The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen

Meals to Remember at the Chibineko Kitchen #1

by Yuta Takahashi, Cat Anderson (Translator)

Your table awaits at the Chibineko Kitchen, where a soul-nourishing meal in the company of the resident kitten will transport you back in time to reunite with departed loved ones—for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Midnight Library.

In a remote seaside town outside of Tokyo, Kotoko makes her way along a seashell path, lured by whispers of an enigmatic restaurant whose kagezen, or traditional meals offered in remembrance of loved ones, promise a reunion with the departed. When a gust of wind lifts off her hat, she sees running after it a young man who looks like her recently deceased brother. But it’s not her brother; it’s Kai, the restaurant’s young chef, who returns her hat and brings her to the tiny establishment, where he introduces her to Chibi, the resident kitten, and serves her steaming bowls of simmered fish, rice, and miso soup—the exact meal her brother used to cook for her. As she takes her first delicious bite, the gulls outside fall silent, the air grows hazy, and Kotoko begins a magical journey of last chances and new beginnings.

Genres: Fiction, Japan, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Japanese Literature, Cozy, Cats

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2020

About the author

Yuta Takahashi is the award-winning author of the eight-book series Meals to Remember at the Chibineko Kitchen as well as several other popular series spanning historical and contemporary fiction. He was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and now lives in Tokyo.

Reviews

[Alwynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yuta Takahashi’s novel’s set in a small seaside town in Chiba Prefecture, an area she’s known since childhood. It centres on a small restaurant called The Chibeneko Kitchen after the owners’ succession of tiny cats (chibeneko). The slender plot revolves around the tentative but growing bond between Kai Fuchuki – son of the restaurant’s founder – and Kotoko Niki. Kotoko Niki first visits the restaurant on a recommendation, not long after her brother’s sudden death. The restaurant specialises in remembrance meals a variation on the “kagezen” offerings traditionally set out to honour the dead or as a reminder of loved ones far away. But eating the restaurant’s food can do more than that, it can briefly conjure the dead for those who’re grieving. The dead person can only stay for the meal’s duration but it’s just enough time for a final farewell and to express what’s been left unsaid – from expressions of love to regret.

Kotoko Niki’s experience at The Chibeneko Kitchen helps her come to terms with her loss. Later, she recommends it to other mourners. Yuta Takahashi's portrait of the restaurant with its charming cat and thoughtful, regionally-inspired recipes is meticulously detailed, accompanied by descriptions of the area of Japan where it’s based: from once-thriving peanut farms to local landscapes and sea-birds. It's the first in a loose series, set in and around the restaurant, that’s been extremely popular in Japan and nearby countries like South Korea. Now it’s being introduced to a broad range of European audiences. Yuta Takahashi’s published two titles featuring the restaurant and its customers every year since 2020, her themes and soothing style seem to have struck a chord with post-pandemic readers - although the author doesn’t shy away from discussing starker aspects of death and dying. It’s a well-crafted piece, an unusual blend of bittersweet and whimsical. I think it’s more than likely to appeal to fans of novels like Before the Coffee Gets Cold or The Kamogawa Food Detectives books – although it’s much less episodic. Translated by Cat Anderson.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher John Murray for an ARC

Note: Published in America as The Curious Kitten at the Chibeneko Kitchen

[Repellent Boy · Rating 4 out of 5]

En un pueblito de la prefectura de Chiba se encuentra un curioso restaurante que no es como cualquier otro. Este tiene por nombre Chibineko o gato pequeño, porque en él, junto a los dueños del local, habita un gatito. Pero lo que realmente hace especial a este lugar es que en el cocinan la comida de los recuerdos, y se dice que quien acude al restaurante y la come, durante el tiempo que tarda en enfriarse la comida, puede volver a ver a un ser querido fallecido. ¿Quién no desearía ser capaz de hablar con esa persona que ya no está y poder decirle todo lo que no pudo mientras vivía?

