Sonomi Tsumami @ Mitaka, Tokyo Bento, side dishes Although the address is in Mitaka City, the nearest train station is Nishi-Chofu Station on the Keio Line, giving more of an image of Chofu City. This is a hidden gem of a bento shop. The terrace seating facing the Nogawa River is perfect on sunny days! Located near Chofu Airport, off Osawa Ground Street, turn at the intersection with the old gate pillars of Chofu Airport (a historic stone monument), cross the Nogawa Bridge, and you will find the shop facing the Nogawa Riverside Promenade. In front of you is the Nogawa River, where you can also eat the bento and side dishes purchased in the shop's indoor or terrace seating. The terrace seating is stylish, open, and full of a wonderful sense of openness. Today's bento options included Fatty Mackerel with Salt Koji and 9 Side Dishes for 570 yen, Mapo Eggplant Don, Curry Sweet Potato Croquette, and Chinese-Style Teriyaki Chicken Don for 500 yen, 6 types of fried foods, and 6 types of onigiri. There were also various side dishes. Cooking is handled by a grandmother, so you can enjoy the taste of home-cooked meals. The bento options seem to vary by the day. For dinner, I purchased the following: - Fatty Mackerel with Salt Koji Bento - 9 Side Dishes Bento - 3 pieces of Karaage - Snap Peas Both bentos were delicious and satisfying. I really enjoyed the onigiri, karaage, and side dishes. Highly recommended. Rating: ★★★★★ Parking: Not available Visit date: April 12, 2022, afternoon Lunch service: Available Takeout: Available (Bento shop, eat-in available) Closed on: Sundays Business hours: 10:00-19:00 Smoking: Completely non-smoking Credit cards: Not accepted Electronic money: Not accepted, PayPay available Point card: Not available Likelihood of repeat visit: High Note: ==========

Located in a residential area in Oizawa, Mitaka City, between the National Astronomical Observatory and Chofu Airport. It's not really a store, but rather someone's home. I was surprised to find this place in such a peaceful residential area, as I didn't expect any shops nearby. I checked on Tabelog and found this place! Following the map, I finally found a small sign on the roadside of a single-family house. They were already sold out of bento boxes, even though it was only 1 PM. I hesitated a bit to enter as I couldn't see inside from outside, but I was intrigued so I decided to go in. Inside, there were packaged snacks like those in a supermarket, cup noodles, rice, and other groceries. It had a traditional small shop feel. They also had side dishes, cakes, and fried bread. I bought a cheesecake and fried bread. The cheesecake was a baked type with a subtle sweetness and a good cheese flavor. The fried bread had a nice cinnamon flavor, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Both were delicious. I would like to try their bento next time as well.

After leaving the Propeller Cafe, I headed to the bus stop. This area is where my best friend lived for the number of years we've been friends. I've been coming here for decades, so I remember the small streets very well. However, recently the roads around the airport and along the Nogawa River have been renovated and seem a bit suspicious? But I instinctively remembered the way to my friend's old house. At the intersection in front of the shrine, there used to be lots of supermarkets and small shops, but now all that remains is the dry cleaner and this liquor store. It seems like they've rebuilt and added apartments too. In front of such a store, there was a sign saying "Bento and Deli." When I peeked inside the store, I saw a small fridge filled with beer and juice, and an elderly couple watching TV... I wonder if this store really sells bento and other items? I cautiously entered and took a beer from the fridge, then headed to the cashier, where a variety of deli items were displayed. There were also tables inside where you could eat in. At that time, an older man was sitting there, but the "kinpira" (200 yen) dish was being prepared by the daughter or daughter-in-law. They were cooking diligently in the kitchen behind the cashier. Carrots, burdock root, and konjac were stir-fried with a flavorful seasoning. It had a taste that would appeal to everyone. Personally, I prefer it with a bit more of an accent. I'd like to buy a bento before going to the park next time. Feeling a sense of emptiness at my best friend's old house, now occupied by someone else, I boarded the bus.

I heard through word of mouth that the fried chicken here is delicious, so I decided to visit. The fried chicken bento box was so full that the lid couldn't close. The seasoning with garlic soy sauce was perfect and exactly to my liking. Among all the fried chicken I've ever had, this one stands out as the best.

The sign says the restaurant opens at 10 a.m., but it never seems to be open at that time, with only the bento menu displayed outside. I was wandering in front of the shop when I was approached by chance and able to place an order for a bento. It turns out that the shop itself doesn't open until close to noon, but bento orders can be placed over the phone from early in the morning (some regular customers even order at 7 a.m.). If you let them know when you'll be coming, they'll have it ready for you. There are camp-themed chairs and objects outside the shop, where you can sit and relax while looking at the river. Lately, it has become a habit for me to order a bento after my night shift, then sit by the river and leisurely drink coffee. Even though I'm in the city, I can forget about time and truly relax. I sometimes even forget my bag because I get so lost in the moment.