SHAKE SHACK's commitment to good ingredients is impressive.

Have you ever experienced SHAKE SHACK?  I tried their hamburger for the first time at SHAKE SHACK, Tokyo International Forum branch.  It's been almost two years now. 

SHAKE SHACK is an American multinational fast casual restaurant chain originated in New York. The atmosphere is distinctive and its fashionable space is like a spacious bar. It will lift my spirits!

SHAKE SHACK    Tokyo International Forum

First, I should ask for the basic signature menu. 

I drink hot coffee black to fully enjoy its flavor. Yup! Using Arabica beans shows a commitment to quality, and the flavor is gorgeous and robust. I find coffee itself to be a bit strong for myself, but its pairing with oily food, that balances it out perfectly.

Hot Coffee                     

SHACK Burger Single                          Fries

The patties are made with 100% Angus beef that is raised without hormones. They are grilled to order and have a fresh, substantial, chunky texture that differs from so-called hamburgers we usually have.

The buns are, to my surprise, kneaded with potatoes, which makes them slightly sweet and moist. Even softer because they are buttered. 

Fries are trans fat-free. They are fried in sunflower oil, and depending on the store and time of year, other oils such as canola oil are used. The potatoes are non-GMO.

I was impressed when I learned about the Shake Shack's commitment to good ingredients. 

No wonder the prices are higher than other hamburger places. I'll also write about the time I tried the craft beer sometime soon. Please come back to my blog to read about it!

Click here for information on Shake Shack's Japanese locations and more.

 https://shakeshack.jp/locations/

Be fearless; know that all will be provided at the right time.

Be fearless.

Know that all will be provided at the right time.

You want a relaxing break? You want delicious and affordable food? IKEA's café is the place to be!

When you are not that hungry but feel like going somewhere for a change, when you are tired from walking and need a break, or when you don't want to spend a lot of money. Then, IKEA's café space is the perfect place for you.

IKEA Harajuku is located across the street to the left as you come out of JR Harajuku Station (Omotesando exit). You can browse a variety of products in the store, or go straight to the café. 

Business hours are:  Mon-Fri 11am-9pm,  Sat-Sun & Holidays 10am- 9pm

On this day, I was entranced by the back view of the lady sitting in front of me. She has beautiful shiny hair and a lovely slender body.

The common eating area is clean, white, and spacious. Bring your food to your seat. I like seats with a view of the outside. It seems more relaxing.

Hot coffee from the drink bar. And I picked up meatballs when they were ready. In addition to the meatballs, the cup contains mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a gravy(cream) sauce. It appears that the three meatballs are no longer on the menu. It is now five or eight.

More information about the menu can be found here: https://www.ikea.com/jp/en/stores/restaurant/   It's wonderful to be able to enjoy popular Swedish cuisine at a casual price. It is literally "delicious and affordable".

Taking a break at a café can enrich your life.  It inspires me, and motivates me to do my best again.  

The Panini at ANTICO CAFFE AL AVIS are excellent, and the atmosphere is stylishly relaxing.

ANTICO CAFFE is an Italian-style café with a pleasant atmosphere that has been around in Roppongi, Ebisu, and other areas for a long time. My top pick is hands down Spinach PANINI!

Bread is homemade, and the variety of coffees by the barista are also delicious. My favorite is Cafe Americano❤︎

ANTICO CAFFE was established by people fascinated by the food and cheerful culture they encountered in Italy, bringing Italian cafe culture to Japan in a way that fits the Japanese lifestyle. 

Besides the popular Spinach PANINI, I like Carvolo PANINI (above left). It is plenty of coleslaw with plump shrimp served on white sesame seed buns.

Its cozy atmosphere plus reasonable pricing makes us feel like going there daily.

                          Cafe AMERICANO  ¥450                                    Spinach PANINI  ¥600

Spinach PANINI is made of spinach, four kind of mushrooms and bacon mixed with mayonnaise, all sandwiched in a black sesame bun.

Once an order is placed, the surface of the bun is grilled so we can be served fragrant PANINI.

This is when I came back for the Carvolo PANINI in the afternoon. Unfortunately, it was only available on the morning menu. So, I ordered a remaining sandwich without having the bun baked to see what it'd be like. However, I found that it tasted much better when baked. 

So in the near future, I'll go there in the morning to have Carvolo PANINI, which I wished for. For drinks, I'll stick with my usual, cafe AMERICANO. I'm sure I'll have a wonderful breakfast again.

Find ANICO CAFFE AL AVIS near you at this site: https://www.anticocaffe.ne.jp

I wish you a relaxing moment, Rose