"La comida de los recuerdos" sigue la vida de diferentes personajes a los que les une la pérdida de alguien cercano a quien querían y la sensación de que en vida no les dijeron todo lo que sentían. Ya sea por echarlos de menos, por la culpa o por amor, las personas acuden al restaurante Chibineko buscando una salida a su sufrimiento, tratando de encontrar el consuelo que les ayude a seguir adelante. Pocas cosas hay más universales que el duelo, con lo cual se me hace imposible no empatizar con los sentimientos de estas personas.

Es una gozada ver el buen momento que vive la literatura japonesa a nivel mundial, y gracias a esto llegan a mis manos historias como "La comida de los recuerdos", la cual tiene una vibra muy similar a tantísimas películas japonesas que he visto a lo largo de mi vida desde muy pequeñito, de esas que te hacen sentir bien, en las que detrás de cada momento aguarda una enseñanza, un aprendizaje. Me ha recordado a todas esas pelis que para mí fueron refugio. Sencillas, bonitas y llenas de luz. Es ese tipo de libros que parece que se han hecho para mí.

He sentido que pese a que "La comida de los recuerdos" nos habla del duelo y de como superar la muerte, es un canto a la vida, a aprovecharla mientras la tengamos, a no dejar de hacer lo que nos hace felices por lo que digan otras personas, pues al final, tú último día puede ser dentro de mucho o mañana mismo. Realmente es una historia llena de luz y ternura, y también es muy lacrimógena, eso o yo estaba especialmente sensible, porque la realidad es que me he emocionado y llorado en varias ocasiones.

He disfrutado mucho imaginándome ese pequeño pueblito costero, cálido y pintoresco, en el que no suele pasar mucho, pero donde se respira paz. Es una historia sencilla y directa, típicamente japonesa, de esas que me gusta decir que son como dar un paseo por un lugar que te resulta cercano, cómodo y conocido. Es muy agradable acercarse a historias como las que nos ofrece Yuta Takahashi, porque uno se reconcilia un poco con la humanidad, sobre todo sí es como yo, que ya casi he perdido la fe. Es tan bonita, que al acabarla te deja ese regusto agradable, y necesitas saber más de sus personajes. Tengo muchas ganas de reencontrarme con Chibi, Kotoko y Kai, así que menos mal que es la primera entrega de una saga. Ojalá consigamos las otras español también. Sí queréis una historia bonita, sencilla, con un buen mensaje y que se devora, "La comida de los recuerdos" es la lectura ideal.

[Julian Worker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story about the Chibineko restaurant and its resident kitten where kagezan meals, or remembrance meals, are served that allow the requestor to meet a particular person for a few minutes for the last time, until the meal cools down.

This is a very similar idea to the books in the Before The Coffee Gets Cold series.

Kotoko, a young girl, has a final meeting with her brother who saved her life when pushing her out of the way of a speeding car, but was himself killed. A schoolboy meets a schoolgirl whom he insulted the last time he met her, but she died before he had a chance to apologise.

The cook at the restaurant dies and her son decides to close the restaurant, however Kotoko cooks him a kagezan meal and the kitten does some very effective miaowing...

This book is both funny and also very sad, and is recommended. Get your tissues ready.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story that blends mouthwatering foods, cats, loss, and life. I particularly appreciated how food was used as a way to remember loved ones. It’s true—food has a unique ability to transport us back to past times and memories. While the story felt a bit repetitive at times, it was ultimately a feel-good, short read.

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who are familiar with Japanese literature would know what to expect from The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen, which is filled with short stories that connect to one another.

The Chibineko Kitchen is a small restaurant that offers remembrance meals, or kagezen, which is a meal that is offered for the deceased. In this book, the restaurant has some sort of magic which actually allows the customer to reunite with the deceased who they are offering the meal for, and have one last conversation. As a bonus, the restaurant has a cat!

As someone who loves this genre, I would say this is not my favourite. It is filled with touching, heartfelt stories, but recently there have been so many good books released with similar concepts, such as The Restaurant of Lost Recipes and The Lantern of Lost Memories.

