Valleycliffe residents have been starving for good eats but last month it seems the southernmost neighbourhood finally got its fill with Kululu Caf茅 opened by partners Miho Yoshida and Hiroaki Kimura.
The caf茅 is located where the former Coffee Tree had roots but you won鈥檛 recognize it due to extensive renovations. The result is a fresh, crisp and bright atmosphere with gorgeous wood accents throughout and contemporary styling featuring air plants and other modern touches as well as a new and attractive lighting design.聽
And while customers may linger thanks to the atmosphere, they will most certainly come for the cuisine. Word is already spreading that this is the place to check out for fresh, upscale and consistently delicious plates at very affordable prices.聽
鈥淲e鈥檝e got people coming regularly from Whistler and Vancouver, and as far as Pemberton,鈥� said Yoshida. 鈥淭he 樱桃视频community has been incredible in telling their friends and family about us. We feel very lucky, but we鈥檝e also worked very hard.鈥�
Kululu, which is the sound of happiness in Japanese, offers healthy, tasty Japanese fare such as rice bowls, noodle dishes, and salads, as well as ready to go sandwiches and baked goods. Ingredients are predominantly organic and locally sourced where possible. Price points average between $6 for kids/half-portions to $13.
The tuna poke bowl and tuna trio bowls are hands-down best sellers, hit all the high notes and the presentation is a work of art. The visual and gastronomic feast is courtesy of Kimura, who keeps charge of the kitchen while Yoshida runs the front of house.
The caf茅 features delicious Lani Teas (try the chaga chai latte for a special treat) and locally roasted Counterpart Coffee espresso drinks.聽
鈥淚 feel so fortunate to open our caf茅 in Valleycliffe,鈥� said Yoshida, who met her partner while the two were working together at Samurai Sushi in the Estates over three years ago.聽
鈥淚 was looking for new opportunities, and while were weren鈥檛 even dating yet, I asked him if he might be interested in opening up some sort of caf茅 with me 鈥� he鈥檚 the chef! I just knew I wanted to create something of my own and I鈥檓 really happy with how this has turned out.鈥�
The location came as a bit of surprise to the duo as well. Yoshida said they were initially looking downtown and in the industrial park. 聽
鈥淲e weren鈥檛 looking to open up in Valleycliffe specifically, but it鈥檚 been wonderful. Everyone in the neighbourhood has been so supportive and genuinely seems to really like what we are doing,鈥� she said, adding her children attend school less than a block away, which allows her to have some impromptu visits.聽
Yoshida, who is always smiling, easily converses with customers in English and Japanese. She said that while setting up the restaurant and launching has been 鈥渆xhausting鈥� it鈥檚 really been a labour of love.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 been fun,鈥� she said with a laugh. 鈥淚 can do this because I鈥檓 doing it with Hiro. I don鈥檛 know if I could do it otherwise. We always have such positive energy for one another. It鈥檚 a really balanced relationship that way.鈥�
Currently, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Hours and menu items are still being refined. Customers can stay up to date on the caf茅鈥檚 Facebook page.
