From San Diego to Seattle: A Warm "Connection" in a Little Shop

Before leaving San Diego for Seattle, I was at SOICHI, where So-san warmly told me, “You must visit Ichifuji in Linda Vista—say hello to Fujita-san for me. I’ll let him know you’re coming!” 😊 So I went. The cozy shop, with its warm lighting, instantly felt familiar. I even discovered that my old acquaintance Misako is there every Thursday—what a small, wonderful world! ✨ Ichifiji carries on the style of Tadokoro and SOICHI—a place where people enjoy drinks, casual chats, and generous servings, just like visiting a friend’s home. But it also has its own charm: Fujita-san’s hearty warmth holds a subtle delicacy, much like his precise yet gentle way of slicing fish. I heard he never formed a band because he “doesn’t know music,” which makes him feel even more grounded and genuine. 🍶 That day, I tasted delicious Spanish mackerel, tender and fresh like the ocean breeze. Meeting Fujita-san, who smiled as he recalled So-san’s greeting, made me feel a lovely sense of connection across cities. 🐟 A place becomes worth visiting not just for the food, but for the people and the continuity of kindness. Ichifuji is exactly that—a spot full of lively care and unpretentious sincerity. 💕 I enjoyed a wonderful meal, met someone I wanted to see, and found my way to a place I was meant to visit. Sometimes, the best parts of a journey lie in these simple, meaningful encounters. ✈️ #JapaneseCuisine #WarmEncounters #FoodAndTravel #HumanConnections #IchifujiMemories #TravelTales #GoodFoodGoodPeople