Today's Obanzai:
• Fried Shishito with bonito Flake
• Ginger Braised Squid
• Butter sauteed Japanese Mushrooms (Shiitake, Eringi, Enoki)
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Kikurage
What a fabulous day!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Saturday, April 28th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Shime Saba
• Rice Croquett with Salmon
• Hoku Hoku Satsuma imo (Japanese Sweet Potato)
• Home-made Satsuma-age (Fish cake with vegetables)
• Lettuce Daikon Jako Salad
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Enoki
• Shime Saba
• Rice Croquett with Salmon
• Hoku Hoku Satsuma imo (Japanese Sweet Potato)
• Home-made Satsuma-age (Fish cake with vegetables)
• Lettuce Daikon Jako Salad
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Enoki
Friday, April 27, 2007
Friday, April 27th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Shime Saba
• Rice Croquett with Salmon
• Saba Miso-ni
• Hiryozu (Deep fried Tofu ball with vegetables)
• Fried Shishito with Bonito Frake
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Fresh-made Tofu
• Shime Saba
• Rice Croquett with Salmon
• Saba Miso-ni
• Hiryozu (Deep fried Tofu ball with vegetables)
• Fried Shishito with Bonito Frake
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Fresh-made Tofu
HMF Project: Adoption day - Hello, Good Bye
This is what we kept.
3 baby Tomato plants & Tomato-chan (probably a weed).
Today we said lots of "Good Bye."
Yet I can still say "Hello" to Tomato-chan!
Baby Tomato plants were being adopted much quicker than we expected.
(We thought it'll take 2-3 days to find home for every plants)
So, there were a few people who came after all the tomato plants were gone.
We are sorry, but here's a good news!
In a week or two, we'll put our Basil for adoption.
(Now they are still too small to leave home)
Please check our blog, and came back to claim your Basil!
HMF Project: Adoption day - Proud New Parents
Our baby Tomato plants were selling like a hot cake! They were being adopted one by one to a new home.
I'd like to introduce some of the new proud parents for baby Tomato plants.
Yes, they are official(?) Hibino Micro Farmers!
(I think her red coat & red bag are really cool!)
They already are parents of a human baby, but generous enough to add our Tomato plant as their new family member.
Our neighbor!
He was very happy to get a baby Tomato plant.
We were very happy Tomato plants found lots of new homes.
HMF Project: Adoption day - Prep.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thursday, April 26th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Rice Croquett with Salmon
• Saba Miso-ni
• Kiss Tempura
Today's Miso Soup:
• Snow pea
• Rice Croquett with Salmon
• Saba Miso-ni
• Kiss Tempura
Today's Miso Soup:
• Snow pea
HMF Project: WANTED!!
WANTED!
Foster parents for our Baby Tomato Plant
If you’d like to grow a Tomato at your home, please come in to the restaurant and pick up the pod!
(I will separate the baby tomato plants this morning)
We have a bunch of baby tomato plants in need of new home.
Now you are a Micro Farmer, too!
Foster parents for our Baby Tomato Plant
If you’d like to grow a Tomato at your home, please come in to the restaurant and pick up the pod!
(I will separate the baby tomato plants this morning)
We have a bunch of baby tomato plants in need of new home.
Now you are a Micro Farmer, too!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday, April 25th Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Rolled Cabbage (minced chicken inside)
• Eggplant Meat-miso Dengaku
• Rice Croquette with Salmon
• Bari Bari Cabbage with Garlic Miso Sauce
Today's Miso Soup:
• Shishito & Tofu
• Rolled Cabbage (minced chicken inside)
• Eggplant Meat-miso Dengaku
• Rice Croquette with Salmon
• Bari Bari Cabbage with Garlic Miso Sauce
Today's Miso Soup:
• Shishito & Tofu
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tuesday, April 24th Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Rolled Cabbage (minced chicken inside)
• Eggplant Meat-miso Dengaku
• Rice Croquette with Salmon
Today's Miso Soup:
• Okura
• Rolled Cabbage (minced chicken inside)
• Eggplant Meat-miso Dengaku
• Rice Croquette with Salmon
Today's Miso Soup:
• Okura
Monday, April 23, 2007
HMF Project: In Need of Foster Parents
Finally, we (human kind) can feel the Spring, too.
Basil had a late start, but it is catching up.
Both "Tomato-chan" and real Tomatoes are getting bigger, too.
But sometime this week, I have to do a painful task.
