Like a Scene from a Movie: Discovering the Charm of Autumn in Downtown Birmingham

 

An autumn dream in Downtown Birmingham

It’s my last day walking around Downtown Birmingham, Michigan. While I’m here, I might as well wander down some streets I didn’t get to explore much this trip.

Serena & Lily, home design on West Maple Road

Since it was already October, pumpkins had started to appear among the flowers displayed at the storefronts.

I understand that for Catholics, All Saints’ Day on November 1 is more important than Halloween on October 31—at least, that’s how Collie sees it. I’ve heard him say time and time again that people get so caught up in Halloween festivities that they forget about the significance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Tender Inc, women's clothes & accessories on West Maple Road

Tender sits in a white building just like the neighboring Serena & Lily, exuding an elegant vibe.

Palatine Hill Wealth Management, financial planning on West Maple Road

The quaint black staircase and chic buildings feel like a scene from a movie.

Le Pecora Nera, Italian deli & cafe - Toast, breakfast restaurant on Pierce Street

I just checked Le Pecora Nera’s website, and I’m totally hooked! I’m leaving this here as a little note to myself.  https://lpnitaliandeli.com/  Their Signature Sandwiches look absolutely delicious 🥰

Mount-N-Repair, jewelry repair service - Crimson Rose Antiques - Maddog, ventures management 

on Pierce Street

As a Japanese person, finding myself walking through Birmingham, Michigan feels almost like a miracle. It may seem ordinary while it is happening, but looking back, I realize these moments may never come again. That was why I wanted to save the best photos I was capable of at that time.

The Townsend Hotel https://www.townsendhotel.com/ on Townsend Street

The grand and dignified Townsend Hotel became the finale to my strolling.

I felt so fortunate to spend time in Birmingham, Michigan, as a milestone in my journey. Even if I had grown up and lived in Michigan, I don't think I would have had the financial means to live here. For a few days, I lived as if I were a resident of this town, walking freely through the downtown and savoring the beauty of its cafés, architecture, and autumn scenery.  It felt like a dream—

A precious experience I will always treasure.

A Perfect Bistro Lunch and a Hilarious Google Surprise!

One day, I went for lunch at Bistro Quatre Avril, my favorite French bistro in Tokyo. As I glanced through the glass display where they offer a rotating selection of baked goods, I noticed pain aux raisins among the offerings that day. 🥰

pain aux raisins at Bistro Quatre Avril

“I’ll save this for later.”

Thinking just that, I picked one up and settled into a counter seat inside.

　　　　　　　　　　　      

Steak haché sauce Bordelaise

ビストロのハンバーグステーキ ボルドレーズソース

I had the hamburger steak today. The one here at Bistro Quatre Avril is impressively tender, thick, and quite generous in size. It was a truly satisfying meal—and now, I have my pain aux raisins next♪

What's great about this place is that you can enjoy the pastries displayed by the window right here in the cafe, or grab some to go. I enjoyed a pain aux raisins for here along with my lunch coffee that day.

Aside from the pastries in the window, they also have rotating plated desserts on the menu:

🍰 Quare Avril Dessert Photo Diary & Matcha Happiness 

I love the laid-back vibe here. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area! 

◇ Quick Update ◇ 

I noticed that when you search for 'Rose' 'Charmed by Michigan' on Google, the People also search for section pops up further down the page. Some of the results are pretty hilarious. 😂

I live in a town in Tokyo near the Meguro River, where I spend my days blogging. My current Michigan Journal series is actually about my trip back in October. In addition, I share snippets of my Tokyo Daily Life, like the story I shared today.

My blog feels a bit like a memoir, but by looking back and writing about these moments, it feels like I’m reliving those experiences together with all of you. Thanks for joining me on this journey!  Rose

Sy Thai Cafe: Finding Comfort in a Thai Lunch in Birmingham, Michigan.

A hidden Thai spot for travelers craving rice and rice noodles

Monday afternoon… While most people were getting back into work mode and heading into their offices, I, as a traveler spending my days in Michigan, was wandering around downtown on my last day in Birmingham, craving something a little closer to Japanese comfort food for lunch.

