Interview with the business owners Chihiro Misaki and Miyuki Misaki
Salon de Tonerico opened in March 2022.
We spoke with Chihiro Misaki and Miyuki Misaki, who operate the restaurant Salon de Tonerico and the flower shop atelier tonerico in Nishinakada, Kurashiki City.
What was the motivation for starting the business?
Chihiro Misaki
Since we are a restaurant operated by a flower shop, we want people to know more about flowers.
I think many people only go to flower shops for gifts or special occasions, but I believe that having a place like this can provide an opportunity to learn about flowers.
Since meals are essential for living, I wanted to combine that with an opportunity to learn about flowers.
What is the origin of the name Salon de Tonerico?
Miyuki Misaki
We originally operated a flower shop called atelier tonerico, and we wanted to distinguish between the flower shop (atelier) and the restaurant (Salon).
Tonerico is a plant that is also planted at the entrance here.
There is a tree called Tonerico.
Recently, it has become common as a symbolic tree for homes, but it is not a very assertive plant.
It doesn't change color, and it doesn't attract people like cherry blossoms do.
However, it is evergreen all year round and doesn't lose its leaves, so it gives the impression of being close to everyone's daily life.
I thought that was nice, so I named the flower shop atelier tonerico.
The word salon in French means a place to gather, so I named the restaurant Salon de Tonerico, hoping it would be a place where people gather.
Can you tell us about your recommended menu items?
Chihiro Misaki
The salad is our top recommendation.
Usually, we are bundling flowers, but we present the salad in a similar way.
We call it bouquet salad because it looks like a bouquet.
It's not just for the eyes; it also includes nuts and herbs, so you can enjoy it with all your senses.
Many people order the salad because it looks great on social media.
Since it has become colder, pasta and gratin are also popular.
We are currently working on a new menu that uses seasonal ingredients to create a course that reflects the seasons.
In spring, purple flowers are more available, so I would like to incorporate colors that match the season.
Do you have any stories about the parfait?
Chihiro Misaki
The image of the tiramisu parfait with flowers sprouting from the soil is what we really want to achieve as a restaurant operated by a flower shop.
Miyuki Misaki
I hope it can be an opportunity for people to experience flowers through food.
I want to develop the menu linked to the fact that we are a flower shop.
The strawberry and mascarpone parfait uses strawberries from ROSSO in Funao, Kurashiki City.
Both the parfait and the bouquet salad were created thanks to our encounter with ROSSO.
We want to focus on producers, and ROSSO is committed to shipping strawberries at their ripest.
I think that concept is wonderful, so we started sourcing from them.
Since they ship at peak ripeness, the aroma when you open the box is different, and the lingering taste in your mouth is unlike any other strawberries.
In Okayama, we are close to producers and can talk to them, which I think is a strength of Okayama.
What is the atmosphere like during the evening and the menu?
Chihiro Misaki
Basically, the menu is the same for both lunch and dinner.
However, we are planning to refresh the menu soon.
We hope to create a bar-like atmosphere and provide alcohol that pairs well with the food.
Miyuki Misaki
I want the flower shop to be a place where people can come casually, like going for a walk, but that is still quite difficult.
In that sense, I think having a restaurant or bar lowers the barrier for people to come.
In the evening, many male customers come to the bar, and I am happy when they become interested in flowers.
I have also been consulted by people who want to give flowers as a birthday gift.
I am glad to see people who previously had no interest in flowers learning about them.
By operating in the evening, I believe we can expand the audience that enjoys flowers.
I hope they leave feeling that it was good to have flowers here.
What do you want to do in the future?
Miyuki Misaki
I think it would be interesting to combine with different industries and meet and interact with various people.
We have held events before, such as a viola concert, and I would like to continue hosting events where we can do something surrounded by flowers.
We are discussing with producers about wanting to hold a "Sweet Pea Night."
It would be an event where all the flowers here are sweet peas, and people can enjoy the fragrance while listening to the producers' stories.
I believe there are connections that only a flower shop can create.
Chihiro Misaki
Listening to producers is educational, and since we know that, I think it is our role as flower shop owners to convey that knowledge.
Miyuki Misaki
I want to give back to our customers the knowledge we have gained as a flower shop and from running a restaurant.
I believe that will encourage the producers as well.
Producers rarely have the opportunity to see their flowers displayed or to see people enjoying what they have created.
When we provide feedback to them, it encourages both sides.
I think that is important in running a business.
Chihiro Misaki
I would like to try showing flowers and eating strawberries while explaining what the producers have created.
Since it is a salon, I want to create a place where everyone gathers and something is born there.
Conclusion
Salon de Tonerico is operated with a sincere desire to let more people know the beauty of flowers.
It might be nice to experience seasonal flowers while surrounded by flowers and greenery, enjoying food, desserts, and drinks.
A place where many people can encounter flowers; I look forward to the future developments of Salon de Tonerico.
Data on Salon de Tonerico
| Name | Salon de Tonerico |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-7-10 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, 2F |
| Contact | 050-8883-6966 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 18 seats |
| Smoking | Completely Non-Smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Salon de Tonerico: Instagram |
