Wine Lovers Unite!
Don’t get swept up in the ooh-la-la Beaujolais Nouveau frenzy that deludes thousands of unsuspecting wine-people in Tokyo every November.
Instead- Join us at the Kimono Wine Bar for our First Ever Beaujolais No Way Wine tasting.
We love our French friends but for this one night we are shunning the Beaujolais nouveau mobs and having a tasting of our own. We’ll partake of wonderful New World wines from Tokyo’s best wine companies and deliciously paired hors d’oeuvres (or tasty snacks to us non Francophiles) from To the Moon and Back Catering.
Plus all guests have a chance to win a premium wine door prize AND we will send everyone home with a wine related goodie bag.
6,000 yen per person or 10,000 yen for two people.
Very limited seating- (we’re a cozy place) RSVP required.
Email lauren@kimonowinebar.com
www.kimonowinebar.com
November 11th, 2009
Well, here we are. It has been 6 mons since the closing of the landmark home base of Fujimamas in Tokyo. Where are we? what are we doing? and what comes next?
Mark and Lisa (the owners, creators and inspiration behind the original fujimamas) are on the Big Island of Hawaii running two amazing locations FUJIMAMAS Hawaii and HULI SUE’s BBQ in Waimea. They are working with Tomo and Dany also formerly of Fujimamas in Tokyo. They are working hard and doing well in spite of a difficult economy. Everyone in the restaurant business around the world is hoping to survive this challenging year and see improved conditions in 2010~
Ramon, Myself (Lauren Shannon) and Our former Head Chef Sham- are running a new catering company here in the big metropolis- TO The Moon and Back. It is going well so far. Though each day brings new challeges and new lessons learned. The food is still stellar thanks to Sham and our service team is wonderful thanks to Ramon. Me– I am mostly steering the ship with the help of my new Business partner Mike.
You may have also heard- since I am shouting it from rooftops, that we opened a small co-location wine bar in the same space as Notting Hill Cakes. The bar is Called Kimono Wine Bar and it is small, cozy and a labor of Love! Our fabulous fujimamas bartender Peter is working with me there and he is mixing up some amazing drinks along with our extensive wine list.
Other Fujimamas notables–
Jackie our dinner manager is helping out over at ROTI Roppongi, Ben is cooking up some gorgeous food at KAMU in Aoyama, Papa Stellios is chef-ing it up at Beacon, Wada san is making lovely party food at TY Harbor, Hisa is at the Four Seasons doing pastry, a big group of our team is serving and supporting over at TAC and various other staff are scattered around the city still enjoying the fun and satisfaction of preparing and serving food to hungry Tokyo-ites.
What’s Next? Well that is still largely an open question. We are looking to expand the wine bar operation and we are scouting locations to bring Fujimamas back to life here in Tokyo- new company and new neighborhood but same passion. If you are interested in helping us do that- either with investment, location ideas, business advice– be sure to email me.
In the meantime, we are providing a huge variety of catering menus for the autmum and holiday seasons. And we are getting ready to cater Turkey Dinners, company lunches, and private events for Thanksgiving. If you need catering we are the most flexible, passionate, and detail oriented catering team around. Email us and let us make a menu just for you.
Places of NOTE from above
Fujimamas Hawaii
Huli Sues
Kimono Wine Bar
To the Moon and Back Catering
Friends and former staff;
KAMU
Tokyo American Club / TAC
Roti
Beacon
TY Harbor
November 1st, 2009
This week at Kimono Wine Bar
10/27 Craft Beer Tuesday, PUMPKIN ALE- too fun to be believed. Try this amazing spicy beer, Autumn in a glass. Big Bottle- regularly 1050- tonight between 7-9pm just 840 yen. BOO!
10/28 Wednesday Wine Special- try any wine from Sokol Blosser from Oregon or Cline Cellars from California- (two of my favorite wineries) 500 yen a glass or 1000 yen discount from any bottle.
It is also GLITTERBALL night for our friends at metropolis- stop by Kimono Wine Bar before you head over to the Glitterball and if you are in costume you can try one of our appetizers for free with your purchase of one of the special wines of the night.
10/29 Thursday- Carafe special- One free Snack/ Appetizer with the purchase of a carafe of wine. (large cheese plate not included) We recommend the regular size cheese plate or our Kimono Crostini Trio~!
10/30 Friday we are closed for a private event. Sorry for any inconvenience. (plan your own private party by contacting us at info@kimonowinebar.com fantastic wine tastings, sayonara events, dinners, birthday parties, you name it!)
