, that I had been going to for many years, ever since I was in high school.
That hair salon was damaged in the July 2018 torrential rains, and everything around it was gone… But it was restored and reopened about three to four months after the disaster. That was really fast.
After that, I started going to the salon again.
I had been working at restaurants in Kurashiki City for a long time, and I told them at the salon that I was thinking it might be time to start out on my own.
Then someone at the salon said, “It would be a big help if you opened up nearby.”
“There used to be a lot of coffee shops, but all the ones I used to go to are gone now. We’d be happy if you opened a restaurant in Mabi.”
That’s what inspired me.
Where did the name “GLITTER” come from?
Fujii
“GLITTER” means “to shine” or “to sparkle.”
I chose it with the hope that things that had disappeared from Mabi in the disaster would come back once again.
His commitment to creating a stylish space
I really like the stylish, distinctive atmosphere inside. Could you tell us about your approach to creating the restaurant?
Fujii
Most of the small items and furniture in the restaurant come from Umineko General Goods and Antiques, which my family runs.
We used furniture my father imported from overseas and put a lot of effort into creating a relaxing space.
A must-try: signature Bisei pork and homemade seasonal sweets
What menu items do you recommend?
Fujii
Since Umineko is in Bisei Town, I have a connection there, so I buy Bisei pork directly from a processing plant in Bisei Town, with the cuts prepared separately.
Buying Bisei pork directly is what I’ve made the signature of my restaurant.
For desserts, I plan and serve items to suit the season. When white peaches are in season, we have white peach parfaits; in winter, zenzai and hot drinks.
That’s one of the things we put a lot of effort into.
What he is glad about after opening the restaurant
You opened the restaurant in April 2020, right when the COVID-19 pandemic was making things difficult. Could you tell us about the challenges you faced when opening, and anything that went well?
Fujii
Honestly, April and May 2020, right after we opened, were tough. We offered takeout and shortened our hours. But gradually, we gained more regular customers. I’m truly grateful for that.
What’s been good is hearing people say, “The food was delicious.” That really is what makes me happiest.
We’ve also put a lot of effort into the interior, so people often tell us, “The place looks stylish,” which makes me happy too.
I’m also grateful that people who have visited once like the place and keep coming back.
The future of GLITTER
Is there anything you’d like to try in the future?
Fujii
With the spread of COVID-19, it would be difficult to do right away, but I’m thinking it would be nice if we could hold cooking classes, such as ones for making sweets, during the hours when the restaurant is closed.
If anyone wants to use the space, it would also be nice to rent it out for workshops and things like that sometime in the future.
From the Writer
Manager Fujii says, “I want people to enjoy it on all kinds of occasions.”
It’s recommended for everyone from solo diners to friends and families, and for dates or girls’ nights out.
“GLITTER” is filled with the desire to “do something for someone.”
Why not enjoy delicious food and sweets and unwind at this cafe in Mabi, where another gentle light has begun to shine?
CAFE＆DINING GLITTER data
| Name | CAFE＆DINING GLITTER |
|---|---|
| Address | 94 Arii, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-441-8073 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last order: 4:30 p.m.) 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (last order: 8:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Monday, irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 25 seats Counter seats: 5 Table seats: 20 |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | CAFE＆DINING GLITTER |
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