Mottainai is Climate-Friendly

 Pumpkin Korokke lunch and Tofu Gyoza side put in a customer's tiffin. Some customers bring in washed plastic take away containers to re-fill again.

I read the following article... and I thought I want to write my opinion.

[WIRED on line]
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/climate-change-myth-busting?fbclid=IwAR1uyPi7gnZ82RhkrPRqVbKxVJCn8bpy6HtQISRXYyeRt9a5Kx_d5LA-3Oo


This article is talking about what I am always thinking about.
The reason why plastics are used so widely and quickly is we thought saving logistics cost and product's shelf-life by using plastics.

We still excavate 1000 years old cookery pots from deep in the soil. However, they did not have impact to the climate. Why? Because, the volume was not as massive as the use of plastic now.

Use of plastic is ok.
But we need to change our thoughts towards anything we use.
We have to use anything everything as long as it can last.
First we need to change shopping how to chose something last long, versatile and with up/down-cycling possibilities.

I don't believe becoming Vegan is the solution to be Climate-friendly.
For example, Cotton and Jute wont keep us warm in winter. We might be able to buy cotton 100% corduroy jacket, but they are very expensive.　
So we put the heater's temperature setting higher or we need to rely on artificial wool, such as Acrylic or Polyester...
I don't think so.
If we have sheep's wool or alpaca wool as they are there produced without harming animals, we should use it.
If leather is by-product after someone had eaten its meat. Thats ok to use, too.
But NO animal should be killed for getting its leather or far. I am totally against of it.

The point is that "we need to consume". If we cannot avoid consuming something, use it up as 'nothing to waste'.
"Mottainai もったいない" is a Japanese word some people has forgotten to use.
"Mottainai" will require a lot of learning and remaking skills to fulfill.
However, that is the skills we now need to have to be Climate-friendly.

Fist of all, we should try to reduce the amount of goods for the Kerbside collection.  On both general waste and recycling materials...
I always think before putting anything into the bin, how we could avoid putting so much waste.

Then our way of shopping will be changed.

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We will give away a stamp for bringing your lunch box or mugs for take away.

Exchange one free drink and one free meal once it's filled up.

December Sweets and Events

It's December.
(I am not going to go any closer to the event happening on 25th.)
Already!!!

This photo was taken when I visited the History Museum behind the Himeji Castle, which is now known as the World Heritage, with my old friends in a winter few years ago. The Museum has sessions of dressing up (they are quite serious ones as you can see). The costume my daughter is wearing is "Ju-ni Hitoe", "a Kimono consists of 12 layers". It was funny that she could not move even an inch, as it was really heavy. In old days, Ohime-sama, Japanese princesses, were thought to be really quiet. Here is the real reason of it.

Now I started thinking about wearing Kimono more. I really need to practice how to put on Kimono.

Only 10 days left for Osechi (New Year's special meal box). There are a few left.
Please make an order before sold out.








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December sweets

Chestnuts Daifuku Mochi　£1.50 each
Sweet candied chestnuts and chunky adzuki bean past wrapped in mochi.
It will go with a cup of strong Sencha green tea.
Using plant based ingredient only.

Satsuma Daifuku Mochi　£1.50 each
Limited sweet till Christmas.
Fresh Satsuma and White bean paste is wrapped in soft Mochi.
Cinnamon flavor will add a feeling of festive.
Using plant based ingredient only.

Baked Chestnuts Cake　£1.80 each

Chestnuts and white bean paste is baked in butter rich biscuit dough.

This contains eggs, wheat (gluten) and dairy.





Steamed Chestnuts Yokan　£1.80 piece（£６.00/a bar）
This steamed aduki bean cake is full of candied chestnuts pieces.
This contains wheat (gluten). Using plant based ingredient only.

Pumpkin Kintuba squares　£1.50 each
Unfortunately Organic pumpkin from Namayasai suffered from the weather and we have got just enough for making some for the Touji, Winter Solstice. We believe that we eat pumpkin on this day to go through the rest of winter healthily.
This contains wheat (gluten). Using plant based ingredient only.