And guess what—again—Sushi Japan, the place I was expecting to finally be open today, was closed😲! After a few days of happily indulging in sausage patties, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls at the Holiday Inn Express, my body was seriously starting to miss rice. I had my heart set on sushi, but at this point, I decided to switch gears and look for any kind of Asian food instead.

I was already starving by then. Then it hit me—I had noticed an Asian-style restaurant when I was exploring earlier—so I started walking in that direction.

SY THAI CAFÉ

315 Hamilton Row Birmingham, MI 48009

Phew, I made it in time for lunch! Lunch is served daily here from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Since this is Thai food, there should be rice noodles on the menu, right? 😊

Rice noodles, they were here🎉  I was so happy. I think the dish I ordered was a curry noodle with plenty of mixed vegetables. You can choose one from “chicken, pork, tofu, vegetables, beef, shrimp, squid, scallop, or imitation crab” and add it to your bowl. I went with scallops!

When the staff member asked me what spice level I’d like, I hesitated between mild and medium.

I asked, “How spicy is medium?” and he replied, “Can you handle spicy food?”  When I said I don’t usually like it too spicy, he recommended mild instead.

In the end, I realized mild was actually perfectly spicy for me. I told the staff member that his recommendation of “mild” was just right. I also liked how calm and easy to talk to he was.

Through the glass windows, I could see the downtown street clearly, and it made for such a relaxing and enjoyable lunchtime.

Sy Thai Cafe has a casual, simple interior that felt very comfortable, and the food was delicious.

If you’re in Birmingham and want to enjoy an Asian-style meal while soaking in the town’s atmosphere, this little spot is definitely worth trying—it’s a hidden gem, offering thoughtful flavor and value without feeling expensive 🥢 ✨

Michigan Festive Healthy Snack Reunion: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free Platter

These delightful healthy bites made our reunion extra special – all gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, presented with Halloween-themed plates!

All gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free!

Fresh veggies🥗, edamame, and organic pistachios vibrantly complemented the marinated smoked salmon and shrimp cocktail. The crackers and nachos also fit seamlessly into this gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free spread – all a thoughtful touch with Halloween-themed side plates and napkins that made our reunion sparkle.

The husband marinated and smoked the salmon himself—such a fantastic touch. Is that really a thing with cauliflower eaten raw in America!? The dip they prepared was made from eggplant—a surprising ingredient. Edamame🫛provided excellent plant-based protein, while the pistachios from Kroger were absolutely delicious. The crackers with the salad were probably rice flour, I bet.

For my Michigan trip, I had the chance to reunite at the home of dear friends. Though I'd reconnected with them during their Tokyo visit, Collie hadn't seen them since we visited their home before the renovation years ago. It had been ages since he last saw the couple. I don't even want to calculate how many years it's been...😅

I arrived hungry🤭with high expectations, and they kindly let me choose from some of Michigan's best local beers and their recommendations. Perfect pairing with these wonderful snacks! 🥂✨

This was our healthy lifestyle moment together. The fit couple inspired me, even as I indulged in the beers (way more than Collie, as always=3).

We're not in regular contact, but there's something truly special about reconnecting with kind, trustworthy people in our lives—ones we can naturally catch up with even after years apart.

With heartfelt thanks, Rose

Quare Avril Dessert Photo Diary & Matcha Happiness

Hello😀 This is the Photo Diary of Bistro Quare Avril. I’ve got lots of lovely dessert photos saved up, so I’ll be sharing them little by little☆

April 29, 2025

Bavarois aux fraises

🍓苺のババロア

May 24, 2025

Quatre-quart au Matcha

抹茶のカトルカール

 May 29, 2025

Brownie zeste d'orange, cacao de Cote d'ivoire

コートジボアールのカカオとオレンジピールのブラウニー

June 24, 2025

Flan Parisien

フランパリジャン

August 12, 2025

Bavarois aux fraises

🍓苺のババロア

September 25, 2025

Clafoutis aux peche jaune et poire

黄桃と洋梨のクラフティ

Sitting at the counter enjoying my clafoutis, the chef just called out "Plate!" from the kitchen right in front of me. When I handed it over...

The plate returns—with an extra matcha quatre-quarts slice!😮

I love matcha sweets so much❤︎ I gratefully enjoyed it. A sweet surprise from the chef that made my day... It was a heartwarming moment from my favorite bistro.

