The “Midori no Ichi” we visited is a themed event held every month at “Patisserie Le Vert,” a Western-style confectionery shop in Hiroe, Kurashiki City.
The theme on Saturday, February 11, 2023, was “Comfort.”
Looking at the list of vendors, it seemed to include handmade-goods shops as well as food vendors.
I headed there wondering what kind of “comfort” each shop would offer.
The information shown was accurate when this article was published in March 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
On the way to the shop
As I drove toward the shop, the “Midori no Ichi” sign soon came into view.
The white lettering on the black sign stood out clearly.
Beyond it, I could also see tents and what looked like food trucks.
I was so excited that I drove past the parking lot once.
When I turned back and entered the parking lot, only one space was available.
Relieved, I parked the car.
A relaxed atmosphere throughout the venue
I arrived just after noon, so unfortunately several shops had already sold out.
To make the most of the event, it seems best to visit in the morning.
There were six shops outside and eight inside.
The atmosphere was relaxed—not noisy, but not quiet either.
After browsing each shop and making a round of the venue, I bought things at a few of them.
Three shops offering comfort through “aromas”
I hadn’t had lunch yet, so I bought something from shops whose aromas caught my attention.
Charcutier (meat processor) “Alpini”
First, I ordered a homemade smoked bacon sandwich from “Alpini.”
They prepared it fresh to order.
As they made it, a wonderfully savory, delicious smell wafted over.
It wasn’t out front this time, but apparently the back half of the vehicle is a small kitchen.
Between the slices of bread were the bacon they had just grilled and some lettuce.
Thanks to the bacon fat, sauce, and mustard, the simple ingredients didn’t feel plain, and I found myself thinking “What is this!” again and again until I finished it.
To savor the bacon fat, I recommend eating it while it’s piping hot.
“mumrik coffee,” serving coffee and Finnish vintage tableware
At “mumrik coffee,” I tried their recommended honey and spice au lait.
I often drink cafe au lait, but this was my first time trying one with spices.
They carefully drip-brew the coffee on the spot.
The Finnish honey they use is a grainy type, almost like a paste.
Since it had spices, I expected a strong flavor, but instead it had a very gentle aroma.
Perhaps some honey had settled at the bottom; the flavor changed as I drank, and before I knew it, I had finished it.
Coffee bean art “Gham no Atrie”
After that, I bought a piece of coffee art made using coffee beans from mumrik coffee.
This is a work by “Gham no Atrie.”
The artwork is made by attaching finely crushed coffee beans to a canvas.
Even the small pieces take over an hour to make, while larger ones around A4 size can take more than 50 hours.
I bought a picture of Gamu-kun, the shop’s character.
I felt tempted to remove the frame and enjoy the aroma, but decided against it in case the coffee grounds fell off.
Other shops
The other shops also take great care with their ingredients and creations.
I recommend bringing a generous budget or making sure you can use electronic payments.
▼ Patisserie Le Vert
There was a wide variety, including chiffon cakes, scones, and rice-flour caneles.
▼ Nash Curry American
That day, they were serving mille-feuille katsu curry.
▼ Misaki Blue Farm Kantake
Mochi usually hardens as it cools, but this “soft bean mochi” was so fluffy it seemed freshly pounded.
The black soybeans are soft too, making this mochi convenient for a quick bite.
▼ *shii* (Shee)
There was a wide selection of accessories in a variety of materials and styles.
Beside it was also a corner where children could string beads together to make bracelets.
▼manmarusorairo (Manmaru Sorairo)
Mascots with all kinds of expressions are lined up, from puzzled looks and frowns to smiles and even blank expressions.
▼La.flure (La Fleur)
You can take part in a workshop to make hair ties using tatami edging.
I was surprised by the cute patterns, which at first glance don't look like tatami edging.
▼mai. (Mai)
Lots of fluffy-looking succulents are planted in pots.
▼buccan＿foodtruck (Buccan Food Truck)
The freshly fried, generously piled chicken wing tulips come in three flavors: medium spicy, sweet, and aromatic salt.
The glossy, meaty lu rou fan (braised pork rice) was also very popular and had already sold out.
▼Pan no Ie Bure
Pan no Ie Bure, which came from Kumenan Town, had also sold out.
▼Ichigoya ROSSO
I wanted to try the fully ripe strawberries too, but these had also sold out by the time I arrived.
From the Writer
The theme for the next event, Saturday, March 4, 2023, is “soy sauce.”
The soy sauce used at each booth is from Shiotaya Brewing.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how soy sauce is paired with Western-style sweets, as well as the meal options.
All the photos posted on Instagram look delicious.
If you’re interested, be sure to stop by.
Midori no Ichi Information
| Name | Midori no Ichi |
|---|---|
| Event date | Held once a month (on a Sunday or public holiday) |
| Location | 2-12-50 Hiroe, Kurashiki City Patisserie Le Vert |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Midori no Ichi |
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