Dorayaki pancake sandwich ￡1.50 each
please choose fillings from Smooth adzuki beans pasete, Chunky adzuki beans paste, or White bean paste with Matcha green tea.
This contains wheat (gluten) eggs and honey.

Daifuku Mochi 　£1.00
Please choose fillings from Smooth adzuki beans paset or Chunky adzuki beans pasete.

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December Events

Thursdays 6th, 13th and 20th. We will have the Okonomiyaki and Night cafe. 
　　　　We recommend to make reservation to use Teppan for Okonomiyaki.


Saturday 22nd  The last opening day before Christmas. 
　　Opening our is same as Fridays, 11:30 -17:00

Sunday 23rd ～ 30th Winter Closing.
      Sorry for the inconvenience.

Monday 31st The New Year's Eve
　　12:00 ～ Osechi will be ready for taking home.
　　14:59　Count down to 2019 in Japan!
　　17:00　Closed　
　　Only Soba (Backwheat noodle) in broth and Inarizushi served on this day.
      Wagashi can be purchased only for take away.
      We expect the cafe will be very busy upto 2 pm on the day.
      Please try to avoid the peak time.
      Taking away soba is also available.

Please take care of yourself and your family and get through to 2019 happily!!!
The cafe an-an is open again on 3rd January in 2019.

Japanees Afternoon Tea "Chrysanthemum"

Next Japanese style afternoon Tea is on 16th November.
All are made from plant base ingredients and suitable Vegan.

Menu　

The first 
Broth with Daikon radish
Boiled Chrysanthemum leaves with Sweet soy sauce
Grilled Shimegi mushrooms
Chrysanthemum sushi

The second
Persimmon Kaki Daifuku Mochi
Kintsuba with Sweet Potato
Baby wiled bore Mochi (with roasted soy flour)
Mitarashi Dango (with Sweet soy dip)

The third
Chrysanthemum（Nerikiri）
Kuri Kinton（shaped chestnuts paste）

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the menu might be altered due to ingredients availability.

Please tell us which session you would like to book seats.
We have only 8 seats per session.
£12.00 per person. including your favorite drink under £2.00.
We regret say as the seats are limited, so a child occupies a seat would be counted as a person.

Morning session
10:00-11:30
Late afternoon session
16:00-17:30
Evening session
18:30-20:00

I look forward to seeing you there.

Introduction...? for November newsletter.

…Well, I was writing this month's newsletter.. but I got ill before finish it.
Its due to the clock change. I never get used to this twice a year adjustment.

On the day of Halloween, Nobody cared my masked face. But now people started giving me a confused glance. I am just being very Japanese. I don't want to share this horrible cold to anyone.💦
So, I am witing this in Bed... please be patient.

A big event this month would be...
Cancelling Okonomiyki Night cafe on 8th, as I have a study group in London.

Japanese style afternoon tea on Friday 16th November. the Theme is "Chrysanthemum". Hopefully the flower will last by then...

Then, its the time of.... thinking about the end of 2018!!!
Please order "New Year bento, Osechi for one". As soon as the order reaches to 30 sets, it will be finished. one set costs ￡18, or £25 in a set of miniture Oju box（Its only for rent. I will return ￡5 when you bring back the box. ）If you like us to fill your Oju box (one 25cm x 25cm for one set), please bring it by 15th December.

Please check more detail on the following newsletter.
I will try to recover asap...(;^ω^)

October Sweets & Events

We have bright and fine days in England South, but the sun is already in autumn colour. Something a bit sad is Cherry tree is not getting coloured very well. Normally, they coloured yellow to red and falls off... but this year most of cherry leaves are turning into brown from edge. I am hoping to be better a bit...

Another shocking thing is I missed chestnuts picking!!! I have a really big chestnuts tree on my street and it normally gives me a good amount of really sweet chestnuts. When I realised, there is non left on the tree...

I just enjoy autumn for now in the gentle sunshine...

