Sure, we all know that soba (buckwheat noodles) is very tasty. But Hajime really wants everyone to enjoy some soba this week. Why? Well, it is a Japanese custom to do so. Since ancient times, there have been many reasons as to why we cannot finish up the old year without first eating soba:
• Soba is considered to be a bringer of good luck and family fortune. Because soba noodles are so long, they are also thought to bring longevity.
• Since soba is easy to bite, it is believed to sever any carryover of hardship that may have happened over the course of the past year.
• Soba has also been known to collect fortunes. During the Edo period, a craftsman used balls made of kneaded buckwheat to collect splattered gold and silver pieces in the working area. He then burned the balls over a hibachi and caught the residual precious metal pieces.
For many of us, 2010 has been a difficult year. In the spirit of moving forward in a positive way, Hajime would like to encourage as much luck as possible! That’s why everyone is invited to enjoy a complimentary serving of soba at Mashiko from December 26th through the 30th. Even if hardships have kept you from dining with us recently, please stop in for a few minutes to chat and enjoy a quick bite of soba. Nothing would make for a better send-off to 2010 than to connect with friends and wish them the best for 2011!
