“We wanted to recreate the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and relax at your table with a book and cup of coffee before your day starts,” says Yang.
The company’s philosophy of attention to small detail and environmental awareness extends to the cafe’s food. The menu’s signature is “one bowl of rice” (一碗飯). The dish is made from white rice produced by a Taiwanese company called Green In Hand (掌生穀粒), which works with independent farmers across the country, and topped with seasonal vegetables, meat and a sprinkle of sea salt.
“You know exactly where the rice was grown and who farmed it,” says Chang.
The cafe also doubles as an exhibition space, with displays of artwork hung on the walls, and regular music performances, talks and cookery classes.
Booday’s staff hopes to open more stores here and expand into China, with each tailored to fit its specific location, says Yang. And in the near future, they plan to use more organic materials in their products.
Beginning this season, all T-shirts will
be made from organic cotton; a new series uses natural dyes made from plants grown
on Yangmingshan.
“We are making a start with the organic cotton T-shirts and we also keep an eye on the manufacturing process. Design isn’t just about making money but making a statement, and we try to put action behind our words,” says Chang. “Those are small things, but every little thing you can do can make a huge difference.”
HAPPY BOODAY
Booday will celebrate the third anniversary of its store and restaurant with a series of events next month. Highlights include a talk by travel writer Shu Guozhi (舒國治) about his favorite American rock ’n’ roll musicians, a cooking demonstration of Indian cuisine by Japanese sitarist Sitar Yo, a class on photography techniques that take advantage of natural light, and a hand-sewing class that focuses on altering and embellishing old clothing. Prices range from NT$300 to NT$1,600. Visit haveaboodayshop.blogspot.com for a complete schedule of events and ticket information.
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