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October Sweets

Rabbit cake ￡1.50/each

This year's thirteenth night's moon is on the 21st October. If you enjoyed the fifteenth night's moon on the Moon festival, please look up the sky on that day. Otherwise.... (it's just superstition.) Rabbit cake will be at the cafe till this day.
This contains wheat flour and gluten.








Mitarashi Dango　￡1.50/each

As moon festival's sweets, this rice dumplings on skewer is eaten warm. Please give us about 10 mins to warm up. Sauce contains soy sauce made with Wheat flour and Gluten. 





Kimi Shigure  ￡1.50/each

This sweets represent a crack of dry ground after a long rain. Smooth Adzuki past is wrapped by short custard like flavored paste.
This contains Egg yolks.







Sanshoku Dango　￡1.50/each

Dorayaki　smooth Adzuki、chunky Adzuki、Matcha green tea、￡1.50/each
This contains Gluten and Eggs.

Daifuku　smooth Adzuki 、Chunky Azuki、￡1.00/each

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October Events

This month seems to be very quiet...
4th（Thu）Okonomi & Night Cafe
　　　　　Please book a table if you like to use a Teppan hot plate.
11th（Thu）Okonomi & Night Cafe
　　　　　Please book a table if you like to use a Teppan hot plate.
18th（Thu）Okonomi & Night Cafe
　　　　　Please book a table if you like to use a Teppan hot plate.

22th（Mon）～ 26th（Fri) Please watch this space as the cafe may close depending on the stuff shortage due to the school holiday. 
　
29th（Mon）～November ２nd（Fri）Halloween ＆ Day of the dead　
You may find a special menu for these special week.

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Mushrooms are on season!
How about Japanese curry with Japanese mushrooms?
Please check on the black board in front of the cafe.

Afternoon tea in Japanese style

Moon Festival "Potato Moon"

24th of September is Moon Festival. It's a bit early, but I would like to celebrate it on Friday 21st September.
This Moon Festival is for celebrating harvest of Potatoes and Beans.

Time & Date : Friday 21st September
　　Morning session　10:00～11:30 am
　　Afternoon session　4:00～5:30 pm
　　Evening session　6:30～8:00 pm

Maximum 8 people in each session.
All the ingredients used for this afternoon tea are from Plants sourced.
The first plate is a light meal.
The second plate is sweets can satisfy your stomach.
The third plate will satisfy your five senses.

Wheat maybe used a part of it. If you have any allergy, please let me know.

Price ; ￡12/pp　（inc. coffee or any tea of your choice）

Please make an reservation on info@an-an.co.uk　with your name, a number of seats, mobile no., and allergy.

I look forward to seeing you.

September Sweets and Events

I cannot say loudly, but …

Yahooo!
Kids are back to school!!! 

I felt this summer was loooong.
It was really hot since mid June, this summer seems to have started since then as I needed to take kids to swim in the sea or have BBQ in the garden.

This week, my usual an-an member will come back to the cafe. I cannot tell you enough how much I am relieved. I don't need to beg my kids to help me... I don't need to keep customer waiting for slow service.

Here is the announcement of the event this weekend.

On Saturday 8th September, there is a charity event at Hove Lagoon. This festival is held by friends of Hove Lagoon and Norman Cook, aka Fat Boy Slim, for collecting funds for refurbishing the park.
an-an will have a stall selling Japanese sweets and cakes, and Japanese ingredients. Please come to see me!

Live Music, Pilates and Tai Chi demonstrations, Dog show and Skateboard coaching... so many things to see and do!
This Saturday, if you don't have any plan, please pop in to Hove Lagoon from 11 am.

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September Sweets

Strawberry Mochi ￡1.50/each
This month is the last chance to enjoy fresh Strawberry mochi at an-an! It is only here while British strawberries are available!

Rabbit steamed cake ￡1.50/each
24th September is the Moon Festival, the day with the most beautiful moon. We believe a rabbit making mochi on the moon. This contains wheat and gluten.

Mitarashi Dango　￡1.50/each
Dango, sweet rice balls, on a skewer. With sauce or without sauce, it's really tasty! The sauce is sweet soy flavor. This contains Wheat, Gluten and Soy beans.




