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
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
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
Film Screening and Party
@Fujimamas
4/1/09 from 8pm (doors open at 7:30)
Sita is a goddess separated from her beloved Lord and husband Rama. Nina is an animator whose husband moves to India, then dumps her by email. Three hilarious shadow puppets narrate both ancient tragedy and modern comedy in this beautifully animated interpretation of the Indian epic Ramayana. Set to the 1920’s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw, Sita Sings the Blues earns its tagline as “the Greatest Break-Up Story Ever Told.” (English- no subtitles)
Come enjoy this amazing, award winning film, and delicious Indian inspired buffet.
4000 yen per person- Which includes buffet, one welcome drink and a donation to the amazing micro-finance group “Asia Initiatives.”
http://www.asia-initiatives.org
Asia Initiatives (AI) is an international group of individuals and companies with a mission to support projects exemplifying best practices in poverty alleviation, sustainable development and environmental preservation in Asia.
Directed, written, produced, designed and animated by Nina Paley
82 minutes Animation
When April 1st, 2009 8pm (doors open at 7:30)
Cost: 4000 yen (includes donation for AI) Plus Door Prizes, Great Food, and a Fantastic Film
Seating Limited RSVP Required
Call 03-5485-2283 or email info@fujimamas.com
March 20th, 2009
Valentines is a Holiday for Lovers and Fujimamas is featuring delicious drink specials and a scrumptious course menu for your special night. (Japanese follows)
All week long we will have a wonderful seasonal cocktail and beer menu from the bar.
And on 2/14 we will have a course menu for you and your sweetie. 6000 yen per person (10,000 a couple)– course menu includes beverages and an chef’s tasting course that will make you fall in love head over heels. We will also have our regular menu available that evening– but the Course menu is not to be missed.
the featured menu ;
Start off with a half bottle of Henriot Champagne from France with a pair of delicious appetizers from our chef.
Asparagus Espresso and Black Cod Stuffed with Crab over Shimeji Mushrooms, Red Wine Reduction
Your main course will be a choice of either
Hokkaido Scallop Ravioli with Sautéed Scampi in Champagne Sauce
Or
Grilled NY Steak with Fondant Potato and Béarnaise Sauce
Served with your choice of a glass of wine
Cline Cashmere Red from California or Waterbrook Chardonnay from Washington State (you may substitute beer or a soft drink)
End your evening sweetly with dessert
Your choice of
Cherish Chocolate Mousse with a Sweet Red Wine Filling Or A slice of Homemade Cake from our Pastry Case
And a pot of our delicious Earl Grey Tea, or Rie Fresh Ground Coffee or a Classic Café Latte
This menu is available by reservation only and reservations must be made by Thursday 2/12 so call or email today. 03-5485-2283 email info@fujimamas.com
Happy Heart Days!
Lauren Shannon/ Fujimamas Director
February 5th, 2009
Just like our popular wine school– Fujimamas has added a new curriculum– Saturday Beer School, featuring Brews News famous- Bryan Harrell as our Teacher. Our first Beer class of 2009 will be on 2/7 from 4-6 pm, and will feature 4 beers to enjoy throughout the seasons. One special beer will be a chocolate beer for the upcoming Valentines Day holiday.
Rsvp by calling 03-5485-2283 or email Jun and Lauren. Cost is 3000 yen per person
January 29th, 2009
One of the things we are most proud of at Fujimamas, is sharing the holidays with our friends and guests. Many restaurants charge higher prices, and change their focus during a peak holidays system. But that is just not who we are. Our goal remains the same all year long, share good quality food in a fun and casual atmosphere with our community in Japan. This year was a tremendous success and we were proud and happy to share our Downhome Thanksgiving menu with so many people!
We want to thank all our guests who made reservations and came and shared their holiday with us. And I personally want to thank my chefs and my serving staff for their smiles, efforts, and good attitude that they brought to this busy service!
Here’s some kitchen turkey day trivia, this year we;
Roasted and served more than 700 kilos of turkey
Served about 500 people on the 28th and 29th
Did take outs-caterings- deliveries
Baked more than 80 Pumpkin Pies
Our youngest turkey guest was just over 4 weeks old, and our oldest was over 80
We served people from Japan, America and countries all over the world
Thank you all for sharing your time with us!
I send best wishes and thanks to everyone as we head into the christmas and shogatsu season. Best wishes for the holidays and for a wonderful new year in 2009.
Thank you.
Lauren Shannon/ Director Fujimamas Tokyo
N-Dining
November 30th, 2008