If you're a fan of Japanese literature, I would recommend this book. However, if you are not familiar with it, this should not be the first book you read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Стефани Витанова · Rating 3 out of 5]

Романът ми хареса. Идеята за храната като утеха, като средство да връщане на спомени, е страхотна. Със сигурност има доста близки моменти с ,,Преди кафето да изстине” (което за мен не е проблем, напротив - плюс е). Ресторантче, в което сервират възпоменателна храна, и в което можеш да чуеш гласа, и при повече късмет да видиш, и да поговориш с починал човек, когото обичаш.

Времето, с което разполагаш, е докато храната изстине (да, предупредих ви, че много напомня романа на Кавагучи). Историите на главните персонажи бяха затрогващи и ги четях с интерес. Не случайно останах до след полунощ, за да си завърша книгата. Няма история, която да не докосна сърцето ми и която да не запомня. Даже пророних няколко сълзи.

Това, което отчитам като минус, са излишно дългите (по мое мнение) описания на храната и рецептите след всяка глава. Имаше не едно и две повторения (отново по примера на Кавагучи и Такахаши преповтаряше едно и също при разказа на отделните истории).

Още по-големият минус за мен се явява оформлението на книжното тяло. Ако го видя в книжарница и нямам безумен афинитет към японски автори, ще го подмина. Според мен това не е подходящ формат за художествен роман. Корицата не е моята със сигурност, но това, разбира се, е напълно субективно. Форматът е това, което ужасно ме фрустрира, защото: 1.) не виждам логика да е такъв (освен излишно оригиналничене); 2.) прави прочита труден. Страниците трябва да се натискат допълнително, за да се чете, а това съсипва книжното тяло (плюс - пръстите започват да болят).

Затова от мен голямо НЕ за книжното тяло в този му формат. Историята обаче си заслужава със сигурност.

[Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardest thing in life is probably parting. It's so easy to grasp the concept of all mortals must die in the end, but when you are the one being left behind, it makes the whole acceptance thing almost impossible. So what if a remembrance meal gives you an opportunity to talk with a deceased one more time?
I am familiar with a remembrance meal, it has been a family tradition of mine for a long time. Giving it a hopeful tone into the story makes even more intriguing and I end up loving it more once I get through the second half of the book. I can't wait to read more work of the author.

Thank you John Murray Press for the ARC!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartwarming book about love, grief, and food.
When Kotokos' brother dies tragically she blames herself. The guilt is overwhelming. Then someone tells her about the Chibineko Kitchen, a little mysterious restaurant where they serve kagezen, which is an offering of food or a remembrance meal. The rumor is when you eat there you can see and maybe even talk to your passed loved one. Kotoko is sceptical of course, but the need to ask her brother for forgiveness is stronger.
Each chapter tells a different story, but they`re all connected. Every chapter ends with a recipe.

This is another food-comforting book available on the market (such as The Restaurant of Lost Recipes). These little stories may not be for everyone, but they definitely can serve a therapeutic purpose.

[Oleh Bilinkevych · Rating 3 out of 5]

На узбережжі за межами Токіо знаходиться ресторанчик, де подають особливу поминальну страву. Магія цих страв дозволяє родичам чи друзям провести останню розмову з померлим близьким. Ця розмова триватиме лише до тих пір, поки їжа тепла, оскільки мертві можуть споживати їжу лише через пару.
Хоч текст пронизаний скорботою через втрату рідних серцю людей, це було досить приємним читання. Наче нічого особливого, але книга досить міцно тебе затягує на певний час.

[Mai H.]

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books

[Krutika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been four months since my brother passed away. And the one thing I long for is to be able to speak to him one last time. To ask him some questions and to tell him how much I've always loved him. This ache that I have been carrying with me for months never subsides. It flares up when I least expect it and I struggle to get on with my day. It is during this time that The Chibineko Kitchen fell into my lap. I knew I'd fall in love with The Chibineko Kitchen from the very second page. This heartwarming book holds together stories of loss and closure of a bunch of people, all of them healing over bowls of their favourite remembrance meals.

