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2011.8.26
 French Night！
  This month our Melting Pot Party was hosted by Sébastien Mouton, from Lyon, France! It was a great night filled with French snacks, wine, trivia, and music. Sitting around the table we enjoyed hearing French, English, German and Japanese spoken, true to the theme of a cultural Melting Pot!
It was great to hear so many different languages spoken, especially by non-native speakers! Near the end of the night we broke into two teams, and were quizzed by Sébastien about French culture, a nice end to this culture-filled night. Hopefully out monthly Melting Pot Party will continue to be as fun as this one. Thanks Sébastien!
 
2011.5.27
Start of our Melting Pot Party series!
Today was the start of our long-planned Melting Pot Party series! 'Melting Pot', in this case, refers to the environment in which lots of different cultures and people from all the world can get together and interact.
In regards to our weekly “English Night” held on Wednesdays, English Night focuses mainly on providing a fun place for people to talk to each other in English. Our monthly Melting Pot Parties doesn't emphasize any language, but simply on the interaction of different cultures.
As the Melting Pot Party includes a buffet, each month's feast is handled by a different Global Lunch staff member. For this month, Maya made us a delicious Spanish buffet. In spite of the fact that this was the first time we held such an event, it was a very busy and fun night with our global staff members.
This month's participants included people from Spain, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Japan and other nationalities. Japanese and English aside, different languages could be heard around the room. There was a feeling of a giant “Melting Pot”, which was very interesting to experience!
We've scheduled this event to be held on the last Friday of every month. If you're interested, please feel free to drop by (reservations are appreciated though)! Next month, Dadhi from Nepal will be in charge of food. Our staff and delicious food are awaiting you!
 
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19:00 – 22:30
2500 yen (student price of 2000 yen!)
Includes our Global Lunch staff member's buffet and 1 drink.
2011.5.14 Traveller's Lunch ~Mexico~
This marked the start of our collaborations with “We Are One”, a group which organizes International events all around Kyoto.
Elsa, our Global Lunch staff member, presented firsthand information on Mexico while we ate her delicious Mexican cuisine.
Our Japanese participants were especially surprised when they tasted cactus pickles (!?), which definitely gave a Mexican feeling to the event. Not found in a guide book, the information was interesting and definitely made me want to head to Mexico right away!
We've decided to continue this event on a monthly basis from hereon. For more information on June's Traveller's Lunch, please check the site for updates!
2011.4.13
English Night BBQ
Hello, this is Lena, one of the new staff for Cafe Frosch! I was delighted to join in on the English Night bbq for my first event and enjoyed myself immensely (as did my stomach). With clear night skies, it was a perfect night to hold a barbeque. With Andrew, myself (who said girls can't grill!?), and Guy handling the grill, we were all able to enjoy delicious roasted meat! There was also Kayo's hummus and salad, home-made cookies brought by a regular, Sumi-san's onigiri... my stomach is rumbling at the thought of the food I got to enjoy that night!
Not only that, it was wonderful meeting everyone and I was very touched by the friendliness of everyone. I got to meet lots of new people and enjoy some quality conversation :) It was also Andrew's last night with English Night, and I'm glad I got to meet him before he left. Thanks to all for a wonderful night!
- Lena
2011.3.25
 The final round of Andrew's movie night
"24 Hour Party People"
 
This month was Andrew's last Movie Night and he choose to finish off with 24 Hour Party People. It is a movie about legends, a suiting ending for our Frosch legend.
- My
2011.3.20
My in a Kimono
It is easy to see that our international staff all have come to Japan with an interest for the country when you look at their different hobbies. To see so many people with a genuine interest in another culture is truly inspiring!
On this day our Swedish staff My had a class in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony close by Frosch so she dropped by to show us how she looks in a kimono. The kimono is her own that she got at the monthly flee market at Kitano Tenmangu.
