Hearty Elegance in Every Bite: 5 Days of Lunch & Dessert at Bistro Quatre Avril

As usual, here's a Visual Lunch Diary from my go-to bistro, Quatre Avril—this time featuring lunch and dessert. Hearty yet elegant, just what I needed on a chilly afternoon. (Dessert isn’t part of the lunch set: starter, main, and coffee.) 

Let's dive right in!

❶ December 26, 2024

Poulet rotis à la Provençale sauce moutarde de meaux, servir avec des legumes de salson

プロヴァンス風ローストチキン マスタードソース 季節の野菜添え

Buche de Noel du chef

シェフのブッシュドノエル

❷ February 4, 2025

Entrecote sautée aux quatres poivres avec pomme rotie

ビーフステーキ 4種の胡椒ソース ローストポテト添え

Quatre-quart chocolat et Natsu-mikan

ショコラと夏みかん🍊のカトルカール

❸ February 13, 2025

Roulade de cuisse de poulet aux legumes avec riz pilaf au carotte

チキンロール 野菜巻き キャロットピラフ添え

Pain rond maison(Homemade round bread) 手作りの丸パン

🥖 Not technically dessert, but perfect with coffee! 😆😛😁

❹ February 27, 2025

Escalope de porc panné sauce Milanaise avec pate

エスロカップ（ミラノ風カツレツ） パスタ添え

Brownie aux cacahuetes

ピーナッツ入りブラウニー

❺ April 5, 2025

Entrecote sautée sauce creme aux echalottes avec purée de pomme et legumes de saison

ビーフステーキ クリームエシャロットソース マッシュポテトと季節の野菜添え

Bavarois aus fraises

🍓イチゴのババロア

How was it? Bistro Quatre Avril is a cozy spot serving warm French country cuisine—generously portioned yet refined in presentation, with thoughtful healthy cooking methods too.

The mains were all meat-heavy this time, right? Come winter, steaks and thick cutlets appear—and my eyes turn to hearts😍 Always plump, juicy, and delicious, which is this bistro's signature charm.

Check out my previous Quatre Avril Photo Diary here♪：

Visual Lunch Diary: 7 Bold Shots from Bistro Quatre Avril

Visual Lunch Diary: 7 Bold Shots from Bistro Quatre Avril

Hi there! Today, I’m sharing 7 photos of the main dishes from the lunch menu at Bistro Quatre Avril, the place I often feature on this blog☆

"Ready? Let's feast your eyes!"

❶ November 3, 2024

Special de chef: Macaroni façon paella

<本日のスペシャル>シーフードたっぷりのマカロニのパエリア

❷ November 19, 2024

Entrecote sautée SP sauce avec gratin dauphinois

ビーフステーキ スペシャルソース グラタンドフィノワ添え

❸ January 21, 2025

Gratin de fruits de mer <限定>シーフードと野菜のグラタン

❹ February 11, 2025

Hachis parmentier

アッシパルマンティエ（マッシュポテトとひき肉のグラタン）

❺ February 25, 2025

Escalope de porc panné sauce Milanaise avec pate

エスロカップ（ミラノ風カツレツ）パスタ添え

❻ March 20, 2025

Poulet roti à la provençale sauce BBQ avec gratin dauphinois

ローストチキン プロヴァンス風 BBQソース グラタンドフィノワ添え

❼ April 26, 2025

Special du jour: Roast-beef servir avec pureé de marron, topinambour et pomme de terre

<本日のスペシャル>ローストビーフ 栗と菊芋とジャガイモのピュレとともに

That’s it for this Visual Lunch Diary — I’ve shared 7 shots from my recent lunches. I hope you enjoyed this series of delicious moments😀

You can check out my previous post about Quatre Avril here:

Not a Bakery Croissant, but Bistro Quatre Avril’s Deeply Satisfying Handmade One.

Stay tuned—I'll keep bringing you Quatre Avril's powerful yet elaborate dishes through the impactful photos!

From Café Corners to Quiet Dreams: An Update on Life at the End of November

Today, I’d like to introduce a cozy café just about a two-minute walk from Musashi-Koyama Station. 

