The magazine d design travel has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and I have read many issues over the years. My love for it only grew as I learned more about its concept and, through this Aichi issue, witnessed the unique editorial methods of the team. In fact, we at EARLYBIRDS and PINE FIELDS MARKET were entrusted with the major responsibility of catering for the Aichi issue launch party, chosen from among the many shops in Aichi Prefecture.
We spent many days thinking about what we could do, striving to express a form of Aichi Prefecture that only we could. We poured our hearts into just a few hours of the party. With the help of many producers and creators, we hoped to create a space that the attendees would truly enjoy.
Regarding the dishware, we chose not to use paper plates, wanting to use something made in the region. The first thing that came to mind were the plates from "TOKONAME," who kindly cooperated with us. Their beautiful six-colored plates reminded me of the colorful dishes we use in our own shop, and I knew they would be perfect. Mr. Koie, the representative, graciously agreed, and although they only had slightly under 100 plates when we first reached out, they finished firing a new batch the day before the event, allowing us to have 200 ready. We truly used "freshly fired" plates. Then, we designed the plating to be as vibrant as the dishes themselves.
And for the delicious vegetables to add that color, we had Mr. Tange of "Tange Farm" prepare various items for us. He is a wonderful person who makes a living as a "farmer" with a sensibility very similar to our own. He went out of his way to help us with our vegetable needs for this event. Everything, from the cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes to the cucumbers, zucchini, and basil, was delicious enough to be eaten just as it was.
For the iced coffee, we used coffee beans carefully prepared by our reliable friend, Mr. Oda of Garage Coffee Company. The magazine also features "Kissa hiraya" as a representative coffee shop of Aichi. It was a crisp and incredibly rich, delicious iced coffee. Above all, the owner is a person of exceptional character. Truly.
We incorporated materials filled with the passion of various other producers, and included ways of serving and enjoying the food that only we at Earlybirds could offer.
Towards the end of the event, a large cake made by KAZ-chan, the pastry chef at PINE FIELDS MARKET, made an appearance. It featured the "Oriental Boy" from the magazine cover rendered in icing on a cookie. The base was made using Nishio matcha from Aichi Prefecture, making it a cake that tasted truly wonderful. I was so happy to see the surprised faces of the guests when the cake was brought out.
The tickets for the day sold out in a single day, and the editorial staff were surprised at the high level of interest in the Aichi edition.
With over 120 people, including those involved in the project, in attendance, the event was emceed by Editor-in-Chief Ms. Kuga and Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr. Shinto, who shared humorous and detailed anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the reporting process for the Aichi issue.
Kenmei Nagaoka, the representative, was also present, and I was very glad to have had the chance to speak with him briefly. He left an impression as a very soft-spoken, warm, and kind person.
It was a valuable experience and another opportunity for me to grow.
Through this book, I was able to rediscover the charm of Aichi Prefecture. I truly hope many people will pick it up and take a look.
Drink Menu
・Grape Juice: Budou no Fukuoka
・Tomato Juice: Ishihara Farm
・Cold-brewed Sencha: Inomata Tea Garden
・Iced Coffee: Garage Coffee Company
・Beer: Y・MARKET BREWING
・Homemade Plum Soda: PINE FIELDS MARKET
Food Menu
・Assorted Pinchos: Tange Farm
・Pork Tacos: Los Novios (corn tortillas) / Toyota Farm (Sanshu pork)
・Miso Shortbread: Imai Jozo (miso)
・Peach Panna Cotta: From Kasugai (peaches)
Dishware: TOKONAME STORE, Mr. Koie
Flowers: GARCON FLOWER, Mr. Yagi
Thank you to everyone for your great cooperation.
p.s. Kenmei Nagaoka came to our shop the next morning, ate breakfast, and then left for Fukuoka. I thought it was truly wonderful that he would make the effort to come visit us even with his busy schedule.
Earlybirds Breakfast, Keita