Novel Craft Opens at 5 p.m. with ‘Sichuan Mapo Tofu-Style Keema’ and 8 Taps
The beer pub Novel Craft (Novel Craft) in Chitose-Karasuyama posted a service notice for a 5:00 p.m. opening. Along with ‘Sichuan Mapo Tofu-Style Keema’ and macaroni salad, it introduced a tap list of eight draft beers, including Kemker's pomonata.
Hop BroThe notice that Novel Craft in Chitose-Karasuyama opens at 5 p.m. is perfect for after work. And with food plus draft beer lined up, it already feels like they mean business from the start.
MugiWhoa! Being able to go there from early evening is amazing! What food do they have? Sichuan Mapo Tofu-Style Keema sounds like it will make me sweat just from the name!
Hop BroThe thing is, it uses sansho pepper firmly while keeping the heat a bit subdued. So it's heat that pairs with beer: bold on impact, but it doesn't get in the way of drinking.
MugiSansho pepper is the one that makes your mouth tingle, right? It's kind of hard to picture, but basically it's mild mapo tofu, right?
Hop BroExactly. It's more like an aromatic touch that numbs the tongue. The other dish, the macaroni salad, uses spinach, tuna, and egg, and the Parmesan at the end is what quietly makes it work.
MugiOhhh! It's great that you can take a break with salad after something tingling! So the first drink is Kemker / pomonata?
Hop BroYeah, it's like a cider-based piquette made from apples. It combines twice-pressed apples with quince and fermented blackcurrant leaves, and what's interesting is how it brings out aromas like apple skin, brioche, and lemon.
MugiBrioche too!? At that point I can't tell whether it's fruit or bread! But the density of aromas is so intense that it makes me want to try it a little.
Hop BroThe taps are strong too. With the range of 8 taps, they line up everything from Garage and Trap Door IPAs to Bellwoods' grisette and Sapporo's Edel Pils, so you can choose from a light first pour to a more adventurous second one.
MugiWhat is that, it sounds fun just thinking about the order! So first a light glass, then a characterful tap beer, right? It feels like a two-beer plan for after work!
Hop BroExactly. On the second floor in Chitose-Karasuyama, being able to enjoy food and draft beer together is what makes Novel Craft feel like Novel Craft.
MugiAlright, the plan is set! I'm in the mood and hungry enough that I want to meet up at 5 p.m. and go straight into beer mode!
The beer pub Novel Craft in Minamikarasuyama, Setagaya, Tokyo, announced its 5:00 p.m. opening hours and, along with that, unveiled its food and draft beer lineup.
The dishes of the day are built to match the name of the shop, which is all about enjoying beer. The standout is the ‘Sichuan Mapo Tofu-Style Keema’, said to be seasoned firmly with sansho pepper while keeping the heat somewhat restrained. A half-size portion is also available, making it easy to order when you just want a light bite. The other dish is ‘Macaroni Salad with Spinach, Tuna, and Egg’. This is a Japanese-leaning plate, with the finishing Parmesan cheese playing an important role.
The drinks are presented in two sections: ‘By The Glass’ and ‘Tap List’. On the glass side, Kemker / pomonata is featured. Described as a cider-style piquette, it is made by pressing apples twice and blending in quince and fermented blackcurrant leaves, with flavors reminiscent of apple peel, brioche, lemon, blackberry, and pineapple.
The draft tap list includes Garage × LHG / ADRENOCHROME, Trap Door / Trap Door IPA, Bellwoods / Grisette, Cave D'occi / Sun Dance, falo brewing / Tsubame Draft, Novel Craft Brewing / Splore, Novel Craft Brewing / Sweep, and Sapporo / Edelpils. The lineup mixes domestic and overseas breweries with the shop's own brewing brand, covering a wide range of styles from IPA and grisette to lager.
Information may be inaccurate. Please refer to the venue’s official channels for the latest details.
Hop BroThe notice that Novel Craft in Chitose-Karasuyama opens at 5 p.m. is perfect for after work. And with food plus draft beer lined up, it already feels like they mean business from the start.
MugiWhoa! Being able to go there from early evening is amazing! What food do they have? Sichuan Mapo Tofu-Style Keema sounds like it will make me sweat just from the name!
Hop BroThe thing is, it uses sansho pepper firmly while keeping the heat a bit subdued. So it's heat that pairs with beer: bold on impact, but it doesn't get in the way of drinking.
MugiSansho pepper is the one that makes your mouth tingle, right? It's kind of hard to picture, but basically it's mild mapo tofu, right?
Hop BroExactly. It's more like an aromatic touch that numbs the tongue. The other dish, the macaroni salad, uses spinach, tuna, and egg, and the Parmesan at the end is what quietly makes it work.
MugiOhhh! It's great that you can take a break with salad after something tingling! So the first drink is Kemker / pomonata?
Hop BroYeah, it's like a cider-based piquette made from apples. It combines twice-pressed apples with quince and fermented blackcurrant leaves, and what's interesting is how it brings out aromas like apple skin, brioche, and lemon.
MugiBrioche too!? At that point I can't tell whether it's fruit or bread! But the density of aromas is so intense that it makes me want to try it a little.
Hop BroThe taps are strong too. With the range of 8 taps, they line up everything from Garage and Trap Door IPAs to Bellwoods' grisette and Sapporo's Edel Pils, so you can choose from a light first pour to a more adventurous second one.
MugiWhat is that, it sounds fun just thinking about the order! So first a light glass, then a characterful tap beer, right? It feels like a two-beer plan for after work!
Hop BroExactly. On the second floor in Chitose-Karasuyama, being able to enjoy food and draft beer together is what makes Novel Craft feel like Novel Craft.
MugiAlright, the plan is set! I'm in the mood and hungry enough that I want to meet up at 5 p.m. and go straight into beer mode!
