Learn to Go with the “Flow”
Published: February 26, 2018
Prior to entering flow wine and diner, I was trying to predict what this little restaurant might have to offer, especially in conjunction with its name. Would it be a place where good conversations “flow”? Or perhaps it’s a local watering hole where the wine “flows” freely? After getting to know the establishment, it became quite clear that while both of the above are true, this is first and foremost a place that embraces “going with the flow”—a motto that perfectly encompasses both the restaurant and its owner, Mr. Matsumoto.
Walk west along Kiyosubashi-dori Avenue just past Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station, and flow will appear on the right hand side. The whitewashed front contains the store’s name and five icons representing, from right to left: wine, café, pasta, tapas and tajine—key items from flow’s menu.
The inside is cozy, with a single counter overlooking the kitchen area, and a warm vibe; evidence of personal touches and DIY are tucked into the corners.
There is also a second floor, which can be accessed from the stairs in the back. Feeling a bit of the same excitement I get when climbing up staircases to an attic room, I carefully made my way to the top…
Where a comfortable loft-like space, complete with tables and chairs for accommodating group guests, were found.
A chalkboard menu, a cushy couch, and an antique chandelier? The word “shabby chic” comes immediately to mind! I can imagine how comfortable it would be to lounge here some lazy evening, sipping wine with a few good friends.
“That’s kind of what this place is,” Mr. Matsumoto said, smiling, when I came back down and asked him about why he started the restaurant. “I didn’t really have a plan, but I knew I wanted my own business, so I quit my desk job to start one. I used to throw home parties for my friends; this feels like an extension of that.”
Although he didn’t have previous restaurant experience or a Five-Year Plan, Mr. Matsumoto nevertheless opened flow eight years ago with a solid drinks menu featuring wine, cocktails and various alcohol; as for food, he cooks and serves the same kind of dishes he used to make at his parties.
The menu then, is a mishmash of various cuisines: Italian pasta, Spanish ajillos and even the surprising Moroccan tajine (a dish made in a distinctive conical earthenware dome) can be tasted at flow, though the latter requires prior reservation. Mr. Matsumoto quickly heated up a slice of Spanish omelette (Spanish tortilla) for my visit, pairing it with a refreshing glass of white wine.
“I handle the store by myself so the cooking’s pretty simple. It’s not really a restaurant, but you can get a decent tuck-in here.”
The tortilla was delicious, with layers of potato and egg, and rich enough that I asked whether there was bacon in it. “No,” Mr. Matsumoto laughed, “just potatoes.” Maybe it’s something about the simplicity of home-cooking that makes it taste so filling.
“The menu hasn’t changed in eight years,” Mr. Matsumoto said, showing me the handmade booklets. “A friend of mine—a designer—made this for me when she found out I was opening a store. Another friend of mine painted the sign out front. Another one brought his camera and took photos of the menu items for me. They’re still up on the wall.”
“Come to think of it, that’s how it’s been for a lot of things here,” Mr. Matsumoto reflected after a pause. “People come, they meet me, they meet each other; we start talking; and sometimes, if they end up liking the place, they’ll say “Hey, how about if we do this?” I guess, in a way, it’s everyone’s store, not just mine.” What started as something akin to a pet project gradually took shape, supported by old friends and generous locals, in a manner that truly seems serendipitous.
Mr. Matsumoto is as unconcerned for his lack of a Five-Year Plan today, as he was eight years ago. “Things work out,” he said good-naturedly, trusting that the right people will find their way to his restaurant, where fine food, alcohol, and friendly conversations await. However, one of his customers who works in marketing did once make him write down a proper business plan.
“For people who don’t quite want to go home,” read a portion of the marketing strategy. That sounds about right, I thought. Sometimes, instead of going home, it’s a lot more fun to go with the flow, and see where it takes you.
Story and Photos by Xianru Shen（Koto City Office Coordinator for International Relations）