10/31 Happy Halloween, Enjoy Pumpkin Beer, Original Cocktails, Any of our 10 new world wines by the glass, and some homemade food before you head out to the big bashes tonight-! Come in costume or in Kimono and your first drink is buy one get one free!
make your reservations at lauren@kimonowinebar.com
October 26th, 2009
Kimono Wine Bar and Hotei Wines present: “Cashmere for the Cure”
October 13th, 2009 from 7:30pm
A night of wines from Cline Cellars and canapes from To the Moon and Back Catering– Come join us as we taste and learn about wonderful wines from California’s Cline Cellars.
Cline makes world renowned Syrah, and a host of other classic varietals. On our Cashmere night you can taste four of their signature wines including the rich and delicious Cline Cashmere. Cline Cellars have made a commitment to helping find a cure for breast cancer and they donate more than 25,000 dollars a year to a variety of breast cancer research and support organizations. We are proud to contribute five percent of the door charge for each participant in this luxurious wine tasting night at the new Kimono Wine Bar in Nishi Azabu.
More info on the pdf here.
Seating is limited to 25 so RSVP early to:
RSVP: lauren@kimonowinebar.com
Tel: 03-5464-3788
www.kimonowinebar.com
William Campbell from Hotei Wines will be our VIP presenter to walk us through this wonderful tasting and there will be plenty of time to ask questions, network and talk with fellow wine lovers. Order sheets will be available if you would like to purchase any of the evening’s featured wines to enjoy at home.
Our wines for the evening will be
Cline Pinot Gris, Sonoma Coast, 2007
Cline Viognier, California, 2007
Cline Cashmere (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre), 2007
Cline Syrah, Cool Climate, Sonoma Coast, 2005 (this one scores BIG)
Price is 5000 yen per person/ 9000 yen per couple.
RSVP before 10/10 to reserve your spot.
Read about Cashmere here
http://www.clinecellars.com/assets/client/File/accolades/CMCA_09accolades.pdf
And about Cline Cellars
http://www.clinecellars.com/index.cfm
Hotei Wines
http://www.hoteiwines.com/
September 29th, 2009
To The Moon and Back Catering and Kimono Wine Bar Presents > “Tokyo Hidden Kitchens”
We will be doing special limited seating Hidden Kitchen events around > the city- Brunches, Wine Tastings, Special menus, Cooking classes at > our Kitchen in Nogizaka and lots of events at our new, lovely Wine Bar Space in Nishi Azabu. Sometimes even in private homes of our special
hidden kitchen members.
Our first announcement,
Once a Month we will do “Hidden Kitchen Tokyo Brunch” If you miss Brunch at Fujimamas (I sure do), come join us once a month for our special Brunch events. Reservations absolutely required and the space is small so RSVP early.
Our Chef from Fujis and lots of other great fujis’ staff are putting on these monthly brunch special events…
Our first event is 9/27 All day! @ Kimono Wine Bar
www.kimonowinebar.com
11am-4pm (last order/ reservations from 3pm)
Course menu (with choices) 4500 yen per person includes welcome champagne, mimosa or juice, your choice of Brunch mains, and breakfast breads and extras.
Make your reservation for groups from 2 persons and up. RSVP required. Brunch will include breakfast breads, bacon, sausage, fruit, potatoes and more– plus your choice of mains…
Choose Your Brunch Plate;
Big Boboy Brunch Plate (great if you can’t choose—go ahead and have it all!) -two eggs, bacon and sausage, home fries & small stack pancakes
Two eggs your style “we make ‘em how you like ‘em” eggs, bacon, home fries & toast
Eggs Benedict -classic, with home fries (or vegetarian with Asparagus instead of the parma ham)
New Orleans Eggs Benedict - Two poached eggs a?top grilled andouille sausage, with spicy hollandaise, English muffin, home fries
Pecan & Rum Fancy French Toast butter & maple syrup and Bacon or Sausage
RSVP by email to lauren,shannon@gmail.com
or call 090-5756-4967
Directions and address can be found on the website at www.kimonowinebar.com
September 17th, 2009
Cupcakes by Day - Wine Bar by Night: Notting Hill Cakes and
The Kimono Wine Bar Launch a Delicious Destination
The challenging economy is leading to inspired – and unexpected – cooperative business projects around the world, and Tokyo is no exception.
In that spirit, the Kimono Wine Bar will debut on Tuesday, September 8. The Wine Bar will share a cozy, chic space with Notting Hill Cakes & Gifts, this upscale professional neighborhood’s purveyor of delicious cakes and treats.