Ohagi （Smooth or Chunky adzuki paste, Roasted Soy flour）￡1.50/each　
Ohagi set £4.00(3 kinds in a box)
We pray for ancesters in Ohigan week. it starts from 20th and finish 26th. This will be on the shelf from 17th. This contains soy beans. 

Dorayaki (smooth or chunky Adzuki paste or Japanese Matcha green tea) ￡1.50 each
This contains Wheat and gluten, Eggs, Honey.

Daifuku (Smooth or Chunky adzuki paste) ￡1.00 each

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September Events

Thursday 6th Okonomiyaki & night cafe　6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
　　        Please reserve a table if you like to use Teppan (Hot plate)
Saturday 8th Hove Lagoon Festival
　　　　　11:00 am ～4:00 pm
　　　　　＊Please try to use public transports. The closest station is Portslade, 15 min away fro the Lagoon. 700 bus will be good from Brighton or Worthing.
Thursday 13th Okonomiyaki & night cafe　6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
　　        Please reserve a table if you like to use Teppan (Hot plate)
Thursday 20th Okonomiyaki & night cafe　6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
　　        Please reserve a table if you like to use Teppan (Hot plate)
Friday 21st Japanese style afternoon tea "Yam Moon" ?
Thursday 27th Okonomiyaki & night cafe　6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
　　        Please reserve a table if you like to use Teppan (Hot plate)
Satruday 29th Huruhon ichi, Second-hand books sale
　　　　　10 am to 12 am (ex. 11:05 - 11:45 students only time)
　　　　　Croydon High School : Old Farleigh Rd, Croydon CR2 8YB

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I will write another blog for the detail about Japanese Style afternoon tea.

an-an's Summer Holiday

Ooooo! Actually, Summer vacation of an-an has started this week 💦 In preparation, I have informed by a verbal or notes on the window at the cafe, but the most importantly the announcement here was missing. an-an is on the summer holiday until Monday 13th. We will reopen from Monday 14th. However, during the month of August, the special summer business hours is applied, so please check with the calendar below.

We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you xx

4th anniverary event - retro Japanese tea room

It's been 4 years...since I opened this cafe.
I was just asked to take over the cafe by Yoshi.

I started this cafe business without any experience nor know-how. I am always run not knowing what is right or wrong.
One thing I can clearly say is, thankfully, I have really good customers.

So I want say thank you again on this events... by challenging a new thing I was requested by some of customers.

Its a "good old Japanese retro style" tearooms.
There will be breakfast service, fruits parfaits, and hotcakes (pancakes) and more!

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"Retro style Tea room" at an-an

Time；Mon. 18th June to Friday 22nd Fri. 8:00 am to 11:00 am
　　　　Fri. 22nd 3:00 pm to 5 pm
　　　　　&　Sun 24h 11am to 5 pm

Menu；（These special menu are eat-in only. Not suitable for taking away. )

Morning set A　￡4.00（V)
your favorite drink + Toast with adzuki beans (+£1.00 with Yogurt and mixed fruits)

Morning set B　£4.50 （V)
your favorite drink ＋American pan cakes　(+£1.00 with Yogurt and mixed fruits)

Morning set C　￡5.00
your favorite drink ＋rice, pan-fried fish, Japanes style omelette （＋£1.00 with Natto and miso soup）

Pudding a la mode　£4.00　（V)
Cream caramel parfait with cream and fresh fruits.

Matcha green tea parfait　£5.00　（V)
Fruits and cereals under vanilla ice cream and fresh green tea cream. topped with adzuki paste and small Yuzu flavored mochi sprinkles.

Kuzu Mochi　£2.00　（V)
made from real Kuzu starch. with tasty home made roasted soy flour and black syrup.

Mix Juice　￡2.50　（V)
Milk shake with mandarin orange, peach and banana. you can choose Soy milk.

Ice coffee　£2.00　（V)
(+£0.50 Ice cream on top)

Kids' lunch set　£3.50　(available only on 24th, for children under 10）
Rice, a breaded prawn, a pumpkin croquette, salad, yogurt, and...
you will get Union Jack instead Hinomaru. ( ´∀｀ )

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Please mention about food allergy and intolerance on the order.
We an-an staff are looking forward to seeing you then.