2011.3.20
Japa-dog BBQ party
- by We Are One International
 - We Are One x Café Froschコラボ第１弾！-
 インターナショナル・イベント・オーガナイザー、We Are One が、カフェ・フロッシュで「ジャパドッグ」食べ放題飲み放題パーティを開催しました。
「ジャパドッグ」とはカナダのバークバーで人気の和風ホットドッグです。
このイベントは、地震被災者の方々への募金活動を目的に開催されました。壁に貼られた大きな紙には、参加者からの励ましのメッセージが書かれ、募金とともに、被災地へと送られます。
2011.3.4
Daikiti Yoshida - Solo Tour @ Café Frosch
 On this evening our machiya got to hear enchanting tunes that made us all feel like we were not in Japan anymore. It took us to warm Indian nights and beyond. Everyone was mesmerized by Daikiti Yoshida's skillfull sitar-playing and when he stopped it felt like waking up from a dream.
Afterwards everyone moved closer and Daikiti told us a little bit about his music. We also got to take a closer look at the immensly beautiful instruments. I think that we were all wondering how those instruments could make all of those sounds. It was truly amazing!
- My
2011.2.16
Rakugo in English @ English Night
今回の英語ナイトは、小夜姫さんをお迎えして、「英語落語」の夕べでした。
幼少の砌（みぎり）から、古典落語「青菜」を諳んじていた（嘘です）カエル姉妹。落語と聞くだけで心躍ります。
国内をはじめ、N.Y.やサンフランシスコでも活躍している実力派の小夜姫さん。カフェ・フロッシュを一瞬にして町家寄席へと変えてしまいましたよ！
難しいだろうな〜と思われる日本語のニュアンスも、絶妙に英語用のオチに練り直してあったりして、外国人のお客さんにも好評でした。
 ワークショップでは、小夜姫さんの指導のもと、お客さんも見事な一席を演じてましたよ。
やっぱり落語っていいですね。
町家の中が、ほんわか暖かい笑い声に包まれた一夜でした。
小夜姫さんの「英語落語」をもっと聴きたい方は、小夜姫さんのブログをチェックしてみてくださいね。
2011.2.12
Global Kitchen  - Indian -
 今週は、インドはパンジャビ出身の、陽気なSinghが作る本格インドカレーですよ！
３種類のカレーとバスマティライス又は自家製チャパティ、マンゴーラッシーもついて1,500円です！いろんな種類のカレーを一度に楽しめる、お得なワンプレートランチです。
中でも意外なのが「里芋カレー」（！？）
インドにもあるんですって、里芋。これがまたカシューナッツペーストと煮込んだちょっと甘口のカレーに良く合うのです。
チャパティを丸める手は、まさに職人技。これをマスターすれば、ギョウザの皮も上手にできるかも？と、欲ばりな下ゴコロを隠しつつ、カエル妹も一日弟子入り。日々、パンをこねてるおかげで、粉もんとはわりとすぐに仲良くなれて、大はしゃぎです。楽しいわぁ。。。
そんな「グローバルランチ - インド編 -」、明日も楽しめますよ。
2011.2.5
Global Kitchen ーGermanー
 今週末の「グローバルランチ」は、意外にも初登場！ドイツ料理ですよ！
Connieが作る本格ドイツ料理、今日は「シュペッツレ」と「ジャーマンポテト」「野菜のスープ煮」などなどのセット。
卵たっぷりの生地を、包丁で器用に鍋に落として作る「シュペッツレ」は、たっぷりのチーズでからめて、こんがりオニオンをトッピングして。
ジャーマンポテトに乗っかってるのは、お馴染み「かわきた屋」さんが特別に作ってくれたプリップリのソーセージです。
自家製の「麹（こうじ）ぱん」との相性もバッチリですよ。
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来週末はSingh(シング）の作る本格インド料理プレートです！お楽しみに！
2011.2.2
Setsubun- Eho-maki @ English Night
Devils were there to be driven out as well!
Since the day after would be Setsubun we decided to combine a Eho-maki party with English night. After an explanation of Setsubun by Andrew we started making the rolls.
Andrew made a guess at where this years direction, south southeast, was. When we checked with the compass on my Android phone he was so close it was scary, only millimeters differed. Everyone made it through until the end without talking, I wonder what they were all wishing for and if it will come true?