There's a quaint and small restaurant in a seaside town in Chiba prefecture that serves remembrance meals where rumour has it that one can speak to their loved ones who have passed away. Chibineko, which means a little cat is run by Nanami and her son Kai, along with a calico kitten who adds an extra charm to the restaurant. We follow the lives of four people, each mourning the loss of their dear ones, finding their way to this kitchen seeking solace. But it is the very first story that stayed with me the most. When Kotoko loses her brother in an accident, she doesn't seem capable of overcoming this loss. Her inner dilemma and a sense of defeat seemed familiar to that of mine. I saw myself in her and perhaps that is why I could connect with this book on a personal level.

Written in a rather simple tone, this book had me tear up more than once but also gave a certain amount of calmness by the end of it. If you're looking for a sweet pick-me-up, this one's for you.

Thank you for sending me the review copy @hachette_india 🤍🐈

[inês · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Thank you, Netgalley and Viking Penguin, for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is perfect for readers who liked (and miss) Before the Coffee Gets Cold, but with its own twist. There is no time travelling exactly, but the intertwined themes of regret and grief are handled in a similar episodic way.

The premise is simple enough. The magic of the remembrance meals for the dead allows grieving family members or friends to have a final conversation with someone who has passed. This conversation will only last as long as the meal is warm, since the dead can only consume meals through the steam/smell of each dish. I thought this was very smart and made sense of the whole ritual too.

Personally, the last meal/conversation was the most emotional for me, and I actually could feel the threat of tears. I think what I liked a lot in Before the Coffee Gets Cold was how the cafe has a ton of lore and even personality with a found family element that made it all the cozier. This one has less of that, but does have a cute little cat!

Overall, this was a fast-paced but impactful read, so I would definitely recommend it. I just wish there had been more depth to the story at times.

[City ReadersMag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abiniz öldü! Hem de dikkatsizliğiniz yüzünden size çarpmak üzere olan bir aracın önüne sizi kurtarmak için kendisini atarak!

Hissedeceğiniz acıyı ve vicdan azabını düşünsenize. Eminim ki düşündüğümüzün kat be kat fazlasını yaşardık. Peki, böyle bir durumda abinizle son bir kez daha, bir yemeğin sıcaklığı ve üzerindeki buharı geçene kadar konuşabileceğinizi söyleseler ne derdiniz?

Bu girişten sonra neden sahilde okunmasını önerdiğimi sorgularsınız sanırım. Chibineko Mutfağı; trajik ölümlerden yola çıksa da yaşam amacını bulma, hayatı sevme, güzel yaşama ve iyi insan olmakla ilgili bir hatırlatma niteliğinde. Sahip olduklarımız ve sevdiklerimizi kaybedip pişmanlık duymadan önce farkına varmak ve şükretmek için bir nefeslik bir mola.

Tokyo’dan trenle ulaşımı olan küçük bir sahil kasabasında bulunan ve yalnızca sabah saatlerinde “anı yemeği” servis eden Chibineko-tei, acıları güzel anılara dönüştüren bir restoran. Edebi açıdan çok doyurucu bir anlatımı olmasa da mekanın sahibiyle restoranın kedisi Minik’in sıcak ve kırılgan varlığı, bölüm sonlarında verilen yemek tarifleri ve kurulan dünyanın naifliği oldukça keyifli bir okuma sağlayacaktır.

Bir yandan denizi izlerken ya da çocuklarla kumdan kale yaparken @storytel.tr den de dinleme seçeneğiniz mevcut.

https://www.instagram.com/cityreaders...

[Sarah (sarahanneisreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

This story is divided into four parts and each part features a main recipe. In this story, we read about the restaurant called The Chibineko Kitchen that is located in a seaside town outside of Tokyo, Japan. The Chibineko Kitchen is known for offering remembrance meals. Overall, it was a good read and learned about the mourning rituals in the Japanese culture. Would definitely love to continue the series.

