* epicurean discovery

One night a few weeks back, I decided to take a friend over to try out this restaurant/lounge called “20, Avenue de Champagne.”  It was exactly what I was expecting although it was my first time there.  The dim lights, warm and cool colors set the atmosphere as well as the presence of fine leather and glistening table tops. I apologize for the quality of the photos and lack of the interior design. I didn’t bring my camera with me that night!

Anyway, I present to you the treats of the night.

White Peach Parfait ^

The server overheard my convo about how my birthday was a few days ago, and she had my dessert presented like this along with a slender candle, some complementary chocolates, and some raspberries and blueberries (ridiculously expensive in Japan).

^ Close-up of my “Happy Birthday” written in Chocolate

Frozen Kiwi-blended Moët et Chandon ^

The total for my part came out to be somewhere around 2,500 yen.

Great for getting together with friends or a simple drink at the bar to relax after a long day.  Wish I could bring LMJ out here. I know they’d love this place, too!

My apologies for the long overdue update! I’ve tried lots of cafes and restaurant since then. Sorry if I don’t list them chronologically!

I finally found the Cassina in Nagoya!

It’s smaller than the one in Osaka - at least the