What comes to mind when you hear "Turkey"?
Perhaps the beautiful World Heritage site, the Blue Mosque?
Or the Turkish cuisine, one of the world's top three cuisines?
The stretchy Turkish ice cream is also well-known in Japan.
In Kurashiki, there is a place where you can casually enjoy the exotic and mysterious country of Turkey with your eyes and taste buds.
"LA CASA," a Mediterranean restaurant run by a Turkish male chef, just opened in April 2019 at Kurashiki Department Store.
LA CASA means "home" in Spanish.
The kind and friendly chef prepares dishes tailored to Japanese tastes.
And the Turkish lamps, which shine brighter as night falls, are breathtakingly beautiful.
We introduce LA CASA, perfect for a fun and beautiful night out, whether for a date or a girls' night.
Opened at Kurashiki Department Store! Stylish home bar "LA CASA"
The stylish exterior of LA CASA, marked by a large tree, catches the eye.
Originally a general goods store, it was renovated into a bar by a Turkish man named Can.
Inside the retro Showa-era Kurashiki Department Store, it has a foreign-like open atmosphere.
At the fantastic counter, you will be welcomed by the Turkish male chef, Can.
Can has been in Japan for six years.
He can speak 4 to 5 languages, including Japanese, Turkish, English, and Spanish!
The first floor has a counter and small table seats.
Everywhere you look in the store, the beauty of the Turkish lamps catches your eye.
The Turkish lamps displayed in the store are all available for purchase.
Can originally worked at a Turkish goods specialty store in the Bikan Historical Area, and the Turkish lamps in the store were sourced by him.
The Turkish lamp on the stairs leading to the second floor.
It looks wonderful as it is, but it becomes even more beautiful at night.
The second floor has calm table seating.
Children are also very welcome.
Mediterranean cuisine made by a Turkish chef. Non-alcoholic cocktails are also recommended
The menu at LA CASA.
It offers a variety from light salads to roasted meats.
There are various types of hamburgers!
As a hamburger lover, I am quite curious.
Pizza, pasta, steak, etc.
The chef's recommendation is the lamb chop steak.
Of course, there is also an alcohol menu.
They offer red, white, and sparkling wines.
Beer, whiskey, cocktails, etc.
If you don't drink alcohol, that's okay too.
Just tell them your preferred taste, and they will make you an original non-alcoholic cocktail.
I had them make various non-alcoholic cocktails with sour, sweet, and fruity flavors.
It feels special when you think it's made just for you.
Can't wait for night to fall! Delicious food and the light of the lamps
First, I wanted to try something light, so I chose Avocado Nachos.
The tortilla with avocado dip and pickled green chili is addictive, and I could eat it endlessly.
The refreshing Beef Carpaccio.
This luxurious dish features slightly rare grilled beef topped with Caesar dressing.
The pasta is Arrabbiata.
Seasoned to suit Japanese tastes, it has a milder spiciness.
The combination of thin noodles, tomato sauce, and olives is excellent, making me want to try other pastas as well.
As the day gradually dims, the light from the Turkish lamps increases.
Watching the beautiful light makes me think, "I can't wait for it to get dark."
Everyone was impressed by the “Salmon and Orange Salad.”
I was surprised that orange and salmon go so well together!
It was a shocking combination.
A luxurious pizza topped with prosciutto and steak, called “Steak House.”
I was very satisfied with this hearty pizza featuring large chunks of steak!
As I was enjoying the food, the sun set.
It was soon time for the Turkish lamps to beautifully light up.
Handmade Turkish lamps, enchanting in a fantastical space
Look at the beautiful light of this Turkish lamp!
I was so captivated by the fantastical light that I lost track of time.
Each Turkish lamp is handmade.
There is not a single one that is the same.
According to Jan, making lamps is one of the jobs that women in Turkey do at home.
It is a valuable means of home-based work.
The shadows are also enchantingly illuminated.
Looking up from below is also fun, and I became absorbed in taking pictures.
The light of the Turkish lamp is perfect for romantic nights or when you want to relax.
Recommended dish: Turkish meatballs “Kofte”
It was so wonderful that I decided to come back on another day to eat the dish that will be featured in the Harenomino Kurashiki 2019.
Above the counter, Moroccan lamps are lined up.
Chef Jan told me,
“When I traveled to Morocco, my grandfather was making them by punching holes one by one. I thought I absolutely had to buy this!”
The menu for Harenomino Kurashiki 2019 features Turkish meatballs “Kofte.”
On that day, the Kofte (without tortilla) was served with tomato sauce, a drink, and pudding.
Meatballs made with ground beef, walnuts, and various spices, served with tortilla and marinated vegetables.
Kofte is a representative dish of Turkey that you eat by wrapping these ingredients together.
According to Jan, the trick to delicious meatballs is to let the oil from the meatballs soak into the tortilla once.
This was my first time eating Kofte, and it was delicious!
The spicy meatball oil was lightened by the marinated vegetables.
When wrapped in the tortilla, it became a harmonious combination, and I felt the depth of Turkish cuisine.
The wonderful couple welcoming you to Kurashiki's Turkish “LA CASA”
I first visited “LA CASA” privately.
I thought, “I absolutely want to introduce this in Kuratoco!” and requested an interview with my favorite shop.
I was completely captivated by the beauty of the Turkish lamps.
As the night deepened, the gentle light of the lamps shone, making it feel like I was on an overseas trip.
And the delicious dishes, along with the cheerful and kind staff.
This place truly feels like a Turkish “home” in Kurashiki.
Though Turkey is far away, Kurashiki's Turkish place is just around the corner! Please do check it out.
Data for LA CASA
| Name | LA CASA |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-4-1-106 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-421-0747 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 5 PM - 3 AM (Last order at 2 AM) |
| Closed | Tuesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | 25 seats Counter: 5 Table: 5 |
| Smoking | Smoking allowed |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
