On my recent day off, I set out on a dual mission with my coworker and friend Tomoya: to source better quality, locally-grown produce for our cafe and to have a bit of fun along the way.

We were driving around and heading to different stores accomplishing tasks that I needed to get done for the day. For lunch, we stopped at this unique spot called “Fuku” Cafe, renowned for its love for owls. While they don't have real owls, the place is full of owl dolls, that comes in all shapes and sizes. Curious, I asked the staff about this owl fascination and learned that it's all thanks to the owner's passion for these unique birds.

The culinary highlight at Fuku Cafe was a hearty Japanese curry, uniquely served with a whole onion on top and accompanied by a delicious pumpkin croquette on the side. The flavors were as memorable as the cafe's decor.

Post-lunch, our quest for quality ingredients led us to the renowned farmer's market in Awaji, Minacoicoiya. This place was a treasure trove of local produce, and as we explored, I was on the lookout for potential suppliers who could provide us with the freshest ingredients, right from Awaji. The market was bustling with energy, and the quality of the produce on display was truly impressive.



After gathering information and making some contacts at the market, we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for the rest of the ingredients needed for our cafe. It's days like these that remind me of the beauty and bounty of Awaji, and how it plays a pivotal role in our kitchen at the cafe.