- My
2010.12.22
X'mas Party @ English Night + Movie Night
 
For the last English Night of this year we celebrated Christmas. For me who really likes Christmast but couldn't go home to Sweden it was wonderful to have a place here in Kyoto where I could celebrate with my family away from home. There were people from many different countries; Amerika, China, Brasil, Canada, Japan, Germany and Sweden so we got to learn a lot about the different countries traditions.
To round it of we had one of Andrew's famous trivia quiz contest with terrific prices.
 
My made her home country Swedens traditional saffron bread. The yellow color is to keep the devil, who supposedly doesn't like yellow, away.
 Andrew made a delicious apple and chocolate paj. If you look closely the letters "XMAS" can be seen written on top.
He also made the American Christmas drink eggnog, one with, and one without alcohol so that everyone could have some.
- My
2010.12.14
Kids' Handicraft Workshop - Christmas Wreath -
 ほぼ月一回開催している『コドモノアート』
今月は１２月。なにかクリスマスに飾れるものをと、講師の藤井敦子先生が考えてくれたのが、「毛糸と針金で作る、クリスマスリース」です。
 『コドモノアート』と銘打ってますが、こどもゴコロをくすぐられた大人も参加できちゃうのが、このワークショップのいいところ。
針金の土台に、毛糸やフェルトを使って、みなさんオリジナルのクリスマスリースを作ります。
いつも参加してくれるkちゃん。いいのができた！
この後、おうちに大事に飾ってくれてるそうです。そんなことを聞くと嬉しくなっちゃいます。
また遊ぼうね。
次回は、１月下旬の予定です。また詳細が決まり次第、お知らせしますね。お楽しみに。
2010.12.12 PASION FATAL！- Tango X Bellydance  今月のカフェ・フロッシュは楽しいイベントが目白押し！ この週末は、今年の５月、カフェ・フロッシュ一周年記念パーティーで素敵なパフォーマンスをみせてくれた Jamillaさんと タンゴ・グレリオさんの「 PASION FATAL ベリーダンスとアルゼンチンタンゴの夜」でした！ そしてそして、この日は、ラテンタンゴ歌手の Makoさん、インドの竹笛バンスリー奏者のGumiさん、タブラ奏者の 藤澤バヤンさんも加わって、 ジャンルを越えたいろいろな音楽が何層にも重なり混じり合い、それはそれはしっとり大人な夢の世界へと連れて行ってくれたのでした。   そして、なんと先着１２名さまには、Jamillaさん手作りのクッキーがプレゼントされましたよ！ それも、ご自分で焙煎（！）したコーヒー豆入りのクッキーです。 私たちスタッフ分も用意してくださて、ほんとに細やかな心配りをされる方です。（美味しかった〜） これだけのゴージャスなライブに、満席のお客様も酔いしれておられました。 ほんと、いい夜でした。
2010.12.12 An Exhibition - Capes for Kimono and more!  おかげさまで、今年も無事終了しました。カエル妹も所属する” カエルたち”が生み出す、ポップでシンプル、そしてちょっとエレガントな「 キモノこもの」をたくさんの方々に見ていただけて、ほんとにワクワクしっぱなしの展覧会でした。 「男性ものはないの？」とのお声もあって、お洒落な男性が多いのにもびっくり。来年をおたのしみに！ あれも作りたい、これも作りたい！と、妄想はふくらむばかりです。 近々、「キモノこもの」のカタログページも開設予定。   次会の展覧会は、初夏の頃かな？ まずは、今回お買い上げいただいたケープたちの仕上げとお届け準備を急がなくては・・・ 別布でオーダーをいただいたものも、順次制作にかかります。いましばらくお待ち下さいね。 （展覧会は終了しましたが、いくつかのケープはしばらくカフェ・フロッシュに展示しています。どうぞご覧下さい。また、１２月１７日〜２７日の間、滋賀県の「いまきものむかしきもの 和蔵」さんで展示販売されます。） 