＊＊＊BREAD MATIERE Cafe & Bar＊＊＊

It’s impressive enough that it’s a bakery using 100% domestically grown wheat, but it’s also a place where you can enjoy wine and bistro-style dishes.

edamame and cream cheese bread & smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich

These are my two favorites. The smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich is made with salt bread. The combination of the flavorful salt bread and the carefully selected, delicious fillings inside creates a truly tasty treat.

edamame and cream cheese bread & salt bread

The edamame and cream cheese bread is baked with a salty dough wrapped around a filling of plenty of edamame, corn, and cream cheese mixed with ham seasoned with black pepper.

That day, I paired the breads with sparkling wine — a Cava from Spain. For reference, the café also offers a French Chardonnay as white wine and an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon as red wine. I really appreciate that the glass wines are both reasonably priced and delicious.

How did you like it? This was an introduction to a café with the atmosphere of a coffee shop rather than a formal restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic bread and bistro-style dishes — and of course, it also works as a bar! I personally love dropping by to enjoy the bread and wine. I hope you enjoyed this little tour.

◆ Quick Update ◆

Today is the last day of November, marking almost two years since I left my company. Recently, I had a dream. In the dream, a woman who hadn’t been kind remained unfriendly, acting secretly behind my back. There were many people from the company indoors, and I was walking among them. One man spoke kind words to me, and in response, I gently placed my hand on his shoulder.

In the dream, those who were unkind in reality remained so, and those who were kind stayed kind. There were exceptions at times, though, such as someone I had doubts about showing compassion in the dream.

I feel that dreams might not just be a replay of daily feelings, but a place where you meet truth in the spiritual world. Although I had regrets about being used conveniently in my company life, I realized there were surely some kind people, and it comforted me. 

It was through that dream that I found a sense of calm. With these thoughts, I spent the peaceful end of November.

Try the Signature Carrot Cake and More at Chilling Coffee & Bake, Hatanodai

Hi everyone, this is Rose. How are you enjoying the autumn season? Today, as I mentioned in an earlier post: Why I Fell in Love with Chilling Coffee & Bake’s Carrot Cake (and Everything Else!), 

I’d love to share a little about my favorite Carrot Cake. It’s my absolute go-to Carrot Cake!

 

Signature Carrot Cake at Chilling Coffee & Bake

This Signature Carrot Cake is shaped like a shortcake. The sponge is loaded with nuts and uses brown sugar for just the right sweetness. While it contains spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, they are gently balanced—not overpowering—making it delicious for everyone. The cream cheese frosting, enhanced with a hint of lemon tang, perfectly complements the sponge.

My personal preference is to add little to no lemon flavor to cream cheese, but even so, the Carrot Cake from Chilling Coffee & Bake is absolutely delicious🌷

Seasonal Pumpkin Pie at Chilling Coffee & Bake

Since we’re at it, let me also introduce another cake. This is a pumpkin pie that appears only for a limited time in autumn. Be sure to check it out here→ Chilling Coffee & Bake Instagram*

Classic Victoria Cake at Chilling Coffee & Bake

Victoria Cake is also very tempting☆ If you enjoy something here, why not try some of the other tempting treats to take home? Besides what's in the showcase, there’s a note showing what’s available, so be sure to check what kind of "Bake" they have that day.

How was it? Chilling Coffee & Bake is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area—even if it’s just for that.

Hope you have a lovely day❤︎  Rose

Reinventing Tradition: Bistro Quatre Avril’s Simply Apples Tarte Tatin, Sugar- and Butter-Free

Tarte Tatin is a traditional French dessert made by layering apples sautéed in butter and sugar until caramelized, then covering them with pastry dough and baking the whole thing to perfection.

However, the Tarte Tatin at Bistro Quatre Avril is unlike anything you’ll find at other restaurants or pastry shops. Their recipe uses no butter and no sugar at all! Above the pastry sheet, there are only apples and a touch of cinnamon.

This healthier twist comes from the creativity of Chef Bosco at Bistro Quatre Avril. With only the natural sweetness of apples, each bite feels as if nourishment is gently flowing into the body. You can really feel the love behind his philosophy of creating food that is gentle on both the heart and body, even when it’s dessert.

