CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES

Another night out with my husband, and another surprise blessing for us!  While we were looking for place to eat, we ended up at a great spot near Foster called the Manger Restaurant.  Before you start thinking of a trough in a stable in which horses and other animals eat from, imagine an old military-style home turned into a cute, quaint restaurant.  The whole place is decorated in American country-style antiques and memorabilia with little crafts here, there and everywhere.  They serve wines, pasta, steaks, fish, soups, salads, fresh bread, desserts, and appetizers, which are all appealing flavors for either the Japanese or American palates. 

When we went there, the restaurant was full, but we got the last table available, thank goodness! We opted for the dinner set which included a main dish of steak, chicken or pasta, a side soup, bread, salad and a dessert.  For birthdays, they have a slice of cake complete with a lit sparkler instead of a candle. 

Daily lunch plate sets for Y1,000, which include soup, main dish, bread, drink and dessert.  Chef’s Salad Lunch costs Y850. 

After dinner we ventured outside the restaurant into Manger’s ‘garden,’ expecting to see where they planted everything they served at their restaurant.  It was, instead, a fenced, grassy patio area where pet owners and their pets can dine as well.  It was really cute.  The small, private table settings have an intimate feel even though that portion is outdoors.  The view was also beautiful at night, with the lights of the town visible in the distance.  We will be back here in the summer to try the outside dining!

Hours:  Lunch 11:30- 15:00, Tea Time 15:00- 18:00, Dinner Time 18:00-22:30, Closed Wednesday

Directions from Plaza Housing:
From Plaza main gate, turn right, then right again, taking you down 330.  Once you pass under the interstate, look for McDonalds on the left.  At the McDonald’s intersection, turn right into a very small street, and go up the hill.  You will come to a Y in the road, and take the right hand side.  Once you go through the Y, the Manger Restaurant will be immediately on the left.

Directions from Foster Legion Gate:

From the gate, turn left on 330, and go until you see McDonalds on the right.  At McDonald’s intersection, turn left into a small street, and go up the hill.  You will come to a Y in the road, and take the right hand side.  Once you go through the Y, the Manger Restaurant will be immediately on the left. 

Parking is tight, there is usually an attendant who will help you.