2010.12.5
Tatami Fest
 第一部は、畳をこよなく愛する男、西脇一博氏がその技の粋を熱く伝授してくれる、「ミニ畳を作ろう」ワークショップ。
本物のい草を使った「ミニ畳」
何を飾ろうかな。
ワークショップには、予想を大幅に上回る、たくさんの方に参加していただきました。
畳職人、西脇さんの畳に向かうその真摯な姿勢からは、第二部のあのはじけっぷりは想像できませんでしたね。はい。
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第二部「畳ライブ！！」
ステージにはもちろん、畳が敷きつめられていますよ。
白足袋に着物が’いなせ’なダイチさんと、日本畳楽器製造の奈良さん。
いきなりかえる妹が大好きな曲からはじまり、キッチンの中で大興奮してたのはナイショです。
大阪神戸で活躍中の味屋ソウルさん。
「癒し系」とはまさにこのこと。ほんわか暖かい歌声と笑い（！）に、会場はすっかり和やかムード。オリジナル曲は、ココロにしみました。
ムビラ・ジャンクションの熊さんとお弟子さん。
京の町家にムビラの音が素敵に合うのです。このムビラという楽器がまた美しい。芸術品なのです。
そしてトリはこちら。日本畳楽器製造さん。
重い、でかいなどのマイナス要因をものともせず、「畳であること」こそが唯一最大の命題なのです。
いや〜、笑った！（失礼）
そしてまた意外なことに（これまた失礼！）彼らの音楽性が高いことにびっくり。さすが、『ズームインSUPER』に生出演するだけあります。日々の暮らしに、すりこぎのようにすり減った男ゴコロを歌い上げた「４５の夜」では、会場のあちらこちらから慟哭がきこえてきましたよ。左とん平の『ヘイ・ユウ・ブルース』に並ぶインパクトでした。CD化してくれないかな〜。
 そして最後は全員集合。
カスタネットならぬ「タタタネット」を熱く叩く西脇さん。
そしてその師匠の熱演を、会場のいちばん奥で、静かに見守る若手畳職人の池田君。 「最近、ギターを始めました」 ぽつりと語るその姿を見て、日本の畳文化の継承は安泰だと思いましたね。  そしてこちらが当日お客さんにふるまってくれた『い草パン』 この日のために、伏見の「 イエローマジック・テクノパン」さんが特別に作ってくれたもの。おそるおそる口に入れると、ほんわかミドリがかったその色ともに、ヨモギに近い懐かしいお味。絶品でした！ これで、体の外から中から、すっかり「畳」に浸食された一日になりました。 ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
 ムビラ・ジャンクション 熊
アフリカ・ジンバブエの民族楽器、ムビラ。”親指ピアノ”の一種です。熊さんこと熊越シンヤさん（写真右）は京都を拠点に、東京、アフリカと、精力的にムビラの魅力を伝えるべく活動中！  2010.11.24
Thanksgiving Party @ English Night
 今年もやってきました。Tanksgiving Day!
ターキーと言えばこの人、スタッフAndrewの出番ですよ。去年も狭いキッチンの中で見事に大きなターキーの丸焼きを作ってくれたAndrew、今年も頑張ってくれました。
今年は一段と腕をあげたようで、ターキーの旨味たっぷりのグレイビーソースを、みなさんパンにつけて一滴残さず味わってました。ほんと、美味しかった！
 姉カエルの自信作、スタッフィングもこれまた絶品。
裏で妹カエルが”味見”と称して口に入れようとするのを体を張って阻止してました。
今回もたくさんの方にご参加いただき、いろんな国のいろんな文化が行き交う、カフェ・フロッシュらしい楽しいパーティーとなりました。
2010.11.20
Elsa's Mexican Cooking Class
  カフェ・フロッシュ「週末 グローバルランチ」で好評のElsaのメキシコ料理。「ぜひ、日本の家庭でできる、簡単なメキシコ料理を教えてほしい」という声にお応えして、本日、第１回お料理教室開催です。
今日のメニューは「小麦粉から作る『タコス』」
手づくりトルティーヤで、ワカモレ（アボカドディップ）と、アランブレ（肉野菜のソテー）を巻いた、簡単なのに本格的（！）なメキシコ料理です。
小麦粉から作る？と言うと、なんだか難しそうですが、メキシコ人にとってはトルティーヤは日本人のご飯みたいなものだそう。私たちだって、お米をといで、しばらく水に浸けて、小一時間かけてご飯を炊きますもんね。
Elsaが生地をまとめる手つきは、まるで日本人がおむすびを作るような、滑らかな動きでしたよ。
それでも最近は、メキシコでも小麦粉から作る人は減ってるそうです。淋しいなぁ。
賑やかにおしゃべりしながら、あっという間にワカモレ（アボカドディップ）とアランブレ（肉野菜のソテー）が出来上がり、きれいに焼けたトルティーヤにたっぷりはさんで、お楽しみの試食タイムとなりました。
 
みなさん、お互いのお料理を食べ比べたり、「ワサビ入れたら美味しいんじゃない？」「タバスコも合うはず！」などなど、またまたアイデアも飛び出して、楽しい会になりました。