Thank you to Penguin Group Viking Penguin for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Cami L. González · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tengo algo con la literatura japonesa de este estilo, por algún motivo me cuesta entrar en sus relatos. Me siento siempre ajena y no sé si será una cosa de la traducción o si de verdad es la prosa, pero hay algo sencillo que no logra encajar conmigo.

La comida de los recuerdos es una serie de cuatro relatos en los que el autor conectó la comida con el poder de los recuerdos. Todo esto por medio de un local que prepara la comida perfecta que la persona necesita y que, quizá, le permitirá ver a quién perdió y con quien tan desesperadamente desea tener una última conversación.

El libro tuvo cuatro relatos que si bien fueron “independientes”, todos estaban conectados y claramente fueron escritos para ser leídos en orden. Partió con la historia de Kotoko que meses atrás perdió a su hermano mayor que era la persona que la inspiraba, y así, gracias a un colega del hermano, hará el viaje Uchibo, un pueblito costero que tiene el restaurant Chibineko, famoso por vender la comida de los recuerdos. Al mismo tiempo fue presentando su historia y todo lo que su hermano significó para ella, junto con lo que necesitaba para aprender a salir adeltante sin él.

“Aunque alguien desaparezca, la vida sigue. El tiempo no se detiene”.

El segundo relato, fue la historia del primer amor de Taiji y la culpa que sentía por todo lo que nunca pudo ser. Este fue el relato que más se alejó de la “historia principal”, pero fue uno bastante emotivo pues traía la inocencia y los arrepentimientos del pensar ¿qué pudo pasar? En el tercer relato, volvió a ver a Kotoko y a Kai, el chico que atendía el restaurant, para conocer la historia de un vecino del pueblito de Uchibo.

Finalmente, en el cuarto relato presentó más de la vida de Kai y la historia de sus padres que dio origen al Chibineko y la misma comida de los recuerdos. Como dije, si bien eran relatos que podían leerse de forma independiente, sí que presentó una historia general que con este relato concluyó. Todos los cuentos fueron bastante emotivos, porque tocaron temas de personas que habían perdido a un ser querido y no les estaba siendo sencillo seguir adelante con sus vidas. Además, la idea de poder tener esa última conversación resultó muy bonita.

“El paso del tiempo es cruel y lo convierte todo en pasado; pero también hay heridas que solo se curan con el tiempo”.

Sin embargo, tengo que admitir que algo de la prosa se sintió como vacío, como una descripción sencilla de lo que los personajes hacían y sentían tipo "Kotoko estaba triste así que se puso a llorar". Era bastante directo y no daba el tiempo suficiente para empatizar con los personajes y sus situaciones, pues todo avanzaba rápido. Aunque sí que me gustó mucho el cómo describió que la comida formaba parte importante de los recuerdos y puede significar un momento de conexión entre dos personas, la representación de esto nos pareció muy bella.

La comida de los recuerdos es una recopilación de cuatro relatos en los que sus protagonistas hacen un viaje por la posibilidad de un último encuentro con sus seres queridos. Historias emotivas de cómo la comida nos conecta con nuestros recuerdos y las personas que están (o ya no) en nuestras vidas.

[mana · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.75/5

🍜 synopsis: in a quiet seaside town in chiba prefecture lies a unique restaurant called chibineko kitchen🐱, where customers can experience something extraordinary: a meal that briefly reunites them with a departed loved one. for the duration of the dining experience, the deceased reappears, offering a final chance to share words left unsaid, from love and gratitude to regrets and last farewells💭
told across four interconnected chapters, the story follows kotoko niki and kai fuchuki (the son of the restaurant’s founder) as they witness the profound encounters of grieving visitors. through their stories, the book explores how loss doesn’t erase memory and how closure can begin with remembrance.

