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This Thanksgiving, my family made the collective decision to skip the long hours in the kitchen, marking the beginning of a different kind of holiday experience—one not shaped by timers, roasting pans, or frantic last-minute grocery runs. Instead, we chose to join our Japanese friends, who invited us to enjoy the soft lighting and warm hospitality at Alouette, Rembrandt Hotel Ebina. It is a buffet-style restaurant that offers mouthwatering options for the entire family.
Inside, the day’s busy energy gave way to a calm hum of families gathering, plates softly clinking, and the aroma of warm dishes drifting through the room. What could have been a chaotic dining scene at home resulted in a surprisingly peaceful place to celebrate this year’s gratitude.
Arrival & Setting: A Calm Thanksgiving Escape
Alouette’s dining room featured warm, subtle colors, muted golds, neutral fabrics, and neatly arranged tables, creating a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Rather than the high-energy chaos often found in holiday buffets, the room felt ordered and restful. Guests moved with ease from table to food stations and back again, without jostling or crowding.
The staff played a subtle but essential role in this. Their movements were smooth, almost rehearsed: quietly replacing serving dishes at just the right moment, folding napkins with quick precision, and exchanging small polite greetings with guests. Even during peak mealtime, the environment remained composed, offering mouthwatering dishes that left everyone feeling satisfied and content.
For a family gathering, this calmness set the tone. A space where you could be together without the usual holiday pressures. It was a truly special and memorable experience for all.
Your Plate: A Snapshot of Freshness and Variety
The food options told their own small story, one that emphasized freshness, color, and balance more than decadence. Each dish was carefully crafted with vibrant, seasonal ingredients that not only pleased the palate but also nourished the body. From the crisp salads to the savory main courses, each bite was a burst of flavor and texture. The variety of options ensured that there was something for everyone, making it a truly inclusive and delightful dining experience. The meal reflected the care and attention to detail that went into every aspect of the gathering, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Since I do not eat meat except for fish, including shellfish, I was surprised at the options still available to me. From the vegetarian dishes to the flavorful seafood selections, every bite was a true delight. Below are some of the food bites I sampled during my meal.
- Golden Potato Bites: These small, crispy spheres formed a comforting start. Lightly seasoned and warm, they carried a simple pleasure—something familiar yet satisfying enough to mark the holiday.
- Creamy Spinach Gratin: The gratin glistened softly on the plate, rich but not overpowering. The combination of spinach, cheese, and velvety sauce created a gentle, soothing flavor, reminiscent of classic comfort dishes without being heavy.
- Smoked Salmon & Vegetable Medley: Placed elegantly at the center, ribbons of salmon glowed with delicate pink tones. The pairing with shredded cabbage, carrots, and fresh dill added brightness—both visually and in flavor. It offered a refreshing contrast to the warm dishes and added a touch of sophistication to the plate.
- Fresh Vegetables & Pickled Accents: Olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Each added pops of color and texture. These lighter bites balanced the richer elements, keeping the meal from feeling too dense.
- Legumes & Sautéed Vegetables with Shrimp: The beans brought earthiness, the potatoes heartiness, and the broccoli a slight roasted depth. A single shrimp placed among them added a hint of the sea, rounding out the plate with a gentle touch of protein.
Altogether, the food choices didn’t overwhelm. Instead, it harmonized into something thoughtful, curated, intentional, and reflective of the buffet’s overall character.
The 500-Yen Food-Waste Rule: A Small Note with Big Impact
In most buffets, indulgence is part of the tradition: piling plates high, sampling every tray, and returning for seconds, or maybe thirds. But Alouette introduces an unexpected shift in mindset through its 500-yen charge for leftover food. There was a sign on each table explaining the policy, which no one could say they didn’t see. It was very visible. The whole idea is to take what you want, but eat what you take.
Initially, this rule may feel limiting, especially on a holiday defined by abundance. Yet you and your family could embrace the challenge by choosing smaller portions, returning for seconds only when desired, and treating each dish with more intentionality.
Rather than hindering enjoyment, the policy created a sense of respect:
- For the food being prepared,
- For the kitchen’s staff,
- For the idea that celebration doesn’t need to equal excess.
The experience subtly reframed buffets, known for overeating, into grateful, considerate consumption.
Service & Hospitality: Quiet, Steady, and Sincere
While the food took center stage, the staff played the essential supporting role, making the experience feel effortless.
They were attentive but never intrusive, clearing plates promptly, guiding guests through the buffet with warm gestures, and ensuring dishes were replenished with efficiency. The restaurant’s workflow remained smooth even during busy moments, evidence of a well-trained, in-sync team.
You never had to wait for new servings. You never felt rushed. And even in a full dining room, the atmosphere remained relaxed and family-friendly.
This balance between attentiveness and discretion contributed significantly to the comfort of the meal.
Conclusion: A Meal That Felt Different, Yet Just Right
Choosing a buffet over a home-cooked meal didn’t diminish the meaning of the holiday; it simply changed the lens through which it was viewed. Instead of hours spent preparing and serving, it’s replaced with your family sharing a calm, satisfying experience where everyone can be fully present.
The food was fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and colorful. The service was warm. And the 500-yen rule, though unexpected, added a layer of mindfulness that shaped the meal with surprising grace.
Alouette didn’t attempt to replicate a traditional Thanksgiving feast because it didn’t include food often found at American Thanksgiving feasts, such as turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Instead, it offered a balanced Japanese-Western fusion that kept us relaxed and allowed us to have a respectful dining experience, one that let us celebrate the day together without the weight of holiday obligations. It was a refreshing change from the traditional American Thanksgiving meal. The flavors were unique and memorable, leaving us feeling grateful for the new experience. tab
It wasn’t indulgent in the typical sense, but it was fulfilling in all the ways that mattered.