I live in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. At Christmas time, I yearn for the feeling of home. A warm kitchen. Conversation around the table. Twinkling lights and charming ornaments. Christmas in the malls doesn’t cut it, and as much as I like a warm kitchen I don’t want to be the one slaving in it. A French café called A La Bonne Maman down the road about twenty minutes in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture fits the bill; it is quaint, cozy and tastefully decorated and offers delectable, beautifully arranged French cuisine.
My American friend introduced this gem to me last July. We enjoyed the lunch combo of which there were four options. The “set” comes with soup, salad, bread or rice, dessert and coffee or tea and costs anywhere from Y1,150 to Y3,000. We could take our time eating and chatting. We both ordered the omerice combo, an omelette stuffed with seasoned rice. By the end of the meal, I was satisfied. Similar fancy French eateries serve petite, delicately arranged courses, designed more for the eyes and taste buds than for filling the stomach. A la Bonne Maman also serves dinner, if you can afford it. Dinner runs from Y1620 to Y4500 for the full course. Prices are before taxes, or more if you indulge in wine.
The food at La Bonne Maman was on par with other good French cuisine in Japan. The china, pretty table cloths, cloth napkins, lace curtains, trinkets, books and decorations from France, warm lighting, dangling cut glass, and stained glass when taken in altogether is like a warm embrace and, especially at Christmas, makes this dining destination worth visiting if you are in the area. I am told they put up a Christmas tree, fairy lights and an assortment of Christmas decorations in December. Call ahead to reserve a table; leave the kids behind, if you have any. I doubt one could relax or enjoy the atmosphere or taste without a certain maturity, dining manners and a well-developed palate; kids would be more happy with a fast food and if it is the Christmas season, a visit to the mall.