The apples are slowly and carefully cooked in a copper pot to draw out their delicate sweetness. According to Bosco, the pot heats up quickly, but still prevents the ingredients inside from burning. Once the apples are cooked through, they are left covered in the pot overnight to cool. By the next morning, the juice has seeped down to the bottom of the pot. When the tart is finally inverted, the apples cling together perfectly and hold their shape.   －    Look at this artistic thin layer of apples!

The finishing touch is a hearty sprinkle of cinnamon.

When I asked him about it, Chef Bosco even showed me on his phone what kind of copper pot he uses. His passion for cooking shines through whenever he talks about food. What makes him truly remarkable is the way he constantly creates original dishes that are not only delicious, but also healthy and deeply thoughtful.

Bistro Quatre Avril is a French bistro located in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Combining traditional French country cooking with Chef Bosco’s unique twists, it offers meals that are both wholesome and full of flavor. I’ll continue sharing more of these culinary stories from my “Visual Lunch Diary.”

**For the previous lunch diary at Bistro Quatre Avril, you can read about it here: Visual Lunch Diary: 3 Main Plate Highlights from Bistro Quatre Avril

◆Quick Update◆

I am currently preparing for a trip to Michigan. Although I've been studying English until now,  I think it's best to take it easy without rushing at this point. I'll try to stay healthy and do only what I can comfortably manage in my daily life.   Rose 

PRONTO’s Matcha Basque Cheesecake Gets a Fresh Twist in 2025

PRONTO is well-known as a casual café during the day and an unexpectedly chic bar at night. In a previous post, I shared about the Matcha Basque Cheesecake—something like a “reimported” treat—you can only find at PRONTO in Japan, other than San Francisco’s Stonemill Matcha. You can check out that post here. → Matcha Basque Cheesecake from San Francisco...

Matcha Basque Cheesecake from San Francisco's Stonemill Matcha

Well, it seems that this cheesecake was revamped in August 2025! Of course, I had to go and see what’s new.

Uji Matcha Basque Cheesecake made with 100% Uji matcha

The renewed Matcha Basque Cheesecake is now made with 100% Uji matcha. To me, it looks even more vibrant in green than before. It feels a bit softer and more melt-in-your-mouth. The balance is exquisite—the creamy richness of the cheese highlights the subtle bitterness of matcha, creating a truly luxurious dessert. Its silky smooth texture and refined flavor feel like something you’d expect from a specialty shop.

And yet, who would have thought you could get such a high-quality cake at PRONTO, a chain café you can just drop by anytime. If you get the chance, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

With the previous Matcha Basque Cheesecake, it was noted to be Kyoto-grown at Stonemill Matcha, but the details weren't revealed. This time, though, it's been renewed with 100% Uji Matcha — known as one of the top varieties — marking it a bold and exciting step for PRONTO.

Matcha from Japan is gaining worldwide fame and popularity these days. As someone who’s always up for a matcha-flavored treat, I couldn’t be happier. How about you? Have you had a memorable encounter with matcha in your city? If so, then you and I are truly on the same wavelength. :)

◆Quick Update◆

At some point, my blog and photos suddenly stopped showing up in search results. It makes me sad not to be found through Google anymore ;_;  Did I do something to upset Mr. Google, I wonder? Right now, I’m requesting index registration with Google Search Console, but it’s still pending T_T  Fingers crossed that my blog will get indexed soon so everyone can find me again...　Rose

Why I Fell in Love with Chilling Coffee & Bake’s Carrot Cake (and Everything Else!)

Where Coffee Meets Bake: Chilling Coffee & Bake

Right near Hatanodai Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, there’s a cozy little café called Chilling Coffee & Bake https://www.instagram.com/chilling_coffeeandbake that has become quite popular. The “Bake” in the name comes from the owner’s background working at patisseries and bakeries, while the “Coffee” reflects his younger brother’s expertise as a certified barista. Their carefully baked homemade sweets paired with proper specialty coffee have been gaining attention on social media, and their fans just keep coming back. 

From Parisian Training to Heartfelt Baking

Hatanodai itself is a peaceful neighborhood lined with quiet residential streets. And tucked away here is a café run by an owner who has professional pâtissier experience, and who even trained in France, the home of fine pastries. What’s charming about this café is that alongside European-style treats, you’ll also find rustic and down-to-earth American baked goods prepared in such a natural, relaxed way. Since I’m someone who absolutely loves hearty American sweets, this place really makes my heart skip a beat.