June Sweets and Events

Brighton has been in the tropical climates recently. Blue sky, Monsoon... and thunderstorms.

The end of May was too hot. Then cumulonimbus clouds spread over head, and it gets dark and laud thunder and bucketful of rain fall. Afterwords, steamy humid air comes back with a strong sun. 

In my memory, if hard rain comes, the temperature goes down a lot even though the weather was lovely and hot. I haven't felt that for a while...

So, it's June.
I just cannot guess what kind of summer it will be this year. It's very British.

June is the anniversary month for cafe an-an.
I am thinking about having a retro Japanese cafe/tea room breakfast and morning tea/coffee in the anniversary week. More detail will be in the next issue of this blog page. I have to be pretty quick to prepare!!!

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June Sweets

Strawberry Daifuku Mochi　£1.50　(at cafe)  £1.80 (out side of cafe)

You will find a whole strawberry in the Mochi. Please enjoy the season of British Strawberries.





Kuzu Mochi　￡2.00

Kuzu jelly made from kuzu starch.
Please enjoy with roasted organic Soy flour and Black syrup.
* allergy notice ; This contains Soy Beans

MinaDuki 　£1.50

This sweets are traditionally eaten on the 30th of June, which is the half way of the year. Adzuki bean wash off all the sins and dart we had in the first half of the year and ward off evils to come in the rest of the year by the shape of triangle. Kuzu is thought to have detoxing effect.

This products will be available from around 15th.

Waka ayu (Sweet fish)　£1.50

Mochi with Yuzu juice is wrapped by Japanese style pancake, rich in eggs and honey. The cute looks of the fish also loved by children.

＊This contains Eggs、Gluten/Wheat、Honey.




Daifuku Mochi (Smooth/Chunky)　£1.00 each

Dorayaki sandwich (Smooth/ Chunky /Matcha Green Tea) 　￡1.50 each
＊This contains Eggs、Gluten/Wheat、Honey.

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Events in June

Thu. 7th　Okonomi Yaki Night is cancelled. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Fri. 8th 　Close at 3 pm. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thu. 14th 　Okonomi Yaki & Night Cafe　18:30～21:00
　　　　  Please reserve a table if you like to use a hotplate.
　　　　　Take away is also available.

Mon. 18～Fri. 22　The 4th anniversary of Wa cafe an-an
　　　　　Retro Japanese Cafe on Boundary Road!
　　　　　an-an will be open the door at 8 am (7 am possibly??) !!! to serve Breakfast, so called "Morning Set" in Japanese and Special sweet menu during this period.
　　　　　Don't worry! we will serve lunch hours as usual. More details to come!

Thu. 21st 　Okonomi Yaki & Night Cafe　18:30～21:00
　　　　  Please reserve a table if you like to use a hotplate.
　　　　　Take away is also available.

Thu. 28th 　Okonomi Yaki & Night Cafe　18:30～21:00
　　　　  Please reserve a table if you like to use a hotplate.
　　　　　Take away is also available.

Sat. 30th　Wagashi Table top sales at Japanese School in Croydon Huruhon ichi 
　　　　　(Free public entrance. Limited time only.）
　　　　　
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Planing to serve the cold noodle (Hiyashi Chuka) soon...
Watch this space!





　　　　　

May half-term opening hours

Here comes the half-term again!
We needs to feed hungry children for all morning, day and evening!
I know cooking all day during school holiday is not easy...

Did you know, an-an can make a smaller potion by request? 
Less rice, less noodles? 
-We can serve more salad if you like.
Or small potion for children?
-1/3 off for children potion. 
(i.e. £3.50 for Chicken Katsu lunch for children. only for eating-in)

**************

an-an is open as usual... or maybe a bit longer hours by request.