Kimono Wine Bar producer Lauren Shannon tells the story: “
“Tokyo-ites really appreciate good food and good wine. We’ve been thinking of opening a place for wine lovers and wine learners alike. At the same time, my friend Mark Peterson wanted to do something creative with his space during down times. So, we decided to create a special space, inspired by Japan’s Art Deco period. We’ll offer a New World Wine menu, with some nice surprises. And, we’ll have the great foods that go well with wine cheese plates, savory dishes, small canapés and cured salami. We’ll also offer craft beers and a wide range of classic cocktails.”
With its elegantly funky balance of warm wood hues, lovely art and dynamic lighting, the space needs surprisingly little work to change from the bright, lovely café by day, to the sophisticated spot for excellent wines by night. With seating for up to 22, there’s space for intimate conversations as well as group get-togethers. It’s a match made in heaven (and Nishi-Azabu) for wine lovers.
Reserve a private table or join other patrons at the long open table - or reserve the open table for your group of 8-12 people, The Kimono Wine Bar will also be offering private party menus for your birthday or other special gatherings.
Hours:
Tues - Thurs 7:00-12:00am
Friday - Saturday 7:00pm – 1am
For reservations/press inquiries call 03-5464-3788 or email info@kimonowinebar.com
The Kimono Wine Bar is located at
4-18-20 Nishi Azabu
Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0031
(co-location with Notting Hill Cakes)
www.KimonoWineBar.com
September 3rd, 2009
Here is some info on a few great happenings at Huli Sue’s restaurant in Hawaii (owned by the former owners of Tokyo Fujimamas)
8/30 Book Signing
On Sunday August 30th, Dr. Heather Manley will host
a book signing for her newly released audio book,
Human Body Detectives: The Lucky Escape!
Bring your kids for this Sunday morning fun event
and get your copy signed personally by Dr. Manley.
Click here for more details in pdf…
8.13 Fun’ Raiser for the GABI Foundation
On Sunday September 13th, Huli Sues is hosting a
non profit champagne brunch Fun’ Raiser for the GABI Foundation providing therapeutic horse lessons for the physically disabled.
and
8.31-9.04 Indian week is back!
Monday August 31rts thru September 4th
Huli Sues is serving up curries,
naans and Indian specials.
Click here for the menu in pdf….
For Reservations and More information,
call Huli Sues @ 808-885-6268
August 26th, 2009
9/26/2009 we will have our 5th 2009 class of our ongoing
“Saturday Wine School”
come join us for SATURDAY SCHOOL where we learn to taste and discuss wine like the pros. 6 times at year on a special Saturday we will have affordable fun wine classes on different topics and themes! Sept. 26th we bring you…
The “Other” Reds
This class will go beyond the Cabs and Merlots that are well known on wine lists around the world! This time come try Shiraz, Grenache, Malbec and many other wonderful less main stream reds from around the world– for the fall and winter.
Location will be our new wine bar on Nisekki Dori. Maps and access info at www.kimonowinebar.com
Allow us to enlighten you: it’s not brain surgery and it is fun! Come join a small group of “Hip Tasters” You’ll learn how to sniff and swirl and taste some of the best and most interesting wines available in Tokyo.
Sat9/26 from 4-6 pm
4000 yen per person tax included RSVP required, please! / we have just 20 seats. Price includes 5 wines and delicious snacks. email lauren@moonandback.jp
This month’s Class Presenters / Jan Nelson and Lauren Shannon. Bring a notebook and your curiosity.
August 20th, 2009
Our room number for tomorrow’s wine school in Tokyo is 1206, in the Forum 8 bldg on Dogenzaka.
Please let me know if you have any questions. My cell # is 090-5756-4967
We still have a few seats left, if you would like to reserve email me by tonight at lauren.shannon@gmail.com or lauren@fujimamas.com
*Lauren
July 9th, 2009
It is time for WINE SCHOOL Again!
see the details below and email asap to hold a spot. This time we have just 30 seats- so let me know. The location will be in Shibuya at FORUM 8, maps and instructions will be sent when you RSVP. email lauren@fujimamas.com
Take care and thanks for your support,
Lauren
7/11/09 we will have our 4th 2009 class of our ongoing
“Saturday Wine School”
We at Fujimamas Events and To the Moon and Back Catering– love to learn new things, love to taste new things and of course we love to drink WINE so come join us for SATURDAY SCHOOL where we learn to taste and discuss wine like the pros. 6 times at year on a special Saturday we will have affordable fun wine classes on different topics and themes! July 11th we bring you…
Summer Wines for Sipping
Try some wonderful whites, sparklings, reds and rose just in time to offer some tasty relief for a Tokyo sweltering summer. The right wine can be a refreshing way to celebrate even when the temperatures are high!
