{  Manneken  }

Manneken
Manneken
Manneken

Oh my! We were walking through Ginza and couldn’t help but stop to find where this sweet smell was coming from. We noticed it was coming from this small Belgian waffle store named Manneken and there was a small line out the door. Just like us, many on-goers couldn’t help but stop to check out this store as well and the line kept getting longer. We waited a few minutes and got to the counter and decided to try the plain (126yen) and the maple (147yen) waffles. Both were delicious! Soft and chewy, not too sweet but sweet enough, and the sugar coating on the sides were yummy. Can’t believe I’ve never noticed this place until now but hightly recommend it for a treat :)

Address // 5-7-19, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3289-0141
Website // http://www.manneken.co.jp

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{  Quolofune  }

Quolofune
Quolofune
Quolofune
Quolofune

If you have a chance to lay your hands on these maccha dorayaki from Quolofune (pronounced kuh-roh-fu-neh), don’t pass it up. These are a slice of heaven and they are my #1 favorite dorayaki right now. They are so soft, not too sweet, and have mochi inside!! I love dorayaki in general but I’ve never had such good ones to the point where I actually had to go back to buy a ton more. Unfortunately, the maccha one is supposedly seasonal, so I’m not sure how much longer they’ll carry it in their stores. Definitely give it a try if you have a chance.

On the other hand, their RASQ (which looks like a cookie stick) was just ok. I’ll be going back to try their regular dorayaki and kasutera (castella) and of course to buy more maccha dorayaki :)

Address // 1-24-11, Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3725-0038
Website // http://www.quolofune.com/jiyugaoka/

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{  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/




{  Aoyama Flower Market Tea House  }

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House was beyond Ah-mazing. This beautifully put together tea house is located inside of a flower store. If you are just passing by, you would never know such a gem is inside. But because of that it’s still the best kept secret in town. Actually, this tea house only recently opened less than 3 months ago. We were in awe of how much thought was put into creating this space. The tables are transparent so that you can enjoy the fresh flowers beneath them – some tables even have tiny holes in them for white roses to peek out above the glass like a vase.

Though they only offer tea (no coffee), they have a large variety including herbal, dry herbal, and special seasonal teas. They also have a small food selection – which happens to include the most delicious french toast I’ve ever had (the food rating is strictly based on the french toast we had). It was so good that my friends and I had to order another plate before the first plate was even done – and we noticed the lady behind us did the same! The service is very slow since they are under-staffed, but it’s brand new, so I can definitely look past that. The ambiance, food, and tea were so perfect together that you’ll almost certainly find yourself not wanting to leave. We certainly didn’t!

Address // 5-1-2, MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3400-0887
Website // www.afm-teahouse.com

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{  fève  }

fève
fève

I’m currently snacking on fève, a Japanese snack store that recently opened in Jiyugaoka. My friend and I just happend to pass by this adorable store, and we were immediately drawn inside by the adorable decor.

The store’s concept is “Soy Beans x Sweets = Happiness”, and it is produced by Pastry Chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi. fève uses 20+ different types of soybeans and uses natural ingredients in their snacks. They put a lot of attention to detail in to each individual snack and the packaging for the snacks.

The top photo shows the flavor I tried which was a traditional snack called “Karinto”, but it has a little twist — rose-infused flavor with rose petals. It was delightful! Definitely a great choice for omiyage (souvenir) for your friends or family.

Address // 1-29-14, Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6421-4825
Website // http://feve-jiyugaoka.jp/

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