Monday 28th Bank Holiday ... Sorry, it's closed.
Tuesday 29th Open from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 30th Open from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Thursday 31st Open from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm
  (keep opening all afternoon and OkonomiYaki night cafe.)
Friday 1st June Open from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 2nd June Sorry, Closed.
Sunday 3rd June Sorry, Closed.

Strawberry Daifuku Mochi is in season!
Please come and have it with a pot of Japanese tea.

£1.50 per Mochi.






Or you can enjoy cakes with a cup of Small Batch Coffee!

Now if you bring your own take-away mug for take-away, we will give you a stamp on the Loyalty card!
(Please remind me if I forgot to give you Loyalty card or the stamp on the payment!)

April Sweets & Events

The weather has become a bit crazy again...
Here in Hove, weather did not go up to the record in London, but it was warm enough to feel hot under cherry blossoms. I had to rush friends to finish some foods I took. ww

I know, April is almost gone, but here is the reminder of opening hours.

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(Although you may have already eaten…💦）
April's sweets

Sakura Mochi　£1.50/each(at cafe)　£1.80(on delivery）

Uguisu Mochi　£1.50/each

Please enjoy the roasted green soy bean's aroma and taste. smooth azuki bean paste with soft mochi around is the best.

This contains Soy beans.



Sanshoku Dango　£1.50/skewer

3 colours balls represents lawns, air and cherry blossoms. How about a picnic under beautiful cherry blossoms with dangos?
We also have Mitarashi Dango on equest.



Dorayaki　£1.50/each
You can choose filling, chunky azuki bean past, smooth aduki paste or Matcha green tea flavored white bean paste.
※　These contain wheat, Gluten, eggs and Honey.

Daifuku mochi　£1.00 each
Please choose from chunky or smooth azuki bean paste filling.

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(Although it is almost end of...💦）
Events in April

Open as usual till the end of April.
Mon 23rd ーThu 26th 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Thu 26th 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm　OkonomiYaki & night cafe (you can bring your favorite alcoholic drink with £1/bottle extra charge.)

Fri 27th 11:30 am - 17:00


(Finally a bit more of...)
Events in May

Thu 3rd　Okonomiyaki & night cafe is closed. Sorry for the inconvenience. 

Fri 4th　Japanese style afternoon tea. The theme is "Tango no Sekku"
             Please book a session time from 10 am or 4 pm.
             Maximum booking seats are 8 people per session.
             We may ask for sharing tables.
　　　 　Please contact by text on 07923 900344.

Sat 5th  "the Day of Children" event. 
             Selling a lot of sweets in the event in South London (am) and West London (pm).

Mon 7th Open for Lunch!
              Although it is Bank Holiday, an-an is open.
             We are waiting for you with the usual menu and sweets.
             Take away is also available.

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Please take care on the change of season, and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Thursday Evening Alteration

Due to family circumstance, this Thursday's Okonomiyaki Night is cancelled. 
I am so sorry for the inconvenience.

Instead, I will open the night cafe with Okonomiyaki on 29th... Easter Friday Eve.
As the cafe will be into a long holiday after that, there will be a sale for sweets on the evening.

Well, as I will have afternoon session, I won't be able to open in the evening on 22nd...
So, next Okonomiyaki Night is 29th March.
Thank you.

March Sweets & Events

"Spring has come!"

Did I really say that?
Here comes icy winter again.
Today wasn't too bad.
Tomorrow? I am not sure if I can open Cafe safely.

I finally bought another heater.
It is hidden under one of the bench near window. so please be careful not to burn your bag or your heals.
It was such a different to use another 3kW heater... I am a bit worried what kind of bill I am going to get.

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There are so many events in March and I don't know when to squeeze the afternoon session in. So, it will happen on two days just before the Easter Holiday starts. Please book seats for your suitable date and time.

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March Sweets

Cherry Blossom Mochi £1.50
Organic Cherry leaves from Namayasai are ready for the sweets. Pickled with only Sea Salt. You may taste a bit of bitterness, however, it is a natural taste of Cherry leaves.
Gluten free, suitable for Vegan.

Umeno ka ￡1.50
Plum flower shaped mochi with white bean paste. Umezu (juice from pickled plum) gives a lovely flavor. Gluten free, suitable for Vegan.