Location is FORUM 8 in Shibuya, 5 mins from Shibuya station up Dogenzaka Street. Maps and details sent when you RSVP.
Allow us to enlighten you: it’s not brain surgery and it is fun! Come join a small group of “Hip Tasters” You’ll learn how to sniff and swirl and taste some of the best and most interesting wines available in Tokyo.
Sat. 7/11/09 from 4-6 pm
4000 yen per person tax included RSVP required, please! / Payment for this month is cash only. And we have just 30 seats this time (ten less than our regular 40) Price includes 5 wines and delicious snacks.
email lauren@fujimamas.com
This month’s Class Presenters / Jan Nelson and Lauren Shannon. Bring a notebook and your curiosity.
June 28th, 2009
Every year the USA Embassy in Tokyo hosts a great day of food and fun at the embassy compound. This year’s event is scheduled for 8/29 and we’ve been accepted as one of the food vendors.
Our plans are to serve up some tasty Hawaiian treats including Pull Pork Sandwiches, LocoMoco, fresh fruit skewers, Onion Chips and that famous frozen delight– Hawaiian SHAVE ICE!
Be sure to stop by and say hello. Admission for a whole day to the festival including entertainment is 1000 yen, and the food booths are selling a wide variety of tasty treats from 500-800 yen. This is a not to be missed summer matsuri. See you there!
June 22nd, 2009
Fujimamas on the Big Island has re-opened in the gorgeous landscape of Waimea. A hop skip and a jump from the kona gold cost, or a wonderful stop on the way home from site-seeing in Hilo.
Come in soon and check out our newest restaurant.
Monday thru Saturday. 5pm to 9pm
Reservations Preferred
Sunday (Private Party inquiries welcome)
65-1299 Kawaihae Rd. Kamuela, HI 96743
phone: 885-9299
June 2nd, 2009
Opening on JUNE 1rst
Monday thru Saturday
5pm to 9pm
Reservations Preferred
Sunday (Private Party inquiries welcome)
65-1299 Kawaihae Rd.
Kamuela, HI 96743
885-9299
May 28th, 2009
This Sat. 5/23 Please join our Last Wine School in our Harajuku Location. We are planning on doing more wine classes in the future– but this is our last class in our Historic Fujimamas Home;
RSVP by Thurs. at 7pm
Saturday Wine School in MAY
Our Saturday wine classes are so popular, people rsvp months in advance!
We still have seats available for the May class
5/23 from 4-6pm
Our topic will be the Pinot Family, you can come try and learn all about various Pinot wines; Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris. Come learn and have fun in a casual, relaxed setting.
Price is 3500 yen per person, includes wines and asian tapas. Class is taught in English- Don’t forget to bring your notebook and pen to take notes. email Lauren to reserve.
Also- just a reminder; FUJIMAMAS Is urgently looking for a catering kitchen in the downtown area. If you know of someone or something that can help. Please email us!
Thank you and hope to see you Saturday.
-Lauren Shannon
090-5756-4967
03-5485-2283
May 19th, 2009
This week at our sister restaurant on the Big Island of Hawaii– Huli Sue’s– Things are getting a little bit Bollywood! A new menu in our “International Week” series!
Huli Sue does it again! From April 13th until the 18th, come enjoy A TASTE OF INDIA!
Little Plates
Vegetable Samosa
Onion Bhajias Cumin and Corriander Spiced Onion Fritters
Mains
Chicken Tikka Bite Sized Tandoori Chicken
Paneer Palak Homemade Cheese and Spinach Curry
Chicken Makani Chicken in a Tomato Butter Sauce
Bengal Style Prawns Tumeric Marinated Prawns
Lamb and Mushroom Korma A spicy Yoghurt Gravy
Tali Set of Chicken Tikka, Paneer Palak and Dahl
All mains served with naan, kachumber & your choice of rice or dal.
Extras Dahl, Biryani Rice, Kachumber, Naan, Raita
For Reservations and More information, call Huli Sues @ 885-6268
64-957 Mamalahoa Hwy Kamuela, Hawaii
From Lunch thru Dinner
April 13th, 2009
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