The latest trends for locals…and visitors too!
Kitte Hakata: A New Face in Town
Five years have passed since the revamped Hakata Station opened. With new shops and eateries in JR Hakata City and light-up events in the plaza out front, the station has become a destination for more than just train passengers. This spring, the station area added yet another building, Kitte Hakata, which features Kyushu’s first outlet for the Tokyo-based fashion trend-setter Marui. From fashion to food, Kitte tenants include many Kyushu firsts, and it also houses a medical service center for foreigners.
Check out Fukuoka Now’s report from Kitte Hakata’s pre-opening event.
Kitte Hakata
9-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku
7:00~24:00 (opening hours vary; Hakata Marui: 10:00~21:00)
Closed: Never
kitte-hakata.jp
Bean-to-bar: A New Kind of Chocolate
Bean-to-bar, the latest trend in chocolate making, refers to a process of sourcing traceable cacao which are then roasted, cracked and turned into chocolate all under one roof. The focus is on making bars, as they are the best way to enjoy the flavors of cacao from different regions, as opposed to more conventional truffles or other confectionaries. Bean-to-bar chocolatiers also refrain from using the standard categories of milk, dark and white. The bean-to-bar trend began in the United States in 2005 and has expanded worldwide by way of independent specialty shops.
Green Bean to Bar
1F Nishitetsu Tenjin Class, 1-19-22 Imaizumi, Chuo-ku
11:00~21:00
Closed: Wed.
092-406-7880
http://greenchocolate.jp/
Shop Seminars: Piquing Curiosity and Whetting Appetites
True foodies are never satisfied with just eating: they want to know who grew their food, where and how. As such, more shops are hosting their own food seminars. Some feature in-depth talks by growers, while others have professional chefs show you how to mix and match ingredients. Others still are simple affairs: show up and pay to eat, drink and mingle. From sake tastings at bottle shops to cooking classes at restaurants and French wine seminars, there is something for everyone. Dean & DeLuca offers wine seminars twice a month (reservation required).
Dean & DeLuca
B2F Solaria Plaza, 2-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
092-739-0207
For upcoming seminars, see deandeluca.co.jp/wineclass/
Outdoor Food Events
Fukuokans love festivals. If you happen upon a bustling gathering—which is not hard to do in the city—why not join in? Many events are held in front of City Hall, at Chuo Park, at Gokoku Shrine, in front of Hakata Station, and at other public spaces. You can enjoy local foods or sake and beer—each event has its own theme and attracts many vendors. Outdoor events are great destinations for families, but you can just as easily stop by with your coworkers for a drink after work. To enjoy Fukuoka to the fullest, find a festival and join in the fray.
~ 5/8: Meat Festival Spring 2016 (Maizuru Park Nishi Hiroba)
5/12 ~ 5/15: Hokkaido Fair (Tenjin Chuo Park)
5/12 ~ 5/15: Belgian Beer Weekend (in front of City Hall)
5/18 ~ 5/22: “A” Class Gourmet Fair (Tenjin Chuo Park)
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn209, May 2016)