ちょっと緊張ぎみだったElsaも最後は「楽しかった〜」といい笑顔でした。
ご参加くださったみなさま、ありがとうございました！
また、第２弾もやりたいな〜。
お楽しみに！
2010.11.3
Frosch @ Kyoto International Community House - Open Day -
International Food Stall
2010.10.10 Hello Frosch, said the Swedish girl.
There is now a new face amongst the staff. Her name is My:)
"I came in the beginning of 2009 from Sweden to study Japanese and from now on also work at Cafe Frosch while I study Fashion Design. My name is My (you know like little My in Moomin), and I really like Japanese culture. I speak Swedish, English and Japanese so if you ever want to ask anything about Sweden, or want to teach me more about Japanese culture, don't hesitate to talk to me (I'm not at all as angry as little My, and I don't bite at all)!
I really look forward to working at Frosch and to meeting all of you at the cafe, so many many thanks to Frosch for having me!" - My
2010.6.25 *~Hello Summer, Hello Parfaits~*
 Cafe Frosch proudly presents two new sweet and refreshing additions to the menu! Parfait for Everyone - A combination of classic favourites chocolate and banana.Frosch's home-made banana bread with vanilla icecream, fresh cream, banana and corn flakes, topped with chocolate sauce. (580yen) 20+ Parfait - A darker, richer flavour for adults.
Frosch's bitter gateau chocolat with vanilla icecream and cornflakes, topped with a delicious mix of raspberry sauce, rum, and cranberries. (580yen) Come and cool down from the Kyoto Summer with a Cafe Frosch Parfait!
2010.5.29 World Music and Dance Night!
 A jolly looking man with a unique-looking ukelele hops onto the stage and brightens a room packed with people. With a grin on his face, he sings songs with a variety of instruments made of tatami mats. Three women emerge, shower the audience with glitter, and take them on a mystical journey to India. A man with a guitar, and a man with an accordion perform a deep, rich and intense Tango set. After a breather, a swaying, jiggling, shimmying woman wows the audience with her performance of Egyptian Belly Dance; her moves are magically brought to life by the beats and tinkles coming from her percussionist partner. And finally, a man with a flute, a man with a bouzouki, and a woman with a fiddle refresh and liven the room with an upbeat set. Bringing smiles and hand claps from the audience, the evening ends on a high Irish note. Thank you to all who came and squeezed into the cafe for World Music and Dance Night. Thank you to Elsa and Bassam for the fantastic food!:) and Happy 1st Anniversary Cafe Frosch.
2010.3.28 Potato Planting in Ohara, or how I became a Japanese TV Star...
 Food always tastes better when you hae a connection to it. I was lucky enough to grow up in a rural area with a large garden that my family used to grow lots of fresh vegetables. It's of course very very difficult to find the time or space to do that while living in a city like Kyoto. Nearby Ohara however has plenty of space for beautiful gardens. Recently the Cafe decided to join a garden coop where a number of folks come together to share their money and labor to grow an assortment of veggies and then split the resulting harvest. This past weekend, my girlfriend and I traveled up to Ohara as representatives of the cafe for the first planting session. The target this itme was to plant some potatos.
  A group of around 20 other workers showed up as well so it turned out that there wasn't as much work to do as we were expecting. Another surprise of the day was that there was a camera crew in attendance to film our activities for a show on organic farming next month. Obviously as the only foreigner of the group I stood out a bit and was cornered a little bit for a short interview. I think every single foreigner in Japan has been interviewed for TV at some point, but it was still pretty exciting.
