Sumikko #21

An unexpectedly authentic tea-tasting experience at COCO'S drink bar.

While visiting the family restaurant chain COCO'S, the hosts discovered a drink bar where the tea leaves were managed with impressive care. They describe their surprise at the clear differences in color and flavor between Shizuoka tea and Kagoshima tea, which were available for a tasting comparison. It is a relatable episode about how small, thoughtful details in a simple drink bar can make everyday life a little more enjoyable.

A wagashi boom triggered by reading.

Inspired by a sweet featured in a book they were reading, the hosts have recently become obsessed with wagashi. They share an experience of visiting a shop in search of seasonal treats like mizu-yokan and minazuki. As they discuss the delicate flavors of seasonal sweets, they also reveal surprising trivia they discovered about a lucky charm traditionally eaten on June 30th.

Ongoing discoveries surrounding seasonal wagashi.

Unraveling the mystery of why the traditional treat minazuki is triangular in shape leads to yet another piece of culinary wisdom. Even the simplest local sweets have their own stories, and learning these tales seems to deepen the flavor. The conversation heats up as they delve further into a specific type of wagashi, but you will have to listen to the full episode to hear how it unfolds.