Location - Chatan, off the 23. If traveling east, turn right at the next light after the light at Family Mart (the correct intersection has the American Family Housing office). On the right is a tan condo/apartment, with a coffee sign and flag at the corner. Turn right there, and Sora is located just down the hill on the right. Park at the small lot just opposite the restaurant.
Hours: 11a-3p, closed Sunday. Buffet and daily set, no menu. The proprietress speaks some English.
Sora is another Okinawan cafe gem. The setting is beautiful, with an immaculate potted garden on the front porch, and the restaurant inside a single-storey home decorated in traditional manner, including ikebana. There are a couple seating options, including tatami, sunken table/chairs, and picnic tables out front.
The set is 1000Y, a bargain given the quantity and quality of the food. There is a buffet of vegetable side dishes, with 2 different salads, 2 types of rice (white or brown with beans), and about 10 different veggies done in a simple and tasty Japanese style. These included daikon stewed in dashi/soy, green beans in miso and sesame, 2 different lightly seasoned green leafy vegetables, potatoes, stewed kabocha squash, a native grain with greens, fu with veg, shredded green papaya, goya, lightly sauteed bean sprouts, etc. These are not vegetarian per se, as the fish stock flavour is present in most dishes. There is also a beverage area, with water, tea, and coffee.
First out is bowl of creamy vegetable soup. The main follows - we got a small piece of fish and a chicken wing, both delightfully simple with a soy accent. Then, there is a dessert plate. For us this was a perfectly ripe piece of honeydew, a purple sweet potato pudding, and a little slice of cheesecake. All courses were served in lovely ceramic ware, with calming music in the background. This place is a favourite among ladies who lunch, and for good reason. We will certainly be back.
