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Allergy-Friendly Dining for Peace of Mind at scenes

Creating a Dining Experience at scenes Where Everyone Can Truly Enjoy Themselves

scenes is an Oceania-style cafe & wine restaurant located within niwa+, a multi-purpose complex in front of Kusatsu Station, Shiga. Under the theme of Wellness x Happiness, we offer a new culinary experience and space that nourishes both body and soul. While we aim to be a comfortable place for guests at any time of day, from morning to dinner, we believe it's essential that all our customers can enjoy their food with peace of mind.

For guests with food allergies, in particular, dining out can sometimes be a source of anxiety. At our restaurant, we are sincerely committed to addressing food allergies so that these customers can also fully experience Wellness and Happiness. If you are looking for a cafe, lunch spot, or a place to enjoy wine in front of Kusatsu Station, or if you wish to savor delicious coffee in Shiga but have concerns about allergies, we hope this article will be of some help. Here, we will share specific information about the considerations we make.

  • As a new spot in front of Kusatsu Station, we welcome a diverse range of customers.
  • Our theme of Wellness x Happiness is built on the foundation of food safety and security.
  • We sincerely hope that guests with allergies can also thoroughly enjoy their dining experience.

The Importance of Addressing Food Allergies: Responding to Our Customers' Needs

Food allergies are a challenge faced by many in modern society. The types and symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the estimated prevalence of food allergies in Japan is 5-10% in infants, 2-5% in school-aged children, and 1-2% in adults. These are not insignificant numbers, and we are deeply aware that some of our guests have food allergies.

The allergens are also diverse. In addition to the three major allergens—eggs, milk, and wheat—there are 28 specified raw materials, including buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, crab, and walnuts. As people dine out more frequently, accurate information and appropriate responses from establishments are essential for customers to choose their dishes and enjoy their meals with confidence.

We take comments like It was delicious, but I struggled to choose from the menu because I was worried about my allergies and I would feel more at ease with more detailed information very seriously. Our goal, as a member of the nadeshico Co., Ltd. group of restaurants, is to alleviate the concerns of each and every customer and to provide a comfortable time for everyone as a stylish cafe in front of Kusatsu Station.

  • The prevalence of food allergies in Japan is not insignificant, reaching 5-10% among infants.
  • Consideration for the 28 specified raw materials, in addition to eggs, milk, and wheat, is required.
  • Our mission is to address our customers' concerns and provide a dining experience they can trust.

Our Three Pillars of Assurance: Information Disclosure, Alternative Options, and Staff Training

At scenes, we have implemented initiatives based on the following three pillars to ensure that guests with food allergies can enjoy their meals to the fullest. These efforts are designed to assist customers looking for lunch, morning, or dinner in Kusatsu and to embody our Wellness x Happiness philosophy.

Commitment to Accurate Information Disclosure

To help customers choose their menu items with confidence, we strive to provide the most accurate allergy information possible. We are currently preparing to display information on our menu, focusing on the 28 specified raw materials to identify major allergens. We are also preparing comprehensive documents with detailed allergy information that may not be fully conveyed verbally, which you can review at any time upon request. Please feel free to ask our staff when you visit. This allows you to consider popular items like our specialty coffee and Eggs Benedict with peace of mind in Kusatsu.

Providing Flexible Alternatives

The challenge of allergy accommodation lies in its diversity. While it may be difficult to meet 100% of every customer's needs, we strive to offer flexible alternatives whenever possible. For example, for guests with a dairy allergy, we offer milk alternatives like soy milk or oat milk for coffee and lattes. You can even enjoy a flat white, made with specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso, with an alternative milk. Depending on the dish, we may also be able to remove certain ingredients or substitute them. Please consult with us when making a reservation or placing your order. We value the thoughtful consideration that contributes to our customers' wellness.

Expert Training and Awareness for All Staff

Allergy accommodation is not something that only a few staff members should know about. To provide peace of mind to all our guests, it is essential to raise the awareness and knowledge of the entire team. At our restaurant, all staff members undergo regular training on basic allergy knowledge, emergency response procedures, and proper communication when addressing customer inquiries. This ensures we can provide consistent, high-quality service regardless of who is assisting you. We also have English-speaking staff on hand to ensure that our international guests can dine with us comfortably, overcoming any language barriers. We invite you to relax and enjoy your time at scenes, where you can also experience an international atmosphere right in front of Kusatsu Station.

  • We disclose allergy information as detailed as possible through menu labeling and supplemental documents.
  • We offer milk alternatives (soy milk, oat milk, etc.) and can accommodate ingredient changes where possible.
  • All staff members receive specialized allergy training to ensure our guests can dine with peace of mind.

Enhancing the Allpress Espresso Experience with Allergen-Friendly Drink Options

One of the major attractions of scenes is that we use specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso, allowing you to enjoy their high-quality flavor here in Shiga. The flat white, known for its finely textured milk, is particularly popular among coffee lovers. However, for those with dairy allergies, milk-based drinks have often been an option they had to forgo.

To bring this wonderful coffee experience to more customers, we offer non-dairy milk alternatives. Specifically, we always have soy milk and oat milk available, allowing you to choose according to your preference. This means that even guests with a milk allergy can fully enjoy the rich flavor and smooth texture of an Allpress Espresso flat white.

