An Italian restaurant has opened in "Sogawa Legato Square," a multi-purpose complex in downtown Toyama that focuses on health and welfare.Barzer"fart!
This is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that aims to improve people's lives in all fields, with "health" as its theme.Kokando (Kokando)" is produced byNatural Cafe Hirokando "NATURE CAFE by KOKANDO" has sadly closed down.La Bettola da Ochiai Toyama He was the head chef at "LA BETTOLA da Ochiai Toyama".Shinji FujitaThe chef was welcomed, and on December 3, 2018,BarzerThis is an Italian restaurant that has been renovated and reopened as "[restaurant name]!"
During the day, it operates as a bar, offering light meals such as their signature sandwiches and paninis, along with espresso made by a barista using an Italian machine, creating a casual lunch style. In the evening, it transforms into a trattoria, where you can enjoy à la carte and set course Italian cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from Toyama, paired with carefully selected wines from around the world. It truly has two distinct faces!
On this day, while returning to Toyama, I met with a company that plans and organizes special occasions such as weddings.Hummingbird / WineHe works as a South African wine importer in one of the business divisions of "[company name]".Kaori Takeuchi MillerA cafe meeting with Kaori!
This restaurant also serves South African wines that Kaori supplies, but this time I just used the cafe and ordered a cappuccino with latte art recommended by the barista!
When we left the art theme up to the barista, they prepared two adorable cappuccinos to commemorate the birth of the new era name "Reiwa": one featuring a cute cat holding up the word "Reiwa" and another with a "moon and sun" design!
The time for pleasant conversation while enjoying a delicious cappuccino has begun! A very historic kimono wholesaler in ToyamaUshijimayaBorn in [location] and raised surrounded by three brothers, Kaori is a very friendly person. Although we had exchanged messages several times on Facebook, she was such a friendly and wonderful woman that you couldn't tell at all that this was our first meeting!
Kaori, who previously worked in the fashion industry, went to England to study fashion in her youth and met her current husband, a South African man.Shawn Thomas MillerMeeting Sean led to a connection with South Africa and marked a turning point in her life! Coincidentally, Sean's cousin married into a South African winery, and Kaori, having discovered the true deliciousness of African wine, is now pursuing a career as a wine importer with the pure desire to "spread this delicious South African wine more widely in Japan!"
At the time, South African wines were not widely available in Japan, but in recent years, their wide variety of grape varieties, excellent cost performance, and high quality have made them popular among Japanese wine lovers, and they have grown to the point where they are a hot topic!
Kaori introduced me to the South African wines she handles, and I was able to look at the brochure!
Our trip to South Africa left a lasting impression on us, and even now, when asked "Which country would you like to visit again?", South Africa always ranks high on the list!
At that time, a Japanese local guide was assigned to the area.Keiko UmbhauMr. [Name] visited South Africa's oldest winery,Groot ConstantiaI have fond memories of being taken to "Groot Constantia"!
Like Kaori, we were truly surprised by the delicious taste and affordable price of South African wine when we first tried it!
This time, I happened to introduce Kaori, who was looking for a Japanese guide in South Africa, to Keiko, a local guide, and it feels like my passion for South Africa is being rekindled!
[South African wineries that carry Hummingbird products]
■A noteworthy winery that is creating a new wave in South AfricaBarnardt Boyes Wines(The Bernard Boys)
■A premium wine collection featuring labels designed by Carol Boys, an iconic South African artist, in collaboration with his brother Bernard Boys.CarRoL BoYeS Wines(Carol Boys Collection)
■A cutting-edge winery that deeply loves horses and wine and is passionate about cooking and art.Cavalli Estate(Cavall)
■A prestigious winery where beautiful Baroque music playsDeMorgenzon(Demogenzon)
■A hidden treasure wine nurtured by some of South Africa's leading growersElgin Vintners(Elgin Vintners)
■A cult-favorite winery run by a former engineerSpioenkop Wines(Sponcop)
All the wineries were very interesting, but I was particularly captivated by the elegant label designs, perhaps because they were created by female artists.CarRoL BoYeS WinesI received "SKETCHBOOK Cabernet Sauvignon" from the "Carol Boys Collection" as a gift!
Made with grapes hand-picked early in the morning in the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions, and aged for 12-16 months in French oak barrels before bottling!
It's described as a full-bodied wine with aromas of dark fruits and mint, and a wonderfully concentrated bouquet and structure! I can't wait to open it at home!
Finally, we took a commemorative photo with Kaori and all the staff at Baltzel!
I'd love to try this meal next time! I'm looking forward to seeing you again, Kaori!
Barzer
Address: Legato Square 1F, 4-4-3 Sogawa, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
TEL: 076-461-3215
Opening hours: Lunch 11:00 AM - (Last order 4:00 PM), Dinner 6:00 PM - (Last order 9:30 PM)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hummingbird
Address: 1-6-9 Chuo-dori, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, 2F
TEL: 076-421-3600
Opening hours: 10:00 - 19:00
Closed on Wednesdays
