Hirosaki Dining "Kitchen & Cafe SEN" (Ekimae-cho, Hirosaki City, TEL 070-3981-0872 ) opened on the 3rd floor of Yushokukan on June 22nd.

This shop offers cafe menus such as pintxos, Japanese a la carte dishes, and desserts. It was opened by Chiho Sasaki, who lived in Itayanagi and worked as a school lunch cook until March. The name of the store was quoted from his own name "Sen" so that it would be easy to remember.

According to Mr. Sasaki, he likes to visit cafes, and while visiting cafes both inside and outside the prefecture, he started dreaming of owning his own shop. "Once you think of it, you act. Many people were surprised by the suddenness, but they cheered me on," said Mr. Sasaki.

Since I was thinking that I would run the business by myself, I searched for a small property for the store. "I fell in love with this place at first sight. It's a former sushi restaurant, I like the door, and the Japanese atmosphere is well-balanced. I also like the style of taking off your shoes to enter and welcome you into the house," said Mr. Sasaki. The store area is about 8 tsubo, and there are 3 counter seats and 6 table seats.

The menu includes pinchos (300 yen each), mixed nuts (450 yen), spicy curry vegetables and chicken legs (850 yen), and crispy fried scallops (750 yen). Drinks include beer (600 yen), local wine and cider, as well as cocktails (550 yen each) and fruit wine (450 yen). Coffee (450 yen) is also offered for dessert such as "raw chocolate strawberry" and "espresso affogato" (600 yen).

It's been nearly a month since the restaurant opened, and Mr. Sasaki recalls how it went by so quickly. "When we first opened, we sold pintxos as a set, but they weren't well received, so we decided to make them available separately. I'm happy that female customers are so happy," he said with a smile.

Mr. Sasaki said, "I want to think for myself and operate flexibly, such as changing the food delivery service and business hours. Since I started the store from scratch, I can improve and change it immediately. The strength of being self-employed. If I have an idea, I want to incorporate it as soon as possible."

Business hours are from 18:00 to 23:00. Closed on Sundays.