Crumbly, Moist, and Perfect with Coffee

That day’s cookie offering was—I think—macadamia nut and white chocolate? And yes, it was crumbly yet moist—and absolutely delicious! Since I prefer coffee with a softer, less acidic taste, I went with an Americano♡

A Chill Space Inspired by France

His time in France on a working holiday, where he gained valuable pastry-making experience, became a real turning point in his career. As the café name suggests, his hope was to create a place where people could truly “chill”—a space of comfort. That’s why he chose Hatanodai, with its calm and easy-going atmosphere, as the perfect location. I also loved the green tiles he imported from overseas—they add such a nice, laid-back stylish touch to the café’s vibe.

The Ultimate Carrot Cake Discovery

My number-one recommendation? Definitely their signature carrot cake!!!  I’ve always adored the carrot cake at Bubby’s, but since it’s not one of their standard menu items, I’ve often been left wanting. I kept trying carrot cakes elsewhere, but they just didn’t hit the spot… until I found this one. The carrot cake here is my perfect match!

Next time I go back just to enjoy that carrot cake again, I’ll write another blog post about it. Be sure to come back then and listen to me gush about it some more♪

Rose😊

Discover Brahms Path: Harajuku's European-Style Alley Behind Takeshita Street

Just a short walk from the lively crowds of Takeshita Street in Harajuku lies a place that feels like an entirely different world. Step through the gate near JR Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit, and soon you’ll find yourself on Brahms Path — a quiet backstreet full of European charm.

Unlike the vibrant, bustling Takeshita Street lined with pop culture shops and sweets stands, Brahms Path offers a moment of calm. Its brick-paved walkway, ivy-draped walls, and quaint buildings create the atmosphere of a tucked-away European neighborhood. Small antique shops, cafés, and restaurants can be found along the way, making it a retreat for those seeking peace just behind the colorful energy of Harajuku. 

Brahms Path behind Takeshita Street in Harajuku

A Stroll Through History

This alley was once home to a small stream, likened to the Seine River in Paris, offering a small taste of Europe. Lined this street, an elegant Western-style residence was built here by a Japanese man who dreamed of creating a place where people could experience the atmosphere of Europe, and the path was named Brahms Path.

According to one account, it was through the suggestion of novelist Françoise Sagan, who was a close acquaintance of the residence’s first owner, the Japanese man, that the name “Brahms Path” was chosen—drawing inspiration from her novel Aimez-vous Brahms? (Do You Like Brahms?). 

The entrance of La BOULETTE Dec.5, 2016-Mar.31, 2025 as seen from Brahms Path

One of the most notable spots along Brahms Path was the French restaurant La BOULETTE, which opened in 2016 inside the elegant Western-style residence that once housed Jardin de JUSEINE, too. Beloved for its antique-inspired atmosphere and approachable French cuisine, La BOULETTE allowed visitors to experience a true European atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo. Sadly, the restaurant eventually closed due to the aging state of the building and the need for redevelopment, but its presence remains an important part of the area’s unique story.

View of Brahms Path from inside La BOULETTE's dining room Dec.5, 2016 - Mar.31, 2025

Sitting inside La BOULETTE and looking out onto the brick-paved path once felt like being transported to another city. Even after its closure, Brahms Path continues to enchant visitors — a hidden pocket of calm that contrasts strikingly with Harajuku’s vibrant energy.

Why Visit Brahms Path?

Brahms Path is more than just a backstreet — it’s a glimpse into a different side of Harajuku. Here, time seems to slow down. Visitors can wander, take photos, and appreciate the blend of architecture and greenery that gives the path its European-inspired flair. Though restaurants and shops may change over time, the quiet spirit of this charming walkway endures, making it one of Harajuku’s best-kept secrets.

If you’re planning a trip to Harajuku, don’t just stop at Takeshita Street. Step into Brahms Path and experience the quieter, more reflective side of the neighborhood.

