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

Bistro Quatre Avril: Mains and Desserts to Brighten Your Day

My Go-To Café: Bistro Quatre Avril – Visual Lunch Diary, Part Two ♪

Plump, Thick-Cut Steak with a Generous Serving of Vegetables

A hearty steak made from thick, energetic cuts of beef—always cooked to perfection and served with a sauce that changes every time and never fails to impress. Instead of fries, the chef pairs it with tender roasted potatoes, a small touch that shows his care for balance and well-being.

One of the desserts that day was a cake made with 夏みかん (natsumikan), a Japanese summer citrus fruit. The chef always works with seasonal ingredients, creating desserts that are both original and full of character.

Juicy Tomato Farcie (Stuffed Tomato) with Rice and Vegetables 

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the Tomato Farcie (Stuffed Tomato), is a traditional dish from southern France. It combines the gentle acidity of tomatoes with minced meat—fresh, comforting flavors, paired here with rice for a delightful twist. A little taste of luxury in everyday life.

It was a lovely strawberry bavarois, with a soft cake base and a bright, sweet-tart sauce that made the plate look as beautiful as it tasted.

How was it? I’ll keep sharing my Quatre Avril Visual Lunch Diaries, so stay tuned! If you missed the previous one, take a look here: Visual Lunch Diary: 3 Main Plate Highlights from Bistro Quatre Avril

◆ Quick Update ◆

I recently upgraded my gear—now using a new MacBook Air M4 and a Galaxy S25. The S25 isn’t fully supported yet by Biglobe Mobile (my mobile carrier), so a few functions are still acting up, but I’ll see how it goes. Can’t wait to get comfortable with both and make them a natural part of my life.

Sweet Apple Starts: Autumn Notes from Michigan and Tokyo

Hi, it’s Rose. I spent three weeks in Michigan from October 1st and returned to Japan last week. Now that my life in Japan has become more flexible, I was able to spend an unusually long three weeks in Michigan just living as if I were a local. According to local news, this October was the warmest on record in Michigan—just like Tokyo—with a few days that felt almost like summer.

I’ll be sharing bits and pieces from my time in Michigan here soon. I think I’ll alternate between posts about daily life in Japan and stories from Michigan. I hope you’ll enjoy following along again.

The Apple Pie Roll from Quatre Avril, my favorite bistro in Tokyo

Autumn is settling in here in Japan, too.  The photo today is Quatre Avril’s Apple Pie Roll. 

The innovative Tarte Tatin I introduced before is also back on their dessert menu for the season.

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

Take a peek if you like❤︎  Let’s savor this beautiful autumn together.     Wishing you cozy days, Rose*

◆Quick Update◆

I’m getting a new MacBook Air, so this will be my last post written on my current one. It has truly served me well for many years. I wish I could have kept using it longer, but its support period ended quite a while ago...💦  So from next time, I’ll be writing with my new MacBook Air. Wish me luck on getting it all set up! I hope you’ll enjoy the new Michigan series that’s coming soon🌷 

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😊

Walking Past My Father’s Last Workplace in Aoyama

Several years ago, I lost my father. His last workplace was in Aoyama, and one day I found myself there, walking near the building where he used to spend his days.

To reach the opposite side of the road, away from the building where my father once worked, I climbed up a footbridge. As I walked across, closer to the sky, I suddenly felt something unusual. For a fleeting moment, as if time had folded in on itself, it seemed possible that I might meet my father there—still working, still alive, just across that street. Yet almost at the same time, the sharp truth struck me: my father is no longer there, and I can never see him again.

After crossing the bridge, I wandered the neighborhood for a while and eventually sat at a quiet café terrace, looking out at the calm surroundings.

MATCHA LATTE at ERIC ROSE in Omotesando

Later, another memory came back to me. At my father’s wake, many flowers surrounded him, but I remember especially the light green carnations—flowers I had seldom, if ever, seen before. They were unusual, and deeply beautiful in their gentle color. And just recently, as I looked at my calendar for this month, I noticed a bouquet that included the same light green carnations among other flowers. I learned that one of their meanings is “healing.”