🍜 thoughts: this was a short yet deeply moving read —powerful in its simplicity and emotional depth. it beautifully captures the struggle of grieving what’s gone forever, while gently urging us to cherish lessons, not just losses🖤. the core message: healing comes from honouring those we’ve loved, even when they’re no longer here. most importantly, it reminds us to speak our hearts now, because regret often lingers in the silence we leave behind. a heartwarming story about love, grief and the courage to let go.

a beautiful healing fiction, that reminded me of the series: "before the coffee gets cold" and "the lantern of lost memories"

[Verelien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik vind het een mooi en ontroerend boek. Ik heb een aantal keren tranen in mijn ogen gekregen ervan en het gaf me ook een warm hart.

In het boek lees je hoe verschillende personen omgaan met rouw en de lasten die ze bij zich dragen met betrekking tot de overleden persoon. Je ziet de last van hun schouders vallen als ze dit met hun overleden dierbare besproken hebben.

Het boek laat ook zien dat eten een belangrijke rol speelt in het leven, zeker als je dit deelt met je dierbaren. Het eten en ruiken van bepaalde gerechten kunnen herinneringen triggeren.

En katten.. ;)

[Lucia Nieto Navarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novela ambientada en Chiba una ciudad costera cerca de Tokio, sobretodo se desarrolla en un restaurante llamado “Chibineko” en el que se realizan las comidas de los recuerdos “Kagazen” para tener “contacto” con un ser querido.
El autor cuenta varias historias que parecen independientes a priori pero que se unen al final, es uno de esos libros que tienes que leer con la mente abierta, nos hablará sobretodo de aquellas comidas y recuerdos que nos recuerdan a alguien, es una historia dentro del genero “Feel good”, una de esas que te hacen reflexionar y pensar.
Son historias conmovedoras que si o si van a recordarte a alguien, nos enseña los diferentes procesos de duelo, un proceso que cada uno lleva de forma diferente y aunque es una historia de duelo también te hace reflexionar como aprovechar la vida y el tiempo que tenemos y sobretodo con quien lo tenemos.
Es una novela sencilla, muy ágil de leer en la que el autor también deja muchos simbolismos típicos de la literatura japonesa como es el gato, “el guardián del más allá”, los elementos gastronómicos típicas…
¿Estarías preparado para pasar dos minutos con una persona a la que perdiste?

[El desván del lector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hay ciertos olores o sabores que nos traen toda clase de recuerdos. La sopa de la abuela, los postres de mamá o las hamburguesas caseras de papá. Todos esos platos no solo nos recuerdan momentos puntuales en el tiempo que evocan la nostalgia, si no también a las personas asociadas a dicho recuerdo. ¿Quién no se ha emocionado alguna vez al probar un plato que le recuerda a esa persona especial que lo preparaba o lo comía?

Algo similar nos encontramos en “La comida de los recuerdos”, un libro en el que el duelo y la comida están muy relacionados. En un pequeño pueblo costero de la prefectura de Chiba se encuentra el restaurante Chibineko, del que se dice que su comida puede conseguir un milagro: escuchar la voz de un ser querido que haya fallecido e incluso poder reencontrarte con él una vez más.

Con esta premisa arranca una historia con una gran carga emocional, en donde la tristeza y la alegría juegan un papel importante en la vida de los distintos personajes que acaban yendo, de una forma u otra, al restaurante Chibineko y prueban su comida de los recuerdos.

La trama funciona como un compendio de historias individuales entrelazadas entre sí que sigue a distintos personajes afligidos por la pérdida y que buscan respuesta y consuelo a sus situaciones personales. Los personajes son carismáticos y enternecedores, bien construidos y con los que se consigue empatizar prácticamente de manera natural.

La prosa del autor es sencilla a la par que bonita, lo que ofrece una lectura muy ágil dejando el peso importante en la carga emocional que la historia genera.

Estamos ante una historia que busca tocar la fibra sensible del lector a la par que hacernos reflexionar sobre nuestros actos para con los demás, además de ofrecer un punto de vista interesante sobre el duelo y como los seres humanos reaccionamos ante la pérdida de un ser querido y sus consecuencias a nivel personal y social. Una lectura conmovedora y cálida que se disfruta de principio a fin.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been loving the current "healing fiction" trend in translated novels, and this is one of my favourites I've read so far. I wouldn't describe it as cosy, because grief and loss are the main themes, but it does feel healing in the way it deals with those themes. This was a quick, but very touching read, that I think will stay with me.