Slow Sips by Meguro River: COFFEE STAND Nakameguro, a Hidden Spot in Tokyo

Just steps away from the peaceful flow of the Meguro River, COFFEE STAND Nakameguro offers a cozy retreat from Tokyo’s fast pace. Whether it’s a smooth craft beer or a freshly brewed coffee, this hidden spot invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

COFFEE STAND Nakameguro is one of the stores managed by SIDEWALK COFFEE that provides craft beer, home-roasted coffee, and artisan bread.

COFFEE STAND Nakameguro is the first store of SIDEWALK COFFEE, and it's located on the Meguro River Promenade, famous for its cherry blossom trees.

I sit down on Asahi Bridge near the shop, slowly sipping a craft beer. It's a leisurely way to unwind after the sun goes down. The craft beer is delivered directly from the brewery. 

Slow moments of Asahi Bridge over Meguro River after sunset. A traditional shopping district in the heart of Tokyo, where the pace of life is a little slower.

On such a comfortable sidewalk, COFFEE STAND Nakameguro is a place where you can stop and take a break.

A cookie & Americano. It's also nice to visit in the morning. While your refreshing morning walk, how about stoping by for breakfast on the second floor? 

The coffee beans are roasted in-house. Each cup of coffee is carefully brewed individually.

This hot Sandwich is a Reuben sandwich. The pastrami is sandwiched between slices of bread and the cheese inside is melting. The bread is a bit hard campagne loaf. 

These were taken in last October. When it gets cooler, I want to visit again. There's no better way to wind down than slow sips by the Meguro River in the cool evening air.

Just steps from the Meguro River, COFFEE STAND Nakameguro is where time slows down. Whether it’s a cold craft beer or a freshly brewed coffee, this hidden spot in Tokyo invites you to pause and savor every sip.

The structure unlike Japan & Nostalgic Alcolic Cafe Roje

Not many people would have any idea that this building is in Japan. Here in a suburb of Tokyo, I am taking this photo as I pass the crossing. I usually only saw it from the train, but I wanted to get off at this station to explore the area.

Today, I would like to introduce you to an Italian-style restaurant Alcolic Cafe Roje that I found interesting. The restaurant is located just a short walk from the north exit of Numabukuro Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.

Pasta is 990 yen, salad and drink can be added for 110 yen. The salad + pasta + drink set will cost you only 1,100 yen😳  It's an absolute steal, isn't it!? In addition to this nice lunch set, I'll add something else since I'm in a town where I don't usually get off.

First, a salad from the lunch set. The edamame in it makes me low-key happy😊  The salad is rich and the quality is great!

Each pasta dish is served with a choice of sauce and two ingredients. I chose tomato sauce, shrimp and broccoli. This dish is deep in flavor and delicious💕  In addition to the lunch set, I ordered sparkling wine to accompany my meal😘

My choice after the meal was a café latte, which's also a part of the lunch set. I might want to add dessert as an additional order...

To commemorate my visit, I savour a tiramisu, which is a specialty of Alcolic Cafe Roge♪♪♪

Black coffee is the perfect way to finish off a substantial meal. Relaxing in the nostalgic atmosphere of this restaurant, I really enjoyed the food to my heart's content.

Its vibe, reminiscent of the good old days, as if you've traveled back in time, somewhere, but not in Japan. It's a mysterious place that makes you feel like you are somewhere not in Japan. If you're ever in the area, it's worth trying this authentic local cafe once as a part of your life experience.

Alcolic Cafe Roje   ◆available as a café, bar, or restaurant◆ 

2F, 1-39-3 Numabukuro, Nakano City, Tokyo, JAPAN

Double cherry blossoms in Gotanda 2024

One week or so after single cherry blossoms have finished blooming, double cherry blossoms start to bloom. Compared to single cherry blossoms that fall right away, double cherry blossoms keep on blooming for about 3 weeks. If single cherry blossoms were fleeing and beautiful, double cherry blossoms would be...

Cute, sweet, lovely! I am enamored with them this year too. Let me post various kinds of double cherry blossoms adjacent to where I live. 

How did you like it? These were all photographed along Meguro River. 

I really like double cherry blossoms. I feel joy when I see them. Those pretty ones give me hope, and keep me going forward. 

Joy, Peace, Happiness and Love, Rose