Shiawase no Pancake

Shiawase no Pancake - officially "A Happy Pancake" in English - is a top rated pancake chain started in Omotesando. Their claim to fame is their souffle style pancakes made with manuka honey imported from New Zealand, Hokkaido butter, and eggs. The newest branch in Sendai opened about a month ago, yet the line was …

Starbucks Series: Baked Apple

Before I start on my rampage, I must say that this was the least enjoyable series for me. Baked Apple came out just in time for the winter season. Modeled after warm apple ciders, Starbucks released both a frappuccino and latte version. As usual, I tried both. Baked Apple Frappuccino: The Baked Apple Frappuccino was …

Sadaharu Aoki

The famed Sadaharu Aoki, who makes French pastries with a distinctly Japanese flavor profile. His signature piece is the Bamboo, an Opera Cake made with alternating layers of joconde biscuit (an almond sponge cake), matcha, matcha cream, and chocolate ganache. In addition to his entremets, he also sells macarons, éclairs, and choux puffs. I knew that …

Dominique Ansel

Ah, Dominique Ansel. How creative you are. The famed creator of the Cronut opened his first store outside of the US on June 20, 2015 in the fashionable district of Omotesando, Tokyo, where it quickly gained popularity. In fact, when I went my first time, I couldn't even get my hands on any of his …

Starbucks Series: Snow Pecan Nuts Frappuccino & Latte

Starbucks has released a new line-up of holiday drinks in Japan, inspired by  Gingerbread Houses. First up, the Snow Pecan Nuts Frappuccino and Snow Pecan Nuts Latte, both of which came out November 1st. Despite still  having a month before Christmas, much like stores back in the States, Starbucks plays Christmas carols. The interior and […]

Pamplemousse

I now understand how pancakes are literally cakes in pans. I came to Pameplemousse with a mission. A mission to eat one of their whipped-cream-and-fruit loaded pancakes. I didn't expect the serving size to be so large, though. As a dessert connoiseur, I took my time to pick which sweet to have. I was treating myself, …

Starbucks Series: Nectarine Peach Cream Tea Frappuccino, Nectarine Peach Cream Tea, & Yuzu Tea

Officially dubbed the "Nectarine Peach Cream Tea Frappuccino with Tea Bavarois," this tea-based drink is one of the starter line-ups for Starbucks' Teavana launch in Japan. As, sadly, I cannot remember the specific details of the drink, I have to write my thoughts from remembrance. Frappuccino: -too sweet, only slightly peachy The bavarois on the …

Nagahama Coffee Akita Station

It was destiny for me to have this cake. Why? Because after 5PM, Nagahama Coffee at the station has a cake set discount! Akita Station's Nagahama is fancier than the branch by city hall. They have an actual menu, and serve you in your seat. Alcohol is offered, and they have Happy Hours after 5PM …

The fashionable 08 Coffee

13.8.2016 Found 08 Coffee by wonderful chance while I was browsing Facebook, or Tabelog...one of those sites. After seeing their Instagram, I was hooked. SO, so fashionable and they take awesome pictures. To my surprise, my friend offered to go that day. And so, after work, 08 Coffee. And what a wonderful decision that was. …

Aunt Stella: the Watermelon of my Eye

I think I've died and gone to cookie hell. Or somewhere between heaven and hell because if I look at another cookie ever again, I feel like I will throw up. Me + buffets = terrifying. Anyways, on this auspicious day of 6.9.2016, I ate 33 cookies. The all-you-can-eat deal is worth it at 880, …