2010.3.26
Blues Brothers Night gets a special surprise
 The Blues Brothers is one of the most classicest of classic movies. Everybody loves the movie and even if you haven't seen it you most likely know their look. The music in the movie is absolutely fantastic and showcases many of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century. It was also absolutely fantastic to see the car chases in their larger than life projected glory.
  Almost more interesting than watching the movie itself though was the surprise revalation after the film that one of the customers in attendance had actually appeared in the movie. Apparently if you watch the church scene with James Brown leading a gospel revelry you can spot him as one of the dancers in the front pews. That had to be an absolutely insane scene to film and I'm sure that he must break out whenever he thinks back to it. He also revealed that he still receives a yearly royalty check for appearing in the film. Not sure that that's how he's paying his bills, but it must be pretty fun to still be reaping in the rewards of probably the best day of work of his life. Pretty great stuff.
2010.3.21
Indian Music Live at Cafe Frosch
Last night, through the magic of music, Cafe Frosch was transformed into a Little India. Koki Yoshida (Sitar) and Kosuke Matsumoto (Tabla) performed a beautiful and dynamic set, which ranged from a slow and mystical song on just the Sitar as well as an upbeat and colourful jam with the Sitar, Tabla and an exotically bubbly sounding backing track (and judging by their little grins and giggles during songs, it was as enjoyable for the pair as it was for those of us watching). It was interesting for me to see the different ways in which people listened to the music. Some sat right at the front, swaying their feet and experiencing the performance at it's brightest and loudest; while others lay on a sofa at the back, eyes shut, nodding their heads, like their mind was on a journey into it's own little paradise. And once the performance was over, the performers and the audience mingled happily amongst themselves. It was a fun night of music, and speaking of which, I am planning a World Music and Dance Night event at Cafe Frosch at the end of May. Bellydance, Flamenco, Indian Music and Irish Music are some of the ideas now, but if there is something you would like to see, or you think you know someone who would like to perform, feel free contact us as we would love to hear any ideas/suggestions :)
2010.2.16 New sandwich shaped additions to the Cafe Frosch family
It is with pride and joy that we would like to announce the entrance of three new members of the Cafe Frosch (food) family. After much strenuous (re: delicious) experimentation, we have settled upon a trio of new creations that we hope you will enjoy as much as we have. They are, in no particularly important order:
 Grilled Veggie w/ Olive Anchovy Paste
Chicken Tika
 German Sausage and Sauerkraut
2010.2.3 Eigo Night Setsubun Ehou Maki Party Setsubun is a traditional Japanese Holiday that is supposed to mark the transition out of Winter and into Spring. While the idea of that sounds rather brilliant at this point in time, I have yet to see any tangible effect on the weather... Oh well, soon enough.
In celebration of the holiday we held a special Eigo night this week complete with do-it-yourself ehou maki (favorable direction sushi rolls?!?) and some good ol' fashioned bean-style demon harrasment.
 Ehou maki is a curious tradition in that it really isn't a "tradition" at all (depending on your definition). Tracing it's roots back a mere 20 years or so, it's more of a marketing ploy by convenience stores that is going rather well and will most likely worm its way into the nationally accepted conciousness within 50 more years or so. The two main rules seem to be that once you begin (two-fistedly) munching on  your roll you aren't aloud to talk until you finish (or else you scare off the good luck of course), and also that you are supposed to face in a (conbini?) prescribed yearly rotating direction while you eat. This year was south south west I believe. I assure you it makes for a pretty ridiculous sight when 10 or so people are all sitting facing an awkward direction silently munching on rather large sushi rolls. Good times...  After finishing with our delicious makis a devil appeared, and led by our fearless demon battling cavalry of Takeshi and Lia we fought off the beast with a barrage of legumian fury. It was an exciting end to a wonderful evening. Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!
blog archives
Dec.2009 | Jan.2010
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カフェ・フロッシュの入り口付近にどーんと鎮座しているこの4本のキャンドル。
先月好評だった「綿（わた）から糸つむぎ」の第２回を開催しました。
京都は蹴上にある
当日は秋晴れのお出かけ日和。前年の１．５倍の来場者数で会場内はごったがえしていました。
