Long Life Bicycle Shop and Saigon Curry

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

I have mentioned in several previous posts the vintage bicycle shop in Komae, Tokyo, 長寿自転車商会　(CHOJU JITENSHA SHOKAI) which translates to Long Life Bicycle Shop.  And long life it is as the proprietor is 95 years young and continues to repair bicycles.  His wide range of knowledge and experience makes him a living encyclopedia when it comes to Japanese bicycles.


In today's world of chain stores, it is refreshing to visit a one-man establishment where the owner is the same person who repairs your bicycle.

The shop has been in business for so many decades that it is sort of a mini-museum.

I have been visiting the shop for nearly two decades and each time I never fail to learn something new.  
Conveniently located just a three-minute walk from the bicycle shop is SAIGON restaurant which I think serves the best curry in Japan.

I've always wondered what the secret ingredient is that makes the curry do delicious.
The other day when I visited the restaurant, I think I may have discovered the secret

There it was, handwritten and posted on the wall in the restaurant, but despite having eaten there for nearly two decades, I never noticed it.

Once I read it, I felt enlightened.
Loosely translated, it read, "Savor the time and effort you put into something as it builds character".
In today's world of instant-foods, I found this tidbit refreshing and came to understand that there is no short-cut to good quality and that's what sets their curry apart from the rest.