Interview with Floor Leader Tamura Naoko of Takenoya Nakasho Store
Commitment to Kurashiki
What is the background behind the opening of Takenoya Nakasho Store?
Tamura
We wanted to contribute to the Okayama region and spread the culture of soba, so we opened as the third store of Takenoya Nakasho.
The president of the Takenoya Group and the manager of Trattoria Homemade Soba Takenoya are actual brothers from Kurashiki.
Since both are from Sakatsu, Kurashiki City, they have a commitment to only open stores in Kurashiki.
Additionally, they want to use local products as much as possible.
In fact, the noren (traditional shop curtain), the menu, and our aprons are all made from Kurashiki denim.
We have a desire to contribute to the community, so the yellow chives, hojicha (roasted green tea), soba flour, and rice used in the store are all produced in Okayama Prefecture.
Creative Soba with Italian Flair
Why do you offer creative soba?
Tamura
Okayama is a region with a udon culture.
There are few authentic soba shops, and it seems that soba is not very familiar.
We created Italian-style soba to serve as a trigger to spread the culture of soba in Okayama.
With Italian-style soba, I hope that younger generations will become interested in soba and try it.
Is the composition of Japanese soba different from Italian-style soba?
Tamura
The composition is the same.
The cutting style is different, but the soba itself is the same.
We cut warm soba thicker, cold soba thinner, and Italian-style soba into flat noodles to match the dish.
Cold soba is chilled with water, and Italian-style soba is stir-fried, so the cooking processes are indeed different.
Soba and Obanzai
As of June 2023, how many types of soba and obanzai are served at Takenoya Nakasho Store?
Tamura
We want you to enjoy a variety of options, so we have 15 to 16 types of warm soba, cold soba, and Italian-style soba.
The menu is slightly different from Trattoria Homemade Soba Takenoya.
There are about 40 types of obanzai, including some regular items, but there are also seasonal dishes and new menu items.
In spring, we had bamboo shoots, but as summer approaches and it gets a bit hotter, we will have dishes using eggplant, and during the peak of summer, we expect to serve obanzai using bitter melon.
What are your recommended soba and obanzai dishes, Tamura-san?
Tamura
For soba, I recommend the Genovese, soba with yellow chives and egg, and soba with wagyu beef.
For obanzai, I really like the marinated baby horse mackerel.
The classic shrimp mayo has a sweet hidden flavor that makes it delicious.
I also recommend the vegetable namul.
To Enjoy a Relaxed Dining Experience
How is the operation managed in the spacious store? Isn't it difficult?
Tamura
It is true that the spacious interior can be challenging.
At peak times, we have up to 200 customers, so we coordinate with the staff to avoid keeping anyone waiting.
We share information via intercom about the status of obanzai and the customers' situation, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meal in a relaxed manner.
Do you have any future plans for Takenoya?
Tamura
We want to enhance the menu, including obanzai.
We also want to focus on desserts made with soba.
Desserts made with soba are very well received.
I hope that all the staff can learn to make soba flour chiffon cake.
We want to do our best as a team to exceed our customers' expectations and allow them to enjoy their time.
Conclusion
When I go to eat authentic soba, just imagining "soba with commitment" makes me happy.
I am a bit surprised and intrigued to learn, "Wait, there’s Italian-style soba too?"
I couldn't imagine what Italian-style soba would be like until I tried it.
And when I tasted it, it was indeed soba, and the Western-style sauce paired well.
Takenoya Nakasho Store is a place where you can enjoy delicious soba and obanzai with friends, family, and loved ones in a relaxed atmosphere.
You will surely be captivated by the Italian-style soba.
The carefully prepared obanzai and soba flour sweets will add joy to your conversations.
Why not visit Kurashiki and try the Italian-style soba?
Data on Takenoya Nakasho Store
| Name | Takenoya Nakasho Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 473-3 Shimojo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-464-0101 |
| Parking | Available More than 100 parking spaces |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Dinner: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Available Reservations are recommended on Saturdays and Sundays due to high volume |
| Seating | 150 seats, table seating |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking (smoking area available outdoors) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | Diaper changing table Children's obanzai Ages 3 to 6: 550 yen (tax included) Elementary school students: 880 yen (tax included) (No soba included) Children's chairs available |
| Website | Official Website of Takenoya Nakasho Store |
