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

Cherry Blossoms Seen Through the Glass Hallway at Meguro Gajoen Tokyo

A Painting‑like View of Cherry Blossoms and City Buildings Along Meguro River

Meguro Gajoen Tokyo closed its operations on September 30, 2025, following the expiration of its lease agreement with the property owner. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding its renewal or reopening. It’s truly regrettable, as the building was adorned with magnificent Japanese paintings and intricate décor throughout, harmoniously integrated with traditional Japanese gardens that showcased the elegance and beauty of Japan.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos when Meguro Gajoen Tokyo was still open, but I took this earlier this week.

View of cherry blossoms along the Meguro River and city buildings in the background, seen through the glass hallway at Meguro Gajoen Tokyo, where the scenery blends beautifully with the architecture. It feels as if one were looking at a contemporary painting.

The cherry blossom season is often marked by unsettled weather, but whenever it isn’t raining, I try to go outside and enjoy the blossoms. Among the many beautiful spots, the cherry trees along the Meguro River also feel like one of nature’s gifts, offering us a gentle chance to appreciate the subtle beauty of the sakura.

Standing in front of the glass, you can see the entire view, and even look down over the Meguro River.

Although Meguro Gajoen Tokyo has closed its doors for now, I quietly hope that one day the doors will open again, letting us rediscover the beauty that once graced this space.

◇ Quick Update ◇

I’ve added a cute Instagram clip of the lovely waitress who served Collie and me at Whistle Stop Diner in Birmingham to the bottom of this post⬇︎

Returning to Michigan Memories: Healing at Airy Whistle Stop Diner Hope you’ll check it out💕

A Gentle Morning Walk and Café Time in Birmingham, Michigan

A charming house with navy blue accents and a navy blue coffee cup at PARIS BAGUETTE

After breakfast, I took a walk down some of the streets behind Holiday Inn Express Detroit–Birmingham. It was around 9 a.m. During my stay at the hotel, I wandered through different residential areas of Birmingham. Each time, I found myself captivated by charming homes and stopped to take photos. And here’s the very last house photo from that walk.

A large brick house in soft pink and red tones, featuring navy blue accents on the roof

and around the windows, surrounded by deep green trees in Birmingham, Michigan.

I wonder if this is a single-family home. The identical windows line up so neatly that it almost looks like an apartment building. But this is America — and here, in Birmingham, a town of elegant, affluent neighborhoods. So perhaps it is indeed a house. Then again… I can’t really be sure.

And so, I made my way toward Downtown, where the cafés await.

Seems like the coffee cup coordinated with the navy blue from that house☕💙

I arrived at PARIS BAGUETTE, eager to experience the morning café scene. There were so many tempting treats that I wanted to try, but I decided to settle for just a cup of coffee — I’m visiting friends this afternoon and didn’t want to be too full. (Besides, I don’t feel like eating more after having a hearty breakfast at the hotel...😅)

**A small, heartwarming moment from a quiet morning at the café.

A baby boy, accompanied by his parents, stared up at me with his big round eyes as they came into the café. He stayed like that for a while, unmoving. A little later, on their way to the exit after what must have been a meal, he looked at me again with the same sincere gaze, turning his whole body toward me. His parents noticed and laughed — and so did I — before gently leading him outside. 

　。〜 ゜　。〜 ゜　。〜 ゜

Speaking of the hotel tips, it ended up being three dollars by the end of my stay.

For someone like me, who’s used to being thrifty and making smart purchases back in Japan, starting at three dollars felt like a high hurdle (~_~). I began with one dollar, then two... and finally made it to three. But three dollars felt just right for me—or maybe that was my limit. lol

This was my breakfast today at the hotel buffet. Of course, I had a cinnamon roll afterward as well.

I fully enjoyed all the food and drinks (as always =3).

All in all, I had a lovely morning before visiting my friends with Collie in the afternoon. Both the walk and the quiet moments at the café felt like gentle, heartwarming parts of my Michigan days.

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

The soft, hearty quiche and heartwarming pork belly takeaway story.

It's the season when I can really feel spring—enjoying sweets at Bistro Quatre Avril. 

🌸Spring's Breath at Bistro Quatre Avril: Desserts & Window Shelf Delights

For lunch, I thought I'd go with something different this time. That's because I came in a bit later than usual, and the roasted pork belly I'd normally go for was already sold out.

Quiche maquereau avec salade verte

サバのキッシュ 山盛りサラダ添え

The soft, generous quiche is made with an unusual ingredient—mackerel. Quiche appears for lunch occasionally with different fillings each time, always accompanied by plenty of fresh vegetables 🥗 

If you love quiche, you have to try this one—it's like nothing else!

I was delighted when Chef Bosco told me, "I have a little bit of that sold-out pork belly left—I'll give you some!"

I thought he'd just add a small portion alongside the quiche plate...   Instead, 

Poitrine de porc rotie SP sauce avec pate

豚バラ肉のロティ スペシャルソース パスタ添え

What a surprise—he packed it in a plastic takeout container for me to take home! It even included some other side dishes, making it essentially a mini version of the lunch menu.

So, I've listed the menu names above 😊

Lately, this blog has been featuring a lot more Bistro Quatre Avril in my Tokyo Life updates. 

Today, I wanted to share a heartwarming everyday moment that happened there with you all.

What's your most heartwarming moment lately?  Have a wonderful day today🌷   Rose