The International Love Cafe Vol.5

By Dannette Lambert

The first time I met Simon and Paddy I have to admit I found them a bit odd. It wasn’t their ongoing banter that made you feel like you were watching an ongoing comedy routine. Nor was it their tendency to answer all compliments with the phrase ‘It is great, isn’t it?’ All the more jarring after living in a country where people usually go out of their way to put themselves down. No, I’d have to say that what really made me think these two a bit odd was the oven.

In the 2LDK apartment that the two were sharing at that time the cm3 oven created a formidable presence. It seemed terribly out of place in its environment, especially considering that most Japanese apartments don’t even have an oven option on their microwaves. Indeed, the King Edward oven had been transported from England via Kobe and was, in the midst of the summer heat, baking potatoes. You could tell that a lot of time and energy was put into bringing this oven into Japan and I, at that time, just couldn’t imagine why.

This March I finally understood, as the vision that inspired the seemingly odd act of importing an English style oven into Japan resulted in Spud Love, an English style potato shop now operating in Hatchobori. Recognizable by the Union Jack proudly painted on the shops facade, Spud Love offers piping hot baked potatoes with a wide range of topping options for a price you can’t beat. The outdoor setting variety of beers available makes it a great summer hang out, and the take away option is especially convenient for Hanami parties and outdoor picnics.

As a foreigner with some aspirations of opening a restaurant of my own I have taken lessons and drawn inspiration from watching the efforts put in and the difficulties faced in the opening of this establishment. It wasn’t easy, as licensing problems forced the shop to open a few months later than expected and concerns arose over the compatibility of the potato toppings with the Japanese sensibility. Either way, it always seemed fun, as Spud Diddy and Spud Daddy hosted baked potato parties, gathering opinions and entertaining along the way. As a vegetarian I’m happy to add another name to the (short) list of places where I can actually eat. The potatoes are yum, and, if I ever get my act together, Spud Love will be serving vegan options, courtesy of the International Love Cafe´. So check them out!

Until then you satisfy your cravings for good vegan cuisine at the next International Love Cafe´ to be held at One Love on Sunday, June 13th from 11 am to 4 pm. No reservations required.