See my last Quare Avril Photo Diary here:

Springtime Surprise at Bistro Quatre Avril: Mackerel Quiche & Chef's Generous Gift

THE ORDY BAKERY at Hotel Vintage Meguro Fudomae: A Quiet Morning Escape

A hidden gem with a cinnamon roll that always reminds me of Finland

Nestled between Meguro and Gotanda lies Fudomae — a neighborhood where city convenience meets nostalgic tranquility. Hotel Vintage Meguro Fudomae stands a pleasant walk from Fudomae Station, blending quietly into a residential neighborhood on a street lined with cherry trees, especially charming in spring when the blossoms are in full bloom.

On the ground floor of Hotel Vintage sits THE ORDY BAKERY, a bakery café devoted to authentic ingredients. Opened on April 7, 2025, it uses only domestically grown Japanese wheat and 100% natural yeast — with no shortening or margarine added.

Labeled Hotel Vintage on the café’s glass window

From inside the café, you can see the quiet views of Fudomae through Kamurozaka (the cherry‑tree‑lined street).

The café opens from 8 a.m., so why not enjoy a morning stroll and then spend a peaceful, refreshing moment in this little‑known gem of a space?

A freshly baked Original Croissant 

Did you enjoy the cherry blossoms🌸 this season?

Here’s a freshly baked original croissant and house‑roasted organic coffee at THE ORDY BAKERY. 

The receipt also serves as a Refills Ticket. It says: “Enjoy your 2nd coffee or latte at half price on the same day. Please show your receipt.”

On my way to the café, I picked up a pretty cherry blossom that had fallen on the sidewalk, so I shared a story with music on Instagram. Then I sent a video message to Collie in Michigan.

Of course, I took it easy and enjoyed a slow, relaxing moment afterwards!

A freshly baked Cinnamon Roll

My top pick is the cinnamon roll. Here, it has a Nordic feel that takes me back to the ones I tried in Finland. Having a cinnamon roll in Tokyo that reminds me of Finland feels truly special...!

If you’re curious, here are my articles about Helsinki’s cinnamon rolls❤︎

Lovely Korvapuuti (Finnish cinnamon roll) at Hakaniemi Market Hall

A Fabulous Finnish cinnamon roll & an excellent Americano I tasted at St.GEORGE BAKERY, Helsinki

Big Korvapuusti of KANNISTON LEIPOMO, and my favorite Korvapuusti during my stay in Helsinki is...

THE ORDY BAKERY　      8:00-17:00 (Weekday L.O. 16:00)

Hotel Vintage Meguro-Fudomae 1F, 4-9-16 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0031

The quality shows in the price, so I can’t come here every day…^^; Even so, I’d recommend stopping by when you want to treat yourself to a little special escape in your daily life.

When I start craving the cinnamon roll again, I’d like to visit in the fresh, clear air of the morning, as I always do.

Rose

Charming & Fluffy: The Adorable Magic of Tokyo's Yaezakura

Yaezakura (Double‑Flowered Cherry Blossoms) 

These lush, layered blossoms bring an almost heavenly charm to Tokyo’s streets in late spring…

As the single‑petaled cherry blossoms fade away in late spring, the double‑flowered cherry blossoms begin to open, as if gracefully taking the baton to continue the season’s beauty.

Delicate pink Yaezakura double‑flowered cherry blossoms in full bloom, fluffy petals creating a romantic canopy over a tree‑lined street in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

Some sections along the quiet route are lined with various types of Yaezakura among many other cherry trees along the Meguro River, and it’s the Yaezakura that always puts me in a dreamy mood.

The single‑petaled cherry blossoms have a fragile, fleeting beauty, yet I am especially drawn to Yaezakura with their strong, lively, and adorable charm. Fluffy layers of Yaezakura are so lovely💕

The bouncy Yaezakura, where pure white and soft pink blend, also look dreamy.

These Yaezakura overflow with adorable fluffiness, yet they feel powerful and uplifting!

Pink petals gather along one side of the walkway beside the bridge.

Looking from that walkway toward the main avenue, I’m amazed at how such a cute, natural world can coexist with the city.

This season, why not discover the adorable fluffiness of double‑flowered sakura? A leisurely walk under these blossoms is the perfect way to fall in love with Tokyo’s springtime magic.

Rose