Interview with bartender Fujihara Suguru of Salon de Ric’s (サロン・ド・リックス)
Background on the establishment of the shop
Could you tell us about how Salon de Ric’s (サロン・ド・リックス) opened in the Bikan Historical Area?
Fujihara
The owner, Kusuto, took over the sister store "Bar Ric’s Cafe (バー・リックスカフェ)" from the previous owner around 2014, which marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment.
I heard that it was triggered by an offer to take over a property that had been vacant in the Bikan Historical Area for about 100 years.
It opened with the concept of a "hidden bar in a warehouse at night" in the Bikan Historical Area.
From fan to bartender: How I became a bartender
Could you share how you became a bartender, Fujihara?
Fujihara
I was originally a fan of "Bar Ric’s Cafe (バー・リックスカフェ)" and used to visit the shop.
I used to work as a company employee, but when I quit my previous job, I was wondering what to do next.
A classmate of mine joined as an opening staff for "Salon de Ric’s (サロン・ド・リックス)".
I worked as a part-timer for just one day in place of that classmate.
I was so nervous that I don't remember much about that day.
After that, the owner Kusuto asked me, "Would you like to work together?"
I had never worked in the food and beverage industry, so I was very happy to be approached.
You went from being a fan to a bartender!
Fujihara
Yes. At first, my family opposed it, but I also had the desire to do what I wanted, so I thought I would give it a try, even if it was a long shot.
I had the hope that if I worked hard, I would eventually be recognized by the customers.
Growing over the past four years with the help of customers
Could you share a story about why being a bartender has been worthwhile over the past four years?
Fujihara
When I first started as a bartender, I lacked confidence and couldn't make cocktails, and I was so nervous that I couldn't even carry drinks to customers without my hands shaking.
However, gradually I became able to make cocktails and started participating in cocktail competitions.
Customers began to compliment me, saying things like, "The sound when you shake is getting better," and "The taste of the cocktails has improved," which gave me confidence.
Also, I started to hear comments like, "You seem more calm when talking," and "I have been able to witness your growth both as a 'bartender' and as a 'person'".
Sometimes I receive harsh feedback, and other times I receive compliments.
I am being nurtured by talking with customers over the counter.
I am really glad to be a bartender.
The appeal of cocktails made with seasonal fruits: Recommended points of the shop
Thank you for the wonderful stories. Next, what points would you like to recommend about the shop?
Fujihara
Unlike the Bikan Historical Area during the day, the area at night has fewer people, so I hope you can enjoy the calm atmosphere.
We have a wide variety of seasonal cocktails and whiskeys, so even if a group of 10 comes, I think we can provide a drink that they would like.
The biggest appeal of our shop is the seasonal fruits and cocktails that match the flavors of the season.
Every month, we prepare a monthly changing drink menu, and we put special effort into it because there are customers who look forward to it.
The seasonality of fruits is fixed, so we provide recipes that differ from last year based on our inspirations and combinations that we are currently into.
I want our regular customers who come every day to always experience something fresh, so I am always conscious of coming up with new cocktails.
Rediscovering the charm of the Bikan Historical Area
I heard that you were born and raised in Kurashiki. Now that you have started a shop in the Bikan Historical Area, what do you think about its charm?
Fujihara
If you are a citizen of Kurashiki, you may have visited during school events.
When you visit as an adult after a long time, you may feel differently.
By coming to this bar, I hope that local people can rediscover the charm of the Bikan Historical Area.
I want local people to know more about this shop and the Bikan Historical Area.
Finally, could you share your future outlook for the shop?
Fujihara
It has been four years since the shop opened in 2014, and it has gone by in a flash; before I knew it, four years had passed.
From now on, I hope to create an original world view unique to this shop in the Bikan Historical Area, focusing on Japanese-style hospitality and cocktails with quality.
Recently, our bartender Tsuchiya has won the 2019 Suntory The Cocktail Award in the Japanese cocktail category, so this is a great opportunity for more people to get to know our shop.
I believe that the expectations for taste will be higher than ever, so to ensure that everyone enjoys their experience, we all need to further improve our skills.
I will do my best to make this shop a place that people think they must visit when they come to Kurashiki, making it a representative shop of Kurashiki.
Conclusion
As a fruit lover, especially of strawberries and pears, I find myself longing for the cocktails at "Salon de Ric’s (サロン・ド・リックス)" when the seasonal fruits are in season.
The smooth and sherbet-like textures, all of them are exquisite in taste, making this the place that got me hooked on cocktails.
With the bartender's meticulous attention and conversation, you might find yourself lingering in this comfortable space.
I recommend this bar, "Salon de Ric’s (サロン・ド・リックス)," hoping it will become a representative establishment of Kurashiki.
Why not visit and discover your special original cocktail?
Data for Salon de Rics (サロン・ド・リックス)
As a measure against the novel coronavirus, the business hours will temporarily be from 4 PM to 11 PM.
| Name | Salon de Rics (サロン・ド・リックス) |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-27 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-425-5688 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 6 PM to 12 AM (Last order at 11:30 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 25 seats Counter seats: 7 Table seats: 18 |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed in designated areas only) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Salon de Rics (サロン・ド・リックス) |