[Come Musica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non è il primo libro che leggo sul potere della cucina che evoca ricordi lontani nel tempo, come “Le piccole storie della locanda Kamogawa” e “Le ricette perdute del ristorante Kamogawa” di Hisashi Kashiwai.

“Si diceva che la locanda Da Chibi fosse il luogo in cui i ricordi di una persona cara tornavano vividi alla memoria. Aveva la fama di essere un ristorante in cui il pasto del ricordo permetteva di sentire le voci dei morti e, a volte, persino di vederli.”

Ogni capitolo si conclude con una ricetta tratta Dal ricettario della locanda Da Chibi:
- Namerō don - Coppa di riso con pesce crudo in sashimi
- Tamago sando – Tramezzino con frittata preparata al microonde
- Umebishio, confettura di umeboshi
- Sukiyaki don

Ne “La locanda dei gatti e dei ricordi”, Yuta Takahashi usa il pasto del ricordo per far riconciliare le persone con i propri defunti, attraverso il cibo.
E ogni riconciliazione comporta l’andare e il lasciare andare, con la consapevolezza che l’altro sarà dentro di noi per sempre

“Stava per iniziare una nuova fase della sua vita. Sarebbe arrivato presto un giorno nuovo, diverso dal precedente.”

[Iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Да, да, да! Обичам си точно този тип японска литература и то много! Да ти е леко и спокойно на душата!

Идеята тук е, че има ресторантче, което сервира възпоменателна храна и докато се вдига пара от нея, можеш да поговориш с човека, който си е отишъл от този свят.
Може би първата асоциация е с "Преди кафето да изстине", но за моя радост, няма нищо общо с него.

Четирите истории са разказани изключително деликатно и нежно и се преплитат една в друга. А има и котка...❤️🐈‍⬛

[Marloes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook 2x: a lot of books promise to be for fans of Before the coffee gets cold, but this one delivers. I will be listening to the series. The recipes are more simple and not as complex as (Kamagawa Food Detectives).

[Jeannie Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel translated from its native language can sometimes read stiff or, well, as if it's been interpreted. Not so The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen. There is a simplicity in the voice that asks the reader to be present, to experience each character's emotions, and to cherish their remembrance meals with them.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another of those Japanese novels that gives us a series of interconnected stories about people suffering some kind of kids that find healing in something; drinking coffee before it gets cold, tasting a fish of food just like ? used to make it, or in this case talking to a loved one's who has been summoned back by the smell of the steam from a favourite food.

I do rather enjoy these 'healing stories', and I like the episodic nature of them; not quite short stories, but books you can dip in and out of, but I have to admit the concept is getting a little tired. That said, I liked this one more than most, though I couldn't really say why, perhaps the stories were a little less formulaic than most. I would be interested in reading in this series, but I think I need to space them out a bit more.

*Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

[Dxdnelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Chibineko Kitchen is a heartwarming, cozy book that blends the elements of magical realism and heartfelt story, wrapped in a unique and comforting setting. The story revolves around a mysterious kitchen run by a guy named Kai, accompanied by a cute cat named Chibi. The restaurant offers a remembrance meal, typically served during funerals. However, the unique aspect of this meal is that it provides people with the opportunity to say their last words to their loved ones while the food is still steaming hot. There's an undeniable charm in the setting, one that offers a sense of quiet familiarity and warmth, which reminds me a lot of Before Coffee Gets Cold and The Kamogawa Food Detectives book. If these two stories were to get married and have a child, The Chibineko Kitchen would certainly be the result—with similar rules, a cozy atmosphere, and comforting food taking center stage.