These milk alternatives are also available for various other milk-based drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Furthermore, by choosing a drink set, you can enjoy delicious coffee with your meal at a great value (¥150 OFF with a drink set). If you're looking to enjoy high-quality coffee in front of Kusatsu Station or want a new coffee experience in Shiga, we invite you to try the drink menu at scenes.

  • We use specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso.
  • For flat whites and other milk-based drinks, you can request soy or oat milk as an alternative.
  • Our drink sets are a popular choice for enjoying delicious coffee with your meal at a discount.

Enjoy Any Occasion! Allergy Considerations from Morning to Dinner

scenes is a new destination that welcomes guests all day long, from morning to dinner, with menus tailored to each occasion. We strive to ensure that guests with food allergies can dine with us safely at any time of day.

A Gentle Start to Your Day with Our Morning Menu

Our morning menu, designed to enrich the start of your day, features a variety of ingredients in dishes like the nutritionally balanced scenes Big Brekkie. While items like Eggs Benedict are popular, these plates contain diverse ingredients such as bread, eggs, bacon, sausage, and vegetables. If you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, please consult our staff when booking or ordering. We will do our best to remove the ingredient or suggest a possible substitute. Start your day with a safe and reassuring breakfast in Kusatsu, Shiga.

Lunchtime: Enjoy a Safe and Stylish Lunch in Kusatsu

For lunch, we offer a menu of casual yet carefully crafted items like burgers and pasta, popular with those looking to enjoy a stylish lunch in Kusatsu. If you have any concerns about allergens in dressings, sauces, or bread, please don't hesitate to ask our staff. For instance, for guests with a wheat allergy, we may be able to provide information on rice flour-based substitutes or gluten-free options. Even during our busy lunch service, our priority is to ensure the safety of our customers.

Dinner & Wine: A Safe Dining Experience for a Special Evening

In the evening, we operate as a wine restaurant, offering an à la carte menu featuring seasonal ingredients and dishes perfect for wine pairing. It's an ideal setting for those who want to relax and enjoy wine in Kusatsu. While our cuisine emphasizes the natural flavors of the ingredients, allergens may be present in the seasonings and oils used during preparation. As we also feature signature dishes from our affiliated nadeshico Co., Ltd. restaurants, such as Nadeshico Gyoza-ro and Robata to Nihonshu Uomaru, we are committed to providing detailed information. If you inform us of your allergies when booking or ordering for dinner, we will propose possible accommodations based on the day's menu.

The charm of scenes also lies in our comfortable space, which includes a second-floor terrace, Wi-Fi, and counter seats equipped with power outlets. We believe these amenities are important elements that allow all our guests, including those with food allergies, to relax and enjoy their meal in a safe environment.

  • For our morning plates, we can discuss removing or substituting ingredients where possible.
  • At lunch, we provide allergen information for dressings and sauces and can consider alternative suggestions.
  • For dinner, we offer detailed allergen information for our seasonal à la carte menu, including seasonings.

What to Know Before You Visit: Steps for a Safe Experience

At scenes, we strive to provide a Wellness x Happiness dining experience for all our guests. For customers with food allergies, in particular, we ask that you follow a few confirmation steps before your visit to ensure a safer and more enjoyable time. We prioritize your safety and will do our best to accommodate you. When planning a visit to a cafe, or for lunch or dinner in Kusatsu, please refer to the steps below and feel free to contact us.

  1. Contact Us Before Your Reservation or Visit: The most reliable method is to contact us by phone (077-558-8778) or email (t.okura@lillyholdings.co.jp) a few days before your planned visit. Confirming cooking methods and arranging for alternative ingredients may take time.
  2. Provide Detailed Information About Your Allergies and Symptoms: Instead of just egg allergy, please provide specific details like raw eggs only or it's okay if cooked. Please also let us know the severity of your reaction, such as whether even trace amounts can cause a reaction.
  3. Confirm Again with Our Staff on the Day of Your Visit: When you arrive and are seated, please inform the staff member assisting you about your allergies again. This ensures a final check with the kitchen staff and leads to a more reliable response.
  4. Feel Free to Ask Questions When Choosing Your Menu: Although we use a QR code system for ordering on your smartphone, if you have any concerns, please speak to a staff member on the spot. We will be happy to explain the menu items and allergens in detail.
  5. If You Have Difficulty with QR Code Ordering, Please Let Us Know: For guests who have trouble with smartphone operations, such as those with presbyopia, our staff can take your order verbally. Please don't hesitate to ask.

Bringing 'Wellness x Happiness' to All Our Guests

Located in front of Kusatsu Station in Shiga, scenes is dedicated to providing a time that nourishes your body and soul under the concept of Wellness x Happiness. Our goal is to be a place where every customer can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, truly relax, and smile through our delicious coffee, wine, and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Our commitment to accommodating food allergies is an essential step in delivering this Wellness and Happiness to all our guests.

Whether it's morning, lunch, or dinner, our entire team will continue to improve our knowledge and awareness to ensure that all customers can enjoy their meals with confidence and to their heart's content. We warmly invite everyone looking for a pleasant space and delicious food in front of Kusatsu Station, especially those with concerns about allergies, to visit us. We look forward to welcoming you with warm hospitality that will make you feel I want to go there and I want to come back again. Our customers' peace of mind and smiles are the greatest joy for us at scenes.

  • Food safety and security are essential to realizing our Wellness x Happiness concept.
  • We spare no effort to ensure all our guests can enjoy their food with peace of mind.
  • We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to scenes as a place where you can dine safely in front of Kusatsu Station.

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