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| La Shijimi Restaurant |
Part 2 of
the series: Satoyama Concept in Fukui
The first
stop of our Satoyama in Fukui tour was La Shijimi Restaurant. Shijimi
is a type of clam (Corbiculidae) that
is a popular ingredient in miso soup.
The Fukui region is famous for its production of shijimi, hence the name of this cooperative restaurant on the
shores of Lake Kugushiko in the renowned Mikatagoko (Five Lakes of Mikata)
region. The restaurant opened in May
2008 and calls itself a “community café” (コミュニティ・カフェ)
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| Lake Kugushigo |
The shijimi served in the restaurant is
fished directly from the brackish waters of Lake Kugushigo by the cooperative
members. There is a wonderful photo of
some of the ladies from the cooperative fishing shijimi in their profile on Fukui Dotcom
(ふくいドットコム). In
addition to bringing together local people, the cooperative aims to teach
visitors about Lake Kugushigo and environs.
Our hosts particularly mentioned their desire to be welcome and
accommodating to a wide range of guests.
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| Shijimi researchers at work near the restaurant |
We were
served a set lunch menu featuring regional fare of the day including miso soup
with shijimi, salads, snails,
octopus, pickles and rice, served with green tea. In addition to the seasonal lunch set, the menu features seafood
curry, pizzas with local toppings, homemade cakes and herbal teas. They will also make up bento boxes if you
place your order the day before. It’s
really an ideal place to stop and learn more about the region.
La Shijimi
can be found near Sui Shrine in Kugushi:
ラ・しじみ (Google
Maps)
homepage : http://www.geocities.jp/ra_sijimi/
〒919-1123 福井県三方郡 美浜町久々子8-10-1
Tel. +81
770-32-2283Next: Mt. Baijō / 梅丈岳
