Birmingham Sushi Caffe Experience & Reflecting on Missed Moments at Sushi Japan

After our walk in Birmingham, we decided to go for dinner at Sushi Japan. It was one of the places I had looked up back in Japan and really wanted to visit in Birmingham. Since I’m not very familiar with the area, Collie quickly checked the map on his phone and led us there. It was actually his first time too, but I really appreciated how proactively he took the lead in finding the place.

Google Maps showed it should be open, however, there was a notice saying it was closed today due to an urgent matter or something like that. Inside, there was a man who looked Japanese working alone. Collie asked me, “How about you talk to him?” but I held back.

The back entrance of Birmingham Sushi Cafe

377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009

Plans changed abruptly! We came to another sushi restaurant, Birmingham Sushi Cafe. Once again, Collie checked the location on his phone for us. 

This was a casual sushi restaurant where Asian staff who were not Japanese worked. Collie and I each ordered two types of sushi rolls. About six sliced pieces of each kind—four rolls in total—were served together on one plate. It was more filling than we expected!

Sitting by the window, we enjoyed sushi with a view of Downtown Birmingham in the evening. Between the walk on Poppleton Street and my choice of sushi restaurants, my plans in Birmingham are being put into action quickly on my first day in Michigan, thanks to Collie.

I think what I ordered was the Spicy Salmon Roll. The orange sauce poured over it is the spicy sauce. The other one was the Spicy California Roll, which contains crab salad and avocado inside. In the back, you can see the sushi roll Collie ordered, which has shrimp tempura inside.

And this is Collie's "Philadelphia." It’s a roll made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. Since Collie couldn’t finish his portion, I managed to eat the rest! =3

Birmingham Sushi Cafe is a laid-back sushi restaurant that hits the spot when you want to enjoy some sushi without any fuss.

On the other hand, it was disappointing that Sushi Japan was unexpectedly closed today. As a Japanese person, I want to experience sushi run by Japanese owners.

Afterwards, when I was exploring Birmingham alone, I visited Sushi Japan, but it was closed and there was no one there. Now, writing this blog after returning from Michigan, I looked it up and found that it is listed as "permanently closed".

I wish I had mustered the courage to speak to the Japanese man inside when I first visited with Collie. At that time, I thought it would be fine to talk when I visited again while it was open. 

I might have been able to say something to support the Japanese person working hard in Michigan—that thought crosses my mind now.

The Tender Struggle with Miniature Roses

I am enthralled by small roses. While large roses are gorgeous and classy, small roses are so cute that they gently make my heart flutter. Their dainty appearance truly touches my heart.

I usually tend to be frugal, so I don't buy flowers to decorate my home. However, one day I thought, if I could grow miniature roses in pots, I could enjoy them all year round! So, I bought a miniature rose that captured my heart at the flower shop and brought it home.

I also bought another miniature rose. Watching the small buds gradually open each day lifted my spirits. Truly, these adorable roses warmed my heart. Arranging cut small roses in a little container must be adorable too!

However, these miniature roses were difficult to grow. When I put them out on the balcony, the sunlight caused the flowers to droop, and even indoors, the sunlight from the west into my room didn’t seem suitable. Watching the little roses weaken day by day was painful and disappointing, so I gave up on the dream of growing potted roses.

With an apology for not being able to grow them well, please allow me to share photos of these delicate roses that warmed my heart.

Since then, each time I catch sight of a potted miniature rose, I am captivated by its cuteness and at the same time feel a little pang of the feelings of not being able to nurture them. Yet, I cannot help but look. These tiny roses hold a special place in my heart, as my most cherished flowers. 

A Quiet Evening Walk Together on Poppleton Street, Birmingham, Michigan

This is probably my seventeenth visit to Michigan. After checking into the hotel in Birmingham that Collie had booked for me(us), he asked me what I'd like to do with the rest of the evening. I suggested that we take a walk together along Poppleton Street.

I’ve been to Birmingham several times before, and it’s one of my favorite places in Michigan. I wanted to walk along this Poppleton Street with Collie—a street I used to stroll often, one that had left a lasting impression on me.

While living in Japan, I try to study English at my own pace and focus on finding happiness in my everyday life in a way that feels true to myself. Spending time alone happily is important and right, but maybe I'm also consciously tying to do that because otherwise, I might start wondering why we live so far apart and begin to feel uncertain. So when I finally come to Michigan and see him in front of me, I feel a quiet pause inside me as I try to adjust my heart to being here again.

On the first day of October, I stepped off the sidewalk onto Poppleton Street to take a photo. Though it was already evening, the sun was still bright, pouring a warm light over the quiet neighborhood.

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Collie was taking this photo of me from behind! ^o^

It was a warm October, and the leaves were just beginning to change color.

The autumn colors were starting to show, glowing softly in the sparkling sunlight.

