Enjoy a space where adults can relax. Interview with K.D.Cafe manager Yoshiko Suzuki
It's a somewhat unusual cafe located next to a housing exhibition. Please tell us about the time when the shop opened.
Suzuki
K.D.Cafe started as a cafe division of Kato Construction in conjunction with the establishment of a new housing exhibition and the relocation of the design office.
In the initial planning stages, the idea was to serve tea to visitors of the exhibition and those consulting about housing, but the idea expanded, and it became a space where only the cafe could be used.
The interior is stylish and calm, a wonderful cafe. Do you have any particular commitments in creating the shop?
Suzuki
Kato Construction not only designs and constructs general houses but also apartments and stores.
In particular, we have worked on many stores in Kasaoka City, such as Pan & Cafe Assiette, Morufisshu, Le Coq Rouge in Satosho Town, and Sol Bakery, among others.
The interior is unified in a mid-century modern style. We incorporate a mix of Japanese tastes, which we also apply in general housing.
When it comes to cafes, they often have a bright and natural atmosphere, appealing to young people and women, but K.D.Cafe is designed to allow older people and men to relax comfortably.
However, it seems that this is also a factor that appeals to young people now.
Since this is a cafe run by a construction company, did you originally work in the food and beverage industry?
Suzuki
No, I was helping out at my family's Kato Construction. The current president of Kato Construction is my brother.
The president asked me, "We're going to run a cafe, so I want you to be in charge of that," and since the opening, I have been feeling my way through it with a few staff members.
The president comes up with ideas for the menu, and we create prototypes together with the staff, but even now, it's still hard to get approval for new products... it's a struggle (laughs).
There are many menu items, but do you have any recommendations?
Suzuki
Our recommended menu is the dessert menu using seasonal fruits.
Peaches, grapes, and figs are all sourced from local farmers in Kasaoka and nearby, so we serve them fresh from the harvest.
However, the availability and quantity depend on the weather at the time, so it varies.
The fig tart uses one whole fig inside and one on top, but when I tell the farmers the price, they say, "That's too cheap!"
The pricing is surprising to the farmers as well.
Suzuki
The menu items are all handmade by our staff... (laughs)
Since the company is in the construction business, I would be happy if customers could enjoy the atmosphere of the shop and the building itself.
However, it is indeed rewarding when customers say, "Wow, that's amazing!" or "That was delicious!"
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, dining in restaurants has been restricted, and we are operating with sufficient attention to safety.
Especially during such times, I hope people can spend a relaxing and quiet time.
From the Writer
On the day of the interview, I visited the shop right at 9 AM, just after it opened.
Immediately, I felt that it was truly loved by the local customers, as regular male customers and groups enjoying breakfast came in.
The sight of customers relaxing in their own ways was very impressive.
The atmosphere of the shop, which is accommodating and supportive of customers, allows men and older customers to feel at ease.
K.D.Cafe surprised me with the price of the seasonal parfait and delighted me with its deliciousness. I would like to visit again to try the fig tart.
K.D.Cafe Information
| Name | K.D.Cafe |
|---|---|
| Address | 5611-26 Kasaoka, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0865-61-4141 |
| Parking | Available 8 cars |
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order at 5:00 PM) Morning 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Monday |
| Payment Method |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | 22 seats Tables: 4×4 2×3 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
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