I have to pluck out many of the sprouts -- so chosen some would have more soil and sun to grow. (May be I can wait a little more for Basil, but Tomatoes have to be taken care of, soon...)
Hmmmm, how should I make a choice?
I know I'll keep Tomato-chan.
May be I can bring "un-chosen one" to my home, so they can also grow.
Even in human world, sometimes you encounter this kind of situation.
When you are a chosen one, yes, life is great.
But when you end up on the other side of the soil, you could feel a bit sad & miserable.
I have an idea!
I'll talk to our staff and look for foster parents for these sprouts.
So each of them have a chance to grow!
(and our staff would have his/her own Tomato & Basil at their own home)
Monday, April 23rd Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Aji Furai -Fried Horse Mackerel
• Rock Shrimp Nanban zuke
• Kinpira Gobo
• Ika (Squid) & Grilled Tofu no Tai-tan
Today's Miso Soup:
• Grilled Tokyo Scallion & Wakame
• Aji Furai -Fried Horse Mackerel
• Rock Shrimp Nanban zuke
• Kinpira Gobo
• Ika (Squid) & Grilled Tofu no Tai-tan
Today's Miso Soup:
• Grilled Tokyo Scallion & Wakame
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Saturday, April 21st Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Aji Furai -Fried Horse Mackerel
• Baked Eggplant with Ground Beef Miso Sauce
• Mackerel & Zucchini white Miso An-kake
• Rock Shrimp Nanban zuke
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom & Wakame
Spring finally has come!
Enjoy yourself in this nice weather!!
• Aji Furai -Fried Horse Mackerel
• Baked Eggplant with Ground Beef Miso Sauce
• Mackerel & Zucchini white Miso An-kake
• Rock Shrimp Nanban zuke
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom & Wakame
Spring finally has come!
Enjoy yourself in this nice weather!!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Friday, April 20th Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Rice Croquette with Eel
• Baked Eggplant with Ground Beef Sauce
• Organic Chicken & Lotus Root Crispy Cakes
• Aji Furai -Fried Horse Mackerel
• Salmon Skin Salad
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom, Daikon & Carrot
• Rice Croquette with Eel
• Baked Eggplant with Ground Beef Sauce
• Organic Chicken & Lotus Root Crispy Cakes
• Aji Furai -Fried Horse Mackerel
• Salmon Skin Salad
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom, Daikon & Carrot
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Thursday, April 19th Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Rice Croquette with Eel
• Miso Kabocha Soup
• Renkon + Chiken Hasami Age
• Daikon no Taitan + Organic Ajitsuke Tamago
Today's Miso Soup:
• Shishito & Shiitake Mushroom
• Rice Croquette with Eel
• Miso Kabocha Soup
• Renkon + Chiken Hasami Age
• Daikon no Taitan + Organic Ajitsuke Tamago
Today's Miso Soup:
• Shishito & Shiitake Mushroom
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
HMF Project: Tomato-chan Update!
Hello, Tomato-chan!
When I took photos yesterday, I wasn't thinking about Tomato-chan.
After the fact, when I was writing this blog, it occurred to me:
"Where was Tomato-chan?"
So this morning, I took a closer look.
Yes, Tomato-chan was there!
But it is getting more and more clear that Tomato-chan is not a Tomato... She is a different kind of plant or a weed. Other guys have hairy stem, and have leaves in different shapes. Also other guys started smell like Tomato. Well, I repeat myself. I still love you, Tomato-chan!
Wednesday, April 18th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Nanban-zuke (Stripe Bass)
• Chicken Wing Shio Yaki
• Daikon no Taitan + Organic Ajitsuke Tamago
• Rice Croquette with Eel
• Enoki & Shiitake Mushroom Soup
Today's Miso Soup:
• Daikon & Age
• Nanban-zuke (Stripe Bass)
• Chicken Wing Shio Yaki
• Daikon no Taitan + Organic Ajitsuke Tamago
• Rice Croquette with Eel
• Enoki & Shiitake Mushroom Soup
Today's Miso Soup:
• Daikon & Age
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
HMF Project Update: Where's my Tomato-chan?
Though it is still chilly, spring is knocking the door.
Ton, ton, ton (this is the sound of knocking in Japanese).
Plants are feeling it.
Tomato is growing & growing.
We can see actual leaves apart from the seed leaves.
Basil is catching up, too. It is still in its seed leaf, but it is getting taller.
But where is Tomato-chan???
Could this be my Tomato-chan? I'll take a closer look tomorrow morning...
