Monthly Archives: April 2012

{  Maison de Reefur  }

Maison de Reefur
Maison de Reefur

Maison de Reefur, opened on April 14, 2012 in Daikanyama, is a highly anticipated project that’s been in the works for the past two years by Rinka, a famous fashion model in Japan. The store’s concept is “A home in Paris”. The first floor has everything from clothing, shoes, stationary, bedding, candles, a flower shop, all the way to wedding dresses (by appointment only). The second floor is a cute cafe that was created with a hint of parisian decor and serves cafe-style Japanese food and desserts.

I’ve been really excited to visit this store and I have to admit that it was lovely. It’s very airy, has a wonderful scent, and is designed beautifully. However, there were too many staff to the point where they get in the way plus all the items in the store are notably expensive (though I suppose that is only natural, given the high-end location). Either way, if you are a Rinka fan, I’d say it’s worth checking it out. Also make sure you check out my other post here which covers Rosalie, the cafe on the 2nd floor.

Address // 24-7, Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5459-2910
Website // http://www.maisondereefur.com/#/home/




{  Rosalie  }

Rosalie
Rosalie
Rosalie

Rosalie is a cute Parisian-styled cafe located on the second floor of Maison de Reefur. They’ve done a such great job with designing all the details of the space that it’s easy to see why this place is very popular amongst women, even the waitress outfits contribute to the cute Parisian atmosphere. In fact, the cafe was filled with over 90% women, many of whom were just there relaxing and reading books. Unfortunately the food was not as amazing as I wished it would be. Perhaps I had too high of hopes? Everything was just OK.

The cobb salad (1250yen) came with way too much dressing, to the point that I had to mix/remove some before I snapped the picture above. The ingredients were nice but the lettuce leaf was not the freshest. The Oyakodon (1200yen) was just average as well. The interesting thing is, you get to choose from two different types of chicken — one goes for 1000yen and the other goes for 1200yen. The difference is supposedly in the quality of chicken. If I decide to come back to dine here again, I will give the desserts a try instead of the savory dishes.

Address // 2F, 24-7, Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5459-2910
Website // http://www.maisondereefur.com/shop/

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{  Melonpan Factory  }

Melonpan Factory
Melonpan Factory

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DISCLAIMER: This location has closed. Here are their other locations that are open.
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Found a cute melon pan shop right outside/underneath the Gakugeidaigaku train station in an area called “Gakudai-Ichiba”. Apparently this place just opened on April 11th, 2012 and it’s one of melonpan factory’s ten locations. The place smells amazing when you pass by… you simply can’t walk by without buying one.

Their most popular flavor is the plain original (170yen), and it’s pretty good! Naturally, it’s best eaten right when you buy it. I’ve also tried their maple flavor but it’s not that much different than the plain so I would stick to the original. They also have some other more wacky flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, green tea, cinamon, caramel and orange if you’re feeling adventurous… If that’s not enough, they also sell croissants and apple pie. A good place to grab a snack!

Address // 3-3-2, Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6766-0423
Website // http://melonpan.mymp.jp/

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{  Martiniburger  }

Martiniburger
Martiniburger

Craving an NY style gourmet burger in Tokyo? Then try Martiniburger in Kagurazaka. When you first pass by this restaurant you might mistake it for a bar because of the Absolut Vodka signs that are advertised on their large windows and the neon blue bar counter that shines through, but it’s actually a great burger joint.

We tried the “Brooklyn” and the “Lite Burger”. The Brooklyn comes with a generous 200-gram all-beef patty, mushrooms, gouda cheese and bearnaise sauce along with a side dish of your choice for 1350yen (we chose the simple salad as the side). The Lite Burger has a 150-gram all-beef patty with an english muffin as the bun(!) and a side dish of your choice for 900yen (I chose the creamed spinach as the side).

They were both delicious. The great part about the burgers here is that you’re not overwhelmed by all the toppings, you really taste the 100% beef that is oh so juicy. And the price? Not too shabby for all of this food. Oh, and if you’re not in the mood for a burger but are craving American food, they also have chicken sandwiches, lasagnas, pecan pies, and cocktails :)

Address // 31 Nakazatocho, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6280-8920
Website // http://martini-burger.com

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{  Rose Bakery  }

Rose Bakery
Rose Bakery
Rose Bakery

Have you checked out the new UNIQLO store in Ginza? It is a beautiful 12 story building that just opened a few weeks ago. They made it look like their flagship Soho Store in NY and it’s quite overwhelming/amazing. On the 7th floor of the building, there’s a bridge which connects to the building across the street. The building it connects to is called Dover Street Market by COMME des GARCONS, and it’s where Rose Bakery is located.  Rose Bakery is an English cafe from London that just opened on March 16th, 2012.

The cafe has a very open space with a modern clean feel. It’s a great place to relax after some shopping at uniqlo or for just tea and a snack :) Their teas and coffees are slightly expensive but their presentation is beautiful. The most appealing thing about this place, however, is their desserts. You can get european/american treats which are very difficult to find in Japan such as carrot cakes, sour cream muffins, tea cakes, and more! I wanted to eat everything there but we decided to try the Green Tea Layer Cake (550yen) and the Lemon Polenta Tea Cake (400yen). You can also get the “Cream Tea” special for 1600yen which includes a scone, your choice of pastry, and your choice of drink. They also have a “High Tea” special (2800yen) which includes a mini sandwich, mini quiche, mini scone, fruit salad, 5 pastries, and your choice of drink. Definitely planning to come back here again soon.

Address // 7F, 6-9-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5537-5038
Website // http://rosebakery.jp

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