The Shonan area conjures images of relaxation, beer, and the beach for most Tokyo area residents. But where do those living and working in Shonan go to unwind mid-week when a trip to Enoshima beach isn't an option?
For a business lunch or drinks with friends after work, locals can get a relaxed yet slightly refined "Shonan style" menu at Crocus's Deli. The young deli opened its doors to the public near Fujisawa station in March 2013.
What is "Shonan style"? Friendly, fresh, and frankly--it's frugal.
Wedged between businesses on a busy street, the deli-cafe-bar welcomes visitors with a long glass case rammed full of quiche and French sweets. The back of the first floor is an open kitchen with curving bar that invites guests to watch their drink being prepared.
A narrow staircase past a wall of local art show, music concert, and other Shonan event flyers transports patrons up alongside a black and white portrait of the Flat Iron Building in New York City and into a big city vibe.
The rough white walls are spray painted with the deli logo and high top tables line the wall.
It's clear that the friendly Crocus's Deli is aiming to have a party--or parties. The entire second for is available to be booked out for parties of 24 or more.
Fitting Shonan's frugal style, the deli offers specials like their Summer Tapas deal that invites six or more friends to drink and eat as much as they want for less than 4000¥ a person.
As for being fresh, the deli's range of seasonal quiches speaks for itself: from a slice of savory cottage cheese, ham, and sun dried tomato to the smooth mozzarella, grilled asparagus and shrimp.
On their pizza menu, Crocus's serves up a thin-crusted Gorgonzola interestingly topped with a honey sauce.
And that's just the lunch menu.
When it comes to take-out, Crocus's bentos easily surpass the selections at local bento chains. The bento menu uses quality ingredients but sticks to the staples with items like spicy Thai curry, fried chicken, or chicken Katsu available.
Daily, for a few brief hours, the cafe serves up delicate French sweets or Japanese sweets at request.
The "Black moon" or Lune Noire sweet is small but strong, made with Belgian chocolate and steeped in Brandy to make it even more rich. Similarly, the white chocolate and potato "Pommes de Terre" makes up for size in flavor.
With the beach out of reach during the week and tasty food available for the right price, Crocus's Deli aims to attract even more Shonan residents for their own little lunchtime vacation.