A large residence near Poppleton Street, Birmingham, Michigan

In no time, I was walking along the nostalgic Poppleton Street with Collie the very day I arrived in Michigan. The hotel was booked for six days, mostly for me; he hadn’t really stayed there. He is currently busy taking care of his mother, visiting her daily to check on her condition, so he doesn’t have much time to spend with me. Even so, I'm truly thankful to have come all the way because I can meet him in person like this, basking in the comfort of his gentle smile.

Tomorrow morning, I will take a walk along this street again on my own. I'd love to experience the morning atmosphere of Poppleton Street too. Just like I do in Japan, I will take some personal time here happily and meaningfully. The time spent with him is a treasure. The time spent alone is also a treasure, made even more meaningful because of him. Because we are connected in our hearts.

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

My First Delta Comfort Experience: Three Meals and Airport Frenzy

Whenever I went to Michigan, I always flew economy to save some money. But this time, I decided to treat myself and booked [Delta Comfort] for the first time. It’s just one step up from [Delta Main](economy class). The legroom is a bit more spacious, and while the meals are pretty much the same, the nice perk is boarding earlier in Zone 3, which means I can settle in and relax a little sooner. 

There’s no more drink & snack service right after boarding like before COVID. These days, the welcome drinks are offered starting from [Delta Premium Select] (one class above [Delta Comfort]) and in [Delta One](the highest business class).

So, when the dinner service started, I asked for sparkling wine🥛as my first drink, enjoying the feeling of a welcome drink♪ The sparkling wine is no longer served in a small, cute bottle like before; instead, it comes in a recyclable can, which I found quite stylish and delicious.

Delta dinner plate

During dinner, I had red wine for my second drink. It was rich and enjoyable.

The seat layout in [Delta Comfort] is 3 (left) - 3 (center) - 3 (right), 

while in [Delta Premium Select] it is 2 (left) - 4 (center) - 2 (right). 

Since I prefer to spend my time as comfortably as possible in my seat, I like the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort]’s 3 (center) layout. This is because I believe it has the lowest probability of having to get up when other passengers stand to go to the restroom.

[Delta Premium Select] offers wider seat width and seat pitch, along with adjustable footrests and leg rests, plus perks like welcome drinks and meals served on real dishware. However, for me, sitting in the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort] holds more value.

 PIZZA TWIST, traditional in-flight snack of Delta

This PIZZA TWIST thing was served as a light meal in the late night. I’m impressed with the creative way they made pizza easier to eat! It’s designed to be a convenient, tasty snack that fits well in the limited space of airplane service.

It was cold on the plane, and I felt chilled, so I asked for a warm cup of tea to accompany the midnight snack.

Delta morning plate

As we approached Detroit, it was time for breakfast. Although yakisoba(noodle) was also an option, I deliberately chose an omelet because I wanted to get some protein. For my drink, I had tomato juice, thinking about its beauty benefits.

There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board—and babies crying, but my first time on [Delta Comfort] was a good flight. As usual, I also enjoyed the movies.

Near the airport exit at Detroit

Having safely passed through customs, I sent a message to Collie saying, "I've arrived ^^♪" 

Calls and SMS are possible with Biglobe Mobile’s international roaming, but data communication is not. (For data, I use GlocalMe’s pocket WiFi.) While I was wondering whether to turn data roaming ON or OFF on my smartphone, Collie appeared quickly! We hugged after a long time apart, but Rose went back to worrying about the data roaming issue.

Collie laughed and said, "Is your smartphone more important than me?" Rose replied, "No, Collie, you’re the most important, and I hugged you first!" Rose returned to checking the data roaming —because setting it wrong could lead to a huge bill...

I later found out that the correct setting was to turn data roaming OFF on my smartphone, and for safety, also turn mobile data OFF.

It was a somewhat rushed reunion (sorry, Collie), but from here, our three weeks together in Michigan begin🌷

See you nest time...  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.

And Now, Off to Michigan! – The Beginning of a New Journey

It’s been about two years and four months since I last visited Michigan. Just like last time, I just stopped by the SKY LOUNGE for a cup of coffee before my flight. I’d always flown out of Narita Airport, so this is only my second time flying from Haneda to Detroit.

Since I have a Saison American Express Gold Card, I’m an eligible credit card member. By showing my card at reception, I can enter the SKY LOUNGE. Also, when I purchase my ticket with this card, travel insurance for the U.S. is automatically included.

I didn’t have much time that day, but I couldn’t pass up the chance for at least a coffee break! I placed my cup on the table just for a little photo memory—can you spot it? ^^  Unfortunately, it was drizzling outside. I grabbed a quick coffee and then headed off.

Then came the long, long walk to the Delta gate for the Detroit flight. It really pays to head out early.

This time, my train was delayed due to the gloomy weather, and I barely made it to the airport on time. I was relieved to make it in time for boarding! Browsing the tempting airport shops and enjoying a snack before takeoff will have to wait until next time.

The journey starts here.  I will start my new travel chapter. 

And now, off to Michigan!