About Us

From Art to Heart: The Story Behind Chibis Wafers

Marja Samsom's journey began as a European conceptual artist, invited to showcase her work in New York. Enchanted by the city, she decided to stay, and over time forged a livelihood by blending her artistic experience with her unique style. 

She started selling Linzertorte to Bloomingdale's when they opened their bakery, found work as private chef-introducing Japanese twists to enhance European dishes, moved to the East Village and created an underground salon, with a weekly menu on the answering machine : inviting friends for dinner - calling it The Kitchen Club.

Love and Partnership

After a fabulous haircut from Japanese barber Akiro, they fell in love. Some years later -she showed Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen her business plan - they called next day to pledge their support for this project - it was then that she discovered the location on Prince and Mott.Though she'd never worked in a restaurant, excited to learn the ropes and open The Kitchen Club & Chibis Bar.

The Kitchen Club: Where Art Meets Cuisine

What started as a leap of faith became an international hub- creativity flourished. Blending passion for Japanese culture with her European training, creating a fusion cuisine - revolutionary for its time—each plate a canvas where East meets West in unexpected, delightful flavors.

The corner of Prince and Mott buzzed with energy - artists, musicians, and food lovers from around the world discovered it as part of the creative renaissance that became #Nolita. She welcomed neighborhood icons Jim Jarmusch , Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson with their beloved dog Lola Belle. and found her voice - as culinary artist—bringing the same attention to detail , creativity she now pours into Chibis Wafers .

Our Beloved Companions

They adopted a Husky puppy that became Akiro's close ally- when Marja came home late from work at the restaurant- they'd be listening to opera and didn't pay her much attention. Akiro gifted her a French bulldog- they named it Chibi - 'little one'- in Japanese. After she grew up, they created 'Chibi's Sake Bar'.

"Chibi reigned over her sake bar with dignified authority like Queen Victoria - Her Majesty preferred to conduct royal inspections on four wheels, skateboarding her sidewalk with graceful determination that suggested even extreme sports required proper royal etiquette."  NYtimes 

A Time of Loss and Transformation

After The Kitchen Club's 20th anniversary, it was time to close. Chibi, though, still wanted to go to work - took a her while to adjust as she aged. When Akiro became seriously ill - Marja was grateful to care for him during that very difficult time. But she lost both Akiro and Chibi, it was necessary to bundle her love for them - to connect it with people and community.

Chibis Wafers: A Gift of Love

She wanted to create a special gift. The wafers are fragile, at first Marja only brought these to people personally - thrilled to find a beautiful tin to package them. Now they can travel by themselves! 

Each tin of Chibis Wafers carries love, artistry, that magic spirit Akiro and Chibi brought into their life. These aren't just treats—they're delicious keepsakes that honor the memory of our treasured 'little one' and the joy of sharing something beautiful with others.