Now, during this summer Obon season, I cannot visit my father’s grave. But with the gentle reminder of these carnations and their message of healing, I am thinking of my father and my ancestors with gratitude in my heart. 

May he continue to rest in peace. And to all my ancestors, thank you for always watching over me with your quiet presence.

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.

Visual Lunch Diary: 3 Main Plate Highlights from Bistro Quatre Avril

Hello! Quatre Avril is my go-to bistro. I often go to the place for lunch, and there are quite a few photos I have taken. I'm going to upload those photos to start a visual lunch diary on this blog♫

So, let's get started!😄

Grilled bone-in chicken with chunky vegetables from Bistro Quatre Avril Lunch

Thu, Oct 12, 2023

I can't believe I can have such a sumptuous grilled bone-in chicken for a regular lunch😳!  It's like a Christmas dinner dish✨🎄✨

Whole fish with savory sauce and carrot pilaf from Bistro Quatre Avril Lunch

Tue, Nov 14, 2023

Isn't it amazing to be served a whole big fish!? The fish is fried in oil before being cooked. The chef uses a high-quality, healthy oil. I thought sunflower oil was used to fry the fish...?

Beef steak in mustard sauce with grilled potatoes from Bistro Quatre Avril Lunch

Thu, Dec 7, 2023

Once in a while, steak is included in the daily lunch menu. It's a thick, hearty cut of meat. It's a must-try when you find it😍

★　★　★

How was it? I'll be uploading more photos from Bistro Quatre Avril from time to time. Then, I'm off to the place for lunch today♪  I wish you all a delicious and enjoyable weekend!            Rose🌹

What will happen if you think of 3 good things that happened on the day before you fall asleep at night?

At the end of the day, before you go to sleep, think of 3 things that made you happy on the day. Any little thing would be OK. For example, relaxing with a rich cup of coffee, a fine piece of cake, or an unexpected kindness from a stranger...anything.

It's like a gratitude journal that you write in your heart. What will happen to you if you do that?

MIYUKI-KAN Blend Coffee

Aged beans create soft bitterness and full-bodied sweetness

The Chestnut Mont Blanc

Cafe de Ginza MIYUKI-KAN's prized specialty

The effect of remembering 3 good things from your day before going to sleep

🍎You can acquire positive thinking.

By focusing on even the smallest happiness and good events in your daily lives, you can alleviate stress and develop a positive attitude.

🍏Fall asleep in a relaxed state.

Remembering what made you happy before going to sleep will calm you down. The brain is more likely to feel a sense of relief and fulfillment, which improves sleep quality.

🍎Life is enriched by making it a habit.

A sense of good things happening to you. If you continue to look for and recognize even the smallest successes and joys, you will unconsciously bring more happiness into your life. 

How was it? This is the topic that has been featured in various reports. In fact, I have only recently started to put this into practice. You can try it too, if you like.  

I would think, having a heart that appreciates each small blessing in life tells me that I am already happy, and can be even happier in the days to come.

With love, Rose

 

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/

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

Making hamburgers with sandwich bread is a fun way to try something new☆

At KUA AINA, you can choose from three types of bread when ordering a hamburger or a sandwich. It is from KAISER ROLL, BRIOCHE, or MULTI-GRAIN WHEAT.

MULTI-GRAIN is sandwich bread (sliced bread)☺　Click here for the menu.👉 KUA AINA MENU

One day, I ordered a burger made with sandwich bread instead of the usual buns.

AVOCADO BURGER made with sandwich bread at KUA AINA

A regular burger becomes something else when the bun is replaced with sliced sandwich bread!

It's a whole new style of enjoying your burger.

If you are a sandwich lover, I would recommend trying this way of eating once😊

I should limit my gluten intake. However, I still like going to a cafe. So I enjoy sitting back and having a sandwich there every once in a while.  Sandwiches and coffee are my crush💕

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!   Rose

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