Tuesday, April 17th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Nanban-zuke (Stripe Bass)
• Wakatake ni
• Lotus Root & Shrimp Hasami Age
• Chicken Wing Shio Yaki
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Age
Did you file your tax?
I finished it on Sunday morning. Phew!!
• Nanban-zuke (Stripe Bass)
• Wakatake ni
• Lotus Root & Shrimp Hasami Age
• Chicken Wing Shio Yaki
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Age
Did you file your tax?
I finished it on Sunday morning. Phew!!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Monday, April 16th **Rainy Day** Special
Rainy Day Special
• Mini Kitsune Udon $4
(Udon noodle with sweetened Bean curd in warm broth)
Today's obanzai:
• Nanban-zuke (Stripe Bass)
• Wakatake ni
• Lotus Root & Shrimp Hasami Age
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Age
This week, weather is kind of nasty.
But come and eat "Kitsune Udon" @ Hibino and be warm!
Yes, we are open for Lunch!
Monday through Friday, from 12 noon to 2:30 PM.
Try our Obento Box ($8, including Salad / Rice / Miso soup)
• Mini Kitsune Udon $4
(Udon noodle with sweetened Bean curd in warm broth)
Today's obanzai:
• Nanban-zuke (Stripe Bass)
• Wakatake ni
• Lotus Root & Shrimp Hasami Age
Today's Miso Soup:
• Wakame & Age
This week, weather is kind of nasty.
But come and eat "Kitsune Udon" @ Hibino and be warm!
Yes, we are open for Lunch!
Monday through Friday, from 12 noon to 2:30 PM.
Try our Obento Box ($8, including Salad / Rice / Miso soup)
Otasuke-man: Mighty Helpers
This is Arisa-san.
Super skillful Sushi-girl!
This cute shy lady is Shiho-san.
She comes to Hibino after her regular work. She helps around every corner at Hibino.
This is Vicente.
He is a Sushi chef, but was helping serving & dish washing this day.
We are so fortunate.
As you already know by now, we are a very small capital restaurant.
(In fact, micro capital restaurant! It's a miracle we came this far..., really...)
So, we couldn't hire enough staff for the opening month.
We weren't sure how many people would come to eat at our place.
But if you hire somebody, (even if you have no money) you have to pay them.
For opening month, instead of hiring extra person (since we weren't sure of financial outcome of our place), we are having a bunch of helpers. They are friends and former colleagues of chefs and staff. They are chefs, waiters, and regular office workers. They equally contributed to Hibino's operation. Without them, we wouldn't be standing here (without any exaggeration).
I introduced some of them already, but we'd like to give our thanks to them again.
Thank you so much, Mukai-kun, Choi-kun, Jin-kun, Xue-kun, Yanagi-san, Hiroshi-kun, Arisa-san, Shiho-san, Vicente!
And last, but not least, Chiaki-san who is in Japan now.
Hopefully, we can hire extra person very soon. So we can serve you faster ;-)
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Saturday, April 14th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Nanbab-zuke (fillet of white fish)
• Tori Jaga (Organic Chicken Stew with Potatoes)
• Rice Croquette with Salmon
• Baked Eggplant with White Miso
Today's Special:
• Uni (sea urchin) & Lobster Tamago Tofu $8
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom & Home made Tofu
• Nanbab-zuke (fillet of white fish)
• Tori Jaga (Organic Chicken Stew with Potatoes)
• Rice Croquette with Salmon
• Baked Eggplant with White Miso
Today's Special:
• Uni (sea urchin) & Lobster Tamago Tofu $8
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom & Home made Tofu
Friday, April 13, 2007
Friday, April 13th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Tori Jaga (Organic Chicken Stew with Potatoes)
• Yaki Saba Sushi (Grilled Mackerel Sushi)
• Ginger Braised Tuna
• Smoked Salmon Ceviche with Granny Smith Apple and Shiso Dresssing
• Rice Croquette with Eel and Shiso
• Baked Eggplant with White Miso
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom & Home made Tofu
• Tori Jaga (Organic Chicken Stew with Potatoes)
• Yaki Saba Sushi (Grilled Mackerel Sushi)
• Ginger Braised Tuna
• Smoked Salmon Ceviche with Granny Smith Apple and Shiso Dresssing
• Rice Croquette with Eel and Shiso
• Baked Eggplant with White Miso
Today's Miso Soup:
• Enoki Mushroom & Home made Tofu
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Thursday, April 12th **Rainy Day** Special
Rainy Day Special
• Mini Kitsune Udon $4
(Udon noodle with sweetened Bean curd in warm broth)
Today's obanzai:
• Tori Jaga (Organic Chicken and Potatoes)
• Hijiki Salad
• Rice Croquette with Eel and Shiso
• Smoked Salmon Ceviche with Granny Smith Apple, Shiso Dressing
Today's Miso Soup:
• Daikon & home made Tofu
It's raining out but hope to see you at Hibino!