Uguisu Mochi ￡1.50
Smooth azuki bean paste is wrapped by soft silky mochi. Green flour is Green Edamame flour. Enjoy the aroma. The name is from the colour of bird, Japanese bush warbler.
Gluten free, suitable for Vegan. This contains Soy.

Hanami Dango￡1.50
This three sweet rice dumpling balls represent Green grass, Air and Pink cherry blossoms. Green one is with Yomogi, Japanese mugworts, from Namayasai.
Gluten free, suitable for Vegans.
Please order 15 min in advance for steaming.

Daifuku (smooth or chunky azuki bean paste) ￡1.00 each
Gluten free, suitable for Vegans.

Dorayaki (smooth or chunky azuki / Matcha Green tea and white bean paste) ￡1.50 each
This contains wheat, gluten and eggs.

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March Events

Thursday 1st Okonomiyaki Night
      There is a warning of big snow falls tomorrow. Please call the cafe before visiting. 

Friday 2nd 　Hina-Matsuri eve!　Pre-celebration of Girl's festival. a Set of Nerikiri avairabe. 1 set £6.00. Business till 5pm (if the weather allows. )
　　　　　　　
　
Thursday 8th　OkonomiYaki night　6:00－9:00ｐｍ

Thursday 15th 　OkonomiYaki night　6:00－9:00ｐｍ

Saturdayy 17th　Japanese Club Openday　12:00－4:00pm
　　　　　　　＠St. Paul's Primary School (Please check the poster below for more detail.)
　　　　　　　
Tuesday 20th 　Japanese Style Afternoon tea　10:00amー15:00pm
　　　　　　※Please book a seat.

Friday 23rd　Japanese Style Afternoon tea　10:00am－11:30pm
　　　　　　※Please book a seat.
　　　　　　※Close the cafe at 3pm. Sorry for the inconvenience. 

Easter Holiday = Closed.  (30th March to 2nd April)

Opens again on Tuesday 3rd April.　

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Spring has come to an-an!

Here is a news!
Spring has come to the cafe and around!

A few years ago, Cllr Robert run for raising money for lifting up the street. if you remember I also ask for some donation at that time. 

The project kept going and finally one of the planter was placed in front of the cafe on 24th February. 

an-an donated a cherry tree which already have a lot of buds.

other plants were from the project. Primrose is blooming, cherry blossoms and azalea will be following... we can enjoy it for long every year to come.

... and just on time for my birthday today💛

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※This cake is last year's. something similar cakes for this year.

Today I am preparing some cakes to share my birthday. A free piece of cake for ones who had lunch today.

please celebrate my birthday with me!

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A big apology!

I didn't issue the February newsletter in the end, as I was so ill while I was translating it... I will make sure I will write English one for March before Japanese one! 

Unplanned closure of an-an

Although it's Half-term break...

Although it's OkonomiYaki Week...

Although it's almost Valentine's day...

Cafe an-an is closed.

Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th.

I am so sorry for the inconvenience.

The owner, who prepare most of foods and sweets, is in bed suffered from really strong flu, and although she had got over the worst period, she is still trying to gain her strength back at the moment.

First of all, it's no-no to prepare and serve food under the influence of flu virus. Therefore, the cafe is re-open on Wednesday 14th after the complete recovery of the owner.

Cafe is waiting for you with a lot of tasty foods and OkonomiYaki & Strawberry Mochi for Valentine's Day!!!

Thank you.

Saturday Opening! on 3rd February

This Saturday, Cafe an-an is open from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

It's Setsubun (the first day of Spring) on Japanese Calendar.

I have just noticed I will open on Saturday often this year... as there are so many Japanese events on Saturdays!!!

However, as I need to take my children to London Japanese school in the Saturday mornings. The opening hour is a bit later than normal.... at 1:30pm ish!

Wagashi table top sales at Bazaar in Croydon Japanese School on 3rd February.

I don't know which sweets I can prepare, yet. However, I am bringing a lot of spring themed sweets.

