June arrived with the warmth of summer, making it feel as if it was eagerly wrapping its arms around us, saying, "I’m here!"
As the weather heats up, we tend to consume more cold drinks and food, and with air conditioning all around, our bodies can get colder than we realize. It's said that this internal chill can even lead to summer fatigue.
To warm myself from the inside out, I decided to visit FabuDine, a cozy bar where you can enjoy delicious rice porridge and a drink. With tasty food, natural wine, and unique porridge varieties, I left feeling nourished both in body and soul.
In this first installment, I'll introduce the "A Little Bit of Everything" set for solo diners, featuring a selection of drinks and dishes.
A Perfect Quick Drink with the Solo-Only "A Little Bit of Everything" Set
The "A Little Bit of Everything" set includes the following for just 2,850 yen (tax included):
- Chef’s Special AjilloToday’s Recommended
- Steamed Skewers (1 meat and 1 vegetable)
- Your choice of small porridge
- 1 glass of wine (red, white, or sparkling)
Start Off with a Refreshing Glass of Wine
I started with a glass of sparkling wine—perfectly chilled and delightfully fizzy.
The photo is taken from the innermost seat. The interior is vibrant yet calm, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can comfortably unwind.
Skewered Steamed Delights Highlight the Natural Sweetness of the Ingredients
The skewers include one meat and one vegetable. That day, I had a juicy, sweet onion and a tender, thick slice of pork belly. The citrus sauce provided a refreshing complement, especially to the onion!
The pork belly, steamed to perfection, was tender without being overly fatty, making it easy to enjoy.
Customize Your Dish with a Variety of Condiments
There are four condiments available at the table: a blend of six vinegars, organic olive oil, spicy peanut sauce, and salt from Amami Oshima.
While the citrus sauce was delicious with the pork belly, the vinegar blend and the combination of olive oil and salt were also excellent.
Sizzling Ajillo with a Delicious Anchovy Kick
The ajillo was made with Daisen chicken and green peppers, topped with an egg—a true parent-child dish!
The peppers retained a nice crunch, and the Daisen chicken was juicy with a deep umami flavor. The anchovy’s salty richness and the garlic aroma were irresistible!
The savory olive oil paired perfectly with the egg yolk. With a whole egg included, the dish had a satisfying volume that left me fully content.
As I enjoyed the well-balanced dishes, the main event—the rice porridge—was being prepared
The Bar’s Relaxed Atmosphere in the Heart of Hiroo
FabuDine is located about a 6-minute walk from Hiroo Station, Exit 2. It’s on a wide, quiet street at the edge of a shopping district.
Despite being a bit of a walk from the station, I managed to find it easily, even as a self-proclaimed "professional at getting lost."
Inside, the vibrant colors create a welcoming and relaxing vibe, with a cohesive design that helps you unwind.
Typically, the bar sees a steady flow of locals, with a calm atmosphere during both lunch and dinner.
Though lunch service will be paused starting in July, the dinner menu will still offer drinks, dishes, and of course, their signature porridge.
FabuDine is a perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a quick drink alone. In the next installment, Vol. 2, I’ll introduce the star of the show—the rice porridge—and the incredible plum wine that left a lasting impression!