• Mini Kitsune Udon $4
(Udon noodle with sweetened Bean curd in warm broth)
Today's obanzai:
• Tori Jaga (Organic Chicken and Potatoes)
• Hijiki Salad
• Rice Croquette with Eel and Shiso
• Smoked Salmon Ceviche with Granny Smith Apple, Shiso Dressing
Today's Miso Soup:
• Daikon & home made Tofu
It's raining out but hope to see you at Hibino!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wednesday, April 11th Special
Today's obanzai:
• Smoke Salmon Ceviche
• Hijiki no taitan
• Garlic Potato
• Inari Sushi
Today's Miso Soup:
• Shihito & Wakame
Now the construction is over!
We open for dinner at 5:30 PM.
Also we started serving lunch today!
Lunch hour is 12 noon to 2:30 PM.
Join us for lunch, too!
• Smoke Salmon Ceviche
• Hijiki no taitan
• Garlic Potato
• Inari Sushi
Today's Miso Soup:
• Shihito & Wakame
Now the construction is over!
We open for dinner at 5:30 PM.
Also we started serving lunch today!
Lunch hour is 12 noon to 2:30 PM.
Join us for lunch, too!
Monday, April 9, 2007
HMF Project & Today's Helper
Hibino's construction is almost over. We still have small projects/installations to be completed, but all the major work is done! Phew!!
This is not a final conclusion, but I believe more and more that Tomato-chan is a weed... Other spouts' stem has lots of hair, but Tomato-chan's stem is bold. Well, well, well... As I said before, I still love Tomato-chan.
Basil leaves are growing slowly, but surely.
This is today's helper Mukai-kun.
You might not see him that much, but he's one of the most-frequent-helper of Hibino. He comes to help during the prep time quite often. Thank you, Mukai-kun. We all appreciate your generous help!
Monday, April 9 Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Hijiki no Taitan (Hijiki & Age & Carrot)
• Aemono: Smoke Salmon & Onion
• Kabocha no Taitan
Today's Miso Soup:
Wakame & Green beans
• Hijiki no Taitan (Hijiki & Age & Carrot)
• Aemono: Smoke Salmon & Onion
• Kabocha no Taitan
Today's Miso Soup:
Wakame & Green beans
Construction on Sunday -- Last Phase
HMF Project Quick update & Yoji-kun
Sprouts of Tomato are growing!
?????
But they look different from my "Tomato-chan."
Could my cute little "Tomato-chan" have been a weed?
Well, I'll keep eyes on both "bunch of sprouts" and MY "Tomato-chan."
Tomato-chan.
Even if you were a weed, I still love you!
Yoji-kun from YT Design came over on Saturday night (not to work but to eat!). They had Shrimp Toji Maki, Warm Tofu, Eel Croquette, Beef Kakuni, Kyoto Hakosihi & Anago Hakosushi. Yum, Yum!
Friday, April 6, 2007
Friday, April 6 Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Braised Mackerel bo sushi
• Rice Croquette with Eel & Shiso
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Potato Nitsuke in Soy Broth
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Enoki Mashroom
• Braised Mackerel bo sushi
• Rice Croquette with Eel & Shiso
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Potato Nitsuke in Soy Broth
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Enoki Mashroom
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Thursday, April 5th Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Rice Croquette with Eel & Shiso
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Potato Nitsuke in Soy Broth
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Enoki Mashroom
We will open at 6 PM today.
• Rice Croquette with Eel & Shiso
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Potato Nitsuke in Soy Broth
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Enoki Mashroom
We will open at 6 PM today.
Hibino Micro Farmer Project
We planted tomato & basil on March 29th.
This was the first step of Hibino Micro Farmer Project. (HMF project, in short)
A Tomato seed has sprouted!
(we were so excited!!!)
This was a shot from last night. We named this first sprout "Tomato-chan." Hope she grows & grows. One day she might be in your salad!
This is our Tomato-chan this morning. She is getting taller!!
This was the first step of Hibino Micro Farmer Project. (HMF project, in short)
A Tomato seed has sprouted!
(we were so excited!!!)
