Edible Art: Hokusai’s Masterpieces Reimagined as Refreshing Summer Drinks
Osaka’s Unimocc Art Cafe Gallery is transforming iconic woodblock prints into delectable, drinkable art for teh summer season.Known for its creative “Canvas Cakes” and “Art Mock drinks,” Unimocc draws inspiration from famous paintings, offering a unique fusion of visual and culinary arts.
From Canvas to Cup: Hokusai Takes Center Stage
This summer, the cafe pays homage to Katsushika Hokusai, the celebrated Japanese artist, with a series of drinks inspired by his renowned Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
Two of his most famous works are being reimagined as dessert drinks.
Thirty-six Views of Mount Fujiseries is considered one of the pinnacles of Japanese art.
Akafuji: Fine Wind, Clear Morning
first up is the drink inspired by Fine Wind, Clear morning,
often called Akafuji
or Red Fuji.
This drink features a sheet of *kanten* (Japanese agar gelatin) meticulously cut and arranged to mimic the slopes of Mount Fuji at sunrise.
- Kanten: Represents the slopes of mt. Fuji.
- Honeyed Apple: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Yuzu Citrus gelatin: Provides a refreshing citrus note.
- ginger Soda and Blue Soda: Layered to create a visually appealing and flavorful base.The blue soda has a sweet/tart apple flavor.
- Yuzu Granita: Frozen syrup with a shaved ice consistency, holding the composition together.
The Great Wave Off Kanagawa: An Ocean in a Cup
Later in the summer, Fine Wind, Clear Morning
will be replaced by a drink inspired by The Great Wave Off Kanagawa,
arguably the most famous Japanese painting.
This drink aims to capture the essence of the iconic wave with:
- Grapefruit Granita: Forms the base of the drink.
- deep-Blue Jasmine Soda: Creates the ocean’s colour.
- Jasmine Gelatin: Adds texture and floral notes.
- jasmine Foam: Represents the frothy crest of the wave.
- Hand-Brushed Cream Streaks: Mimic the peaks of the crashing waves.
- Sliced Apple and Matcha Green Tea Sauce: Found at the bottom, adding a bitter counterpoint to the other flavors.
The Great Wavein a static drink? Share your thoughts!
Pricing and Availability
The Fine Wind, Clear Morning
drink is priced at 1,800 yen (US$12.40), while The Great Wave Off Kanagawa
costs 1,700 yen.Both drinks can be ordered as part of a set with a corresponding canvas Cake for 3,250 yen, with an additional charge for upgrading to an Art Mock Drink.
Fine wind, Clear Morning
is available until July 21. The Great Wave Off Kanagawa
will be available from July 23 to September 19.
Visit Unimocc Art Cafe Gallery
Address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Chuo-ku, Takomachi 6-3-25
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays (unless Tuesday is a holiday)
Website: Unimocc official Website
frequently Asked Questions
Fine Wind, Clear Morningcosts 1,800 yen (US$12.40), and
the great Wave Off Kanagawacosts 1,700 yen.
Fine Wind, Clear Morningis available until July 21, and
The Great Wave Off Kanagawawill be available from July 23 to September 19.
