I was introduced to this event by a friend saying, "There’s an event like this!" and immediately checked Instagram.
Looking at the lineup of vendors, I was drawn to my favorite bagels and the phrase "Taiwanese street food," so I decided to go for a change of pace.
Due to the recent rise in food prices and electricity costs, my family has been trying to cook at home as much as possible, rushing to the supermarket that is even 10 or 20 yen cheaper, and tightening our budget.
I have hardly been going out for lunch during the weekdays.
I would like to introduce the wonderful event "Midori no Ichi," which brought a moment of refreshment and a modestly luxurious feeling to my tough daily life.
Overview of the "Midori no Ichi" event
The "Midori no Ichi" is held once a month at the patisserie Patisserie Le Vert located in Hiroe, Kurashiki City, both inside the store and in the parking space.
The theme on the day I visited, January 9, 2023 (holiday, Monday), was "Chicken, Strawberry, Potato."
A total of 8 vendors gathered, including those from Tsuyama City and Maniwa City, mainly from the local area.
- Midori no Ichi limited curry "Nash Curry American"
- Wood-fired pizza "Maki-gama Pizza rosso"
- Bread & Cafe "Pan Kissa Atelier"
- Western sweets "Patisserie Le Vert"
- Takoyaki etc. "Ohisama Farm Local Production for Local Consumption Dining"
- Taiwanese street food "Cai Cai Taiwan"
- Fully ripe strawberries "Ichigo-ya ROSSO"
- Puffed rice demonstration "Pon Gashi Pon-chan"
Although it was a small-scale event, it was "packed with substance."
The atmosphere on the day of the event
The opening is at 10 AM.
It took about 20 minutes by car from the center of Kurashiki City to arrive.
The venue "Patisserie Le Vert" is right next to this pedestrian bridge, so it should be a good landmark.
I arrived a bit early, so I looked at the signboard displaying the vendor menu and waited in my car. From around 9:50 AM, cars started coming into the parking lot one after another.
Whether for a late breakfast, lunch, or shopping for tea time, the parking lot was full as soon as it opened.
There were probably many people coming on foot from the neighborhood as well.
Since Midori no Ichi is mainly takeout, the turnover rate is high, and there was no problem with crowding inside the store.
"Personal Top Three" enjoying unexpected encounters and seasonal delights
I wanted to shop at all the stores, but I carefully selected three vendors selling bagels, Taiwanese street food, and puffed rice.
First, from "Pan Kissa Atelier"
The sight of the neatly arranged items is exciting.
This time, I bought a bagel sandwich "Strawberry Condensed Milk Cream Cheese," which was a collaboration with "Ichigo-ya ROSSO," who was selling fully ripe strawberries.
Based on the quality of both the carefully crafted bagel and the fully ripe strawberries, the combination of cream cheese blended with condensed milk and strawberry compote is exquisite.
It is a rare opportunity to encounter seasonal menus unique to events.
Taiwanese street food "Cai Cai Taiwan," a first-time participant from Maniwa City
I had the hot and sour soup (Suan La Tang) that I had absolutely wanted to try after seeing the vendor information on Instagram.
Hot and sour soup is a hearty soup characterized by its sour taste and the spiciness and aroma of chili oil and pepper.
This is perfect for drinking while saying "hot" and "delicious" in the cold.
When asked if it’s suitable for winter, it seems they hardly serve it at spring and summer events.
Eating a dish that you usually wouldn't make, and which you couldn't even buy the ingredients for at the price of the sour and spicy soup (550 yen), makes you feel like you're getting a great deal and gives meaning to spending money.
Popcorn Shop "Pon Gashi Pon-chan" in the Parking Space
On this day, they rushed over from Tsuyama City as a pinch hitter for a shop that suddenly closed.
It seems they also set up shop at various markets and events throughout the prefecture.
The photogenic nature of the shop owner, the impact of the sound, and the illusion-like scene of making popcorn make you stop and watch.
Naturally, a crowd gathers, and thanks to "Popcorn Shop Pon Gashi Pon-chan," the event felt even more festive.
It's definitely fun for kids, but adults will surely enjoy it too.
Check out photos of other shops and products here!
▼Nash Curry American
▼Wood-fired Pizza rosso
▼Patisserie Le Vert
▼Ohisama Farm Local Production for Local Consumption Dining
Conclusion
The event runs from 10 AM to 4 PM, but by around noon, some shops had already run out of half their stock.
If you want to choose from a full lineup of bread and sweets, I recommend visiting soon after opening.
If you prefer to take your time choosing, around 11 AM is also a good time as there are still products available and customer traffic gradually calms down.
Basically, it’s primarily takeout with no eat-in options, but standing dining is possible in the parking space in front of the shop.
As a result, I was very satisfied after spending about 3,000 yen for lunch for two, two servings of bread for the next morning, a bagel and strawberry dessert, popcorn as a souvenir, and enjoying warm soup on the spot!
For a solo brunch, it seems you could enjoy bread and soup or a drink, plus dessert for about 1,000 yen.
"Midori no Ichi" is held once a month on a Sunday or holiday with various themes.
The theme for the next event on February 11, 2023 (Saturday, holiday) is "Harmony."
Why not stop by to enjoy a special meal, a change of pace, and the chance encounters of the moment?
Event information is regularly updated on Instagram, so please check it out.
Data of Midori no Ichi
| Name | Midori no Ichi |
|---|---|
| Date | Scheduled to be held once a month (on Sundays or public holidays) |
| Location | 2-12-50 Hiroe, Kurashiki City, Patisserie Le Vert |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Midori no Ichi |