This was a shot from last night. We named this first sprout "Tomato-chan." Hope she grows & grows. One day she might be in your salad!
This is our Tomato-chan this morning. She is getting taller!!
Apology • Apology
This week has been turbulent.
We owe you Apologies...
This was Monday afternoon shot. There was no way that we could greet you in a proper space...
Jose was working hard, without Hama-san...
First apology:
We felt so terrible that we had to close the restaurant on Monday.
We want to be a DEPENDABLE neighborhood restaurant. We don't want to be the restaurant you aren't sure they are open or not till you get there.
[However, please allow us to make a excuse. Hama-san @ Locus had a back spasm (!) 2 weeks ago. So construction work is taking longer than both we & Locus expected...]
Second apology:
Our telephone line wasn't working last few days!
(We contacted Verizon, and started repair process a few days ago.)
Now the line is working.
We might encounter more problems.
But when we do, we'll do our best to fix the issue :-)
We owe you Apologies...
This was Monday afternoon shot. There was no way that we could greet you in a proper space...
Jose was working hard, without Hama-san...
First apology:
We felt so terrible that we had to close the restaurant on Monday.
We want to be a DEPENDABLE neighborhood restaurant. We don't want to be the restaurant you aren't sure they are open or not till you get there.
[However, please allow us to make a excuse. Hama-san @ Locus had a back spasm (!) 2 weeks ago. So construction work is taking longer than both we & Locus expected...]
Second apology:
Our telephone line wasn't working last few days!
(We contacted Verizon, and started repair process a few days ago.)
Now the line is working.
We might encounter more problems.
But when we do, we'll do our best to fix the issue :-)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Wednesday, April 4th Special
Rainy Day Special:
• Veggie Miso Soup
This soup is on us!
We want to thank you for coming in this weather.
Today's Obanzai:
• Rice Croquette with Eel & Shiso
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Hoku Hoku Potato (potato & butter)
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Grilled Tokyo Scallion
We will open at 6 PM today.
• Veggie Miso Soup
This soup is on us!
We want to thank you for coming in this weather.
Today's Obanzai:
• Rice Croquette with Eel & Shiso
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Hoku Hoku Potato (potato & butter)
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Grilled Tokyo Scallion
We will open at 6 PM today.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Tuesday April 3rd Special
Today's Obanzai:
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Hoku Hoku Potato (potato & butter)
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Wakame & Fresh-made Tofu
Special Sushi:
Roasted Duck Sushi
We will open at 6 PM today.
• Braised Tuna in Ginger Soy Broth
• Spring Vegetable Ohitashi
• Warm Salad (Tomato & Zucchini)
• Hoku Hoku Potato (potato & butter)
• Agedashi Egg Plant
Today's Miso Soup:
Wakame & Fresh-made Tofu
Special Sushi:
Roasted Duck Sushi
We will open at 6 PM today.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Monday April 2nd -- Temporarily Closed Today
We are really really sorry, but we are temporarily closed today due to delay in renovation work.
Our plan was to wrap up the renovation work over the weekend.
Well, well, well.... Plan was a plan...
We'll be open tomorrow DEFINITELY.
Our staff, including chefs, will clean up the construction mess tonight, so we can welcome you back in descent space.
Again, we are really sorry for this.
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Our plan was to wrap up the renovation work over the weekend.
Well, well, well.... Plan was a plan...
We'll be open tomorrow DEFINITELY.
Our staff, including chefs, will clean up the construction mess tonight, so we can welcome you back in descent space.
Again, we are really sorry for this.
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
First Week...
This is cutie-super-helper chef Chiaki holding our Fresh-made Tofu. She came to help our opening week all the way from Japan. But she is leaving us soon... We'll miss her so much...
Anyway, rainy Sunday night is a perfect time to recollect our first week.
First of all, we'd like to thank everybody who came to our place.
You would never know how much encouragement you gave us.
Hibino is our first restaurant/venture, so we weren't sure what would happen.
We had been speculating worst case scenario so many times...
Also we are so happy that we had many people coming from the neighborhood.
I heard people saying:
"We live down the block!"
"Came from just around the corner."
"Across the street", etc.
When we decided to open a restaurant at this location, we envisioned a neighborhood restaurant. As I said before in the blog, it is not an ideal location for the restaurant. But we though we could make it work if we could get a support from people live around.
It is too early to tell we can financially survive or not, but we are hoping to stay here and keep serving you a good meal at a reasonable price.
So please come over again! If you come, we can stay here!!