Coming Soon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

After years of searching for the perfect location to establish a casual eatery that draws from Far Eastern sensibilities, Joan Samson and Ed Hodson have found it.

 

The pair are investing their energies and decades of experience into the spot formerly occupied by Whidbey Doughnuts.

 

The name for the concept is Japonica. Imagine the comfort of a traditional diner, but with Asian, particularly Japanese influence –that’s the star Samson is steering by. “Rice is my love language”, says Joan with a wide smile.  “Growing up, our meals centered around a full rice cooker; even breakfast included a rice component.  As a professional chef, I attended Japanese culinary school but until recently, rice really wasn’t included on the menu.”

 

Joan continues, “We’ve actually been dreaming about this restaurant for almost twenty years, but we’ve never breathed life into it because the right space hadn’t materialized until now. I have journals filled with sketches, recipes, furniture, lighting, music, ideas…we’ve owned the website domain name for over ten years! And finally, “someday” has become “someday very soon.” We want folks to feel like they are coming over for some food-based nurturing at an Asian grandmother’s house.  You know the Danish word “hygge,” meaning cozy, shared conviviality and comfort? Well, we’re going for Asian hygge, like a cozy diner/ Japanese restaurant mashup. The food should be comforting, filling, accessible, wholesome, and delicious --and there will be rice, cooked food and vegetables, along with some of the signature sushi, poke and sashimi that we’ve become known for at Mommafish, our to-go spot in Langley.”

 

Japonica plans to be working with local farmers like Understory Mushrooms, Starry Bay Farms, Sweetwater Farms, Foxtail Farms and The Organic Farm School. Joan says, “we’re hoping to provide part time jobs for local moms and dads like us plus high school students who want to learn about food, specifically Japanese flavor profiles.”

 

Ed Hodson says “We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to partner with Goosefoot Foundation as our landlord. They’ve been unbelievably helpful and thoughtful and kind, and they’re generously sharing significant resources as they help support our vision for creating a space that draws and promotes community building! We’re humbled by the support we’re getting from Goosefoot—working with them is a dream come true.” Ed is a credentialed sommelier, and he’s looking forward to building a beverage program with some food friendly beer, wine, sake and mocktails not usually found on the island.

 

After all the renovations and upgrades, Japonica hopes to open by mid December 2024 as a full service eighty-seat restaurant.