The story is unique and evokes a certain peaceful nostalgia, offering a gentle reflection on time, loss, and relationships. There’s an undeniable sense of coziness throughout the pages, and the descriptions of food add an extra layer of comfort that readers can savor. However, while the book excels in creating a tranquil, heartfelt atmosphere, it falls short in terms of emotional depth. The character's personal stories are poignant and at times deeply sad, but the exploration of their relationships feels somewhat surface-level.

Despite the sadness that is woven through the narrative, I found myself wishing for more exploration into the connections between the characters. It would have been meaningful to dive deeper into their emotional struggles, that can make me become more emotionally invested in their journeys. That being said, the last story in the collection does provide the emotional depth I was hoping for, and it left a lasting impression on me.

Overall, The Chibineko Kitchen is a comforting read, perfect for those who enjoy heartwarming stories. The story is not only highlighting the importance of cherishing the time we have with those around us. It also reminds us that life is fragile, and we often don’t realize how little time we may have with our loved ones until it’s too late. The idea of having the opportunity to say goodbye, to express regret and love, is a powerful one that resonates deeply with all of us. Giving this 3.8 ⭐️ Thank you Pansing @definitelybooks for this lovely review copy.

[Nilo0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
ادبیات ژاپن برای من دو دسته‌ان. یا زیاد درکشون نمی‌کنم یا به‌شدت ملموسن و احساساتم رو درگیر می‌کنن. این کتاب در دسته دوم بود و من رو یاد کتاب پیش از آنکه قهوه‌ات سرد شود انداحت. چون مثل اون درباره سوگ و از دست دادن بود و ژاپنی‌ها توی این موضوع واقعا عالی می‌نویسن.
زنی که همسرش در دریا ناپدید شده و هیچ‌وقت مرگش رو باور نکرده، در رستوران به یاد همسرش برای همه کسانی که به رستورانش می‌آن و در سوگ عزیری هستن غذای یادبود می‌پزه.
به گواه افرادی که غذای یادبود عزیزانشون رو خوردن،در رستوران تا زمانی که بخار غذا سرد نشده، با عزیزان ازدست‌رفته‌شون روبه‌رو شدن و این روبه‌رو شدن داستان 4 نفره که در 4 بخش کتاب اومده و به زیباترین شکل ممکن حسرت‌ها و نگفته‌هایی که باید ی مونده بین افراد و عزیز از‌دست‌رفته‌شون گفته می‌شه.

از اونجایی‌که این مجموعه ادامه داره، امیدوارم بقیه هم ترجمه شه. به‌شدت مشتاقم این دیدارها و داستان‌های افراد رو بخونم.

[Siqahiqa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbyes are undoubtedly one of the hardest parts of life, especially when you’re the one left behind. It’s easy to understand that everyone has to face the end someday, but being the one left to grieve makes acceptance feel almost impossible. Sometimes, you just wish for one more moment to talk to your loved ones who have passed—even if it’s only for a few precious minutes.

That’s what makes The Chibineko Kitchen such a beautiful and comforting read. This cozy story is about a unique restaurant that serves remembrance meals, or kagazen. While it offers regular dishes, the restaurant has a magical twist—its warm, fragrant steam can bring back the spirits of loved ones, giving grieving customers a chance to say all the things they couldn’t before.

I loved this heartwarming book that explores themes of loss, grief and love. The story is divided into four chapters, each focusing on different characters as they navigate their grief. I especially enjoyed how all their lives were intertwined and found it fascinating to see the different ways they sought comfort. The characters are so relatable, particularly Kotoko and Kai, the two main characters. I’d love to read more about their journeys and can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in the next book of the series. And let’s not forget Chibi, the adorable cat who plays such an important (and irresistibly cute) role in the story!

While the chapters do follow a bit of a formula, I didn’t mind at all. The stories were so engaging, and I was eagerly anticipating each character’s final, heartfelt encounter with their loved ones. I was deeply moved by their grief and the way they found healing, and the inclusion of food and recipes added such a warm, comforting layer to the story—it was done beautifully!

Overall, this is a soul-soothing, quick read that’s sure to leave you feeling cozy and uplifted. If you’re a fan of healing Japanese literature, I highly recommend this book!