Celebrating Kid-Centric French Cuisine at Aniversaire Yokohama

A Family-Centric French Culinary Experience

On May 5th, Aniversaire Minato Mirai Yokohama hosted an engaging event called 'First French 2026,' dedicated to children aged 4 to 9. This annual event, part of the company's ongoing focus on ESG initiatives, witnessed participation from 20 families, totaling 69 attendees, and aimed to create lasting memories through delicious French cuisine.

Immersive Culinary Learnings

The kids enjoyed a sophisticated French dining experience, learning about table manners and enjoying special content themed around 'Antarctica'. A highlight was a special talk from chef Taka Taga, who had recently returned from serving as a food preparation crew member for the Antarctic observation team. He brought along actual ice from Antarctica, offering children a rare chance to feel the ice and hear the sounds of ancient air releasing from it—an experience that piqued their curiosity and fascination.

Dressed in original chef hats, the young attendees transformed into kid-chefs, learning the proper ways to utilize utensils and napkins during a meal freshly prepared before their eyes. The event included live cooking demonstrations by professional chefs and pastry chefs, allowing the children to experience the aroma, sounds, and visual spectacle of cooking. They had hands-on opportunities to sauce meat dishes, serve meals, and even decorate cakes as per family requests, immersing themselves in a holistic food education approach that advocates healthy eating and awareness of culinary professions.

Building Unique Family Memories

Parents filled out feedback forms, expressing immense satisfaction with the event. One attendee remarked, "Every visit to a restaurant or celebration makes me nostalgic about the wonderful service and delicious meals we had during this experience."

Children were given opportunities to request future menu items, and by the end of the event, they received certificates designating them as 'French Masters'—a tangible recognition of their efforts and creativity during the day.

Engaging Activities and Experiences

The event was packed with several interactive activities, such as:
1. Ingredient and Cooking Quizzes: Families challenged each other while learning about ingredients and cooking tools.
2. Original Drink Creation: Children mixed their favorite syrups and juices to create their uniquely decorated drinks.
3. French Course Experience: Families enjoyed their first full French meal together, utilizing appropriate glassware and utensils, ensuring a rich culinary experience for all.
4. Live Demonstrations: Open kitchen setups allowed chefs to perform right before the eager eyes of the participants, making cooking an exciting spectacle.
5. Chef Experiences: Kids donned chef coats, garnishing freshly prepared meat dishes with sauce, engaging them in the final touches of the meal.
6. Pastry Chef Experiences: Children decorated cakes and ice creams to fulfill family wishes, adding a sweet touch to the event.
7. Recognition with Certificates: By the end of the event, children were awarded certificates as a sign of their culinary achievements.

Feedback from participants highlighted appreciation for the skills learned, such as proper knife and fork use, leaving parents proud of their children’s growth. One parent noted, "I have taught my child how to use tableware, but seeing their improved skills is truly a rewarding experience."

About Aniversaire

Aniversaire, meaning 'anniversary' in French, operates under the philosophy that 'happiness becomes an anniversary when celebrated.' The company specializes in turning precious moments into unforgettable celebrations, with venues established across Japan, notably in Omotesando and Minato Mirai Yokohama—one of the largest wedding venues in the country. From weddings to anniversaries and celebrations, Aniversaire is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences through their services. You can find more about their venues on their website.