Even if your children are not studying at the school, you can still go into the bazaar during the following hours; 9:50～10:40 and 11:25～12:00.

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And we need to celebrate Setsubun on the 3rd February!!!

an-an will serve Big rolled Sushi with 7 kinds of staffing. It's  representing 7 gods, sichihuku jin. There are 4 kinds of Rolled sushi. Some sushi is available, but I recommend to order rolled sushi. You just need to eat facing to a certain direction, South-Southeast for 2018.

Cafe opens at 1:30 pm, but Ehoumaki (Big ralled Sushi) will be available from 3PM. Please order Sushi in advance.

Cafe will be run with limited menu on the day. Sushi, Drinks and Japanese Sweets are available.

Fresh Ehoumaki　£6.00
Sushi Prawn、raw squids、raw salmon、Seabass(or black seabreams）、Flying fish's row 、smorked mackerel、cucumper

Classic Lucky Rolled Sushi　£4.50
Steamed Prawn, Smoked Mackerel, Cucumber, Japanese Egg Omlette,  Freeze Dried Tofu, Sea-sticks and Shiitake mushrooms.

Salad Lucky Rolled Sushi　£4.50
Breaded Prawns、Lettuce、Cucumber、Salad Cress、Carrots、Japanese Egg Omelette、Pickled Plum Mayo

Vegetarian Lucky Rolled Sushi　£4.50
Japanese Egg Omelette、Freeze Dried Tofu、Cucumber、Spinach、Roasted red pepper、Shiitake Mushrooms、Kanpyou or Daikon Radish

＊Avocado will be used instead of Japanese Egg Omelette for Vegan.

We also have Roasted soy beans for throwing in the air.
 50p for 100g.

I wish you will have good Setsubun Day with all the happiness rolled up!

Oh, yes. Remember not to speak any words while you are eating the rolled Sushi. your happiness might run away from your mouth.

January Sweets and Events

Happy New Year! (Sorry, it's a bit too late?)

The final day of 2017 was really busy as usual.
It becomes annual event to get together at the cafe and greets for the new year.
This time, I prepared quite well for the New Year's Eve "Over the year Soba noodles". I hope I didn't make people waiting very long. (I was really sorry because the weather was really bad!)
But the day finished with a bit of burnt out feeling.

Here is my the new year's breakfast, Osechi.

I thought I could relax a bit on the New Year's Day, but it was not so easy.
The cafe is open and business as usual from 2nd January!

an-an will work really hard in 2018, so just watch out what kind of events are coming up on this blog.

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January Sweets

Kuromame (black beans) Daifuku Mochi ￡1.50 each

Black Beans means "Healthy" in Japanese, so Sweetened black beans are one of staple dish in New Year''s Day. I put 7 Black beans, representing 

"Seven Deities of Good Luck"

Chuncky Adzuki Bean Paste inside.

Flower Petal Mochi　￡1.80 each

This is a common sweets for the first tea service in Tea, Sa-dou. Made from Miso seasoned white bean paste and candid Burdock root wrapped by white and pink Mochi. 

This contains Soy. 

This is available till 15th January. 

Sweet Adzuki Bean spoup　£2.00 per cup

The coldest season has arrived. 

This soup will warm up you from inside. 

It's really filling with 2 pieces of Mochi.

Daifuku Mochi (Smooth or Cunky) ￡1.00 each

Dorayaki Pancake Sandwich　（Smooth、Chunky、Green Tea bean paste）　￡1.50 each

This contains Wheat flour, Gluten, Eggs and Honey.

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January Events

Japanese Afternoon Tea is coming on 19th January!

This time, the scheme is "New Spring".

It will be in the style of Cha Kaiseki (茶懐石) and meals and sweets are in Vegan.

£12 per person. fixed menu.
Please mention if you have any allergy or food you don't take.
You can chose time slot from below.
Each slot can accommodate 8 people max. 

Morning Tea ; 10am to 11:30 am
Afternoon Tea ; 4pm to 5:30 pm
Evening Tea ; 6:00pm to 7:30 pm

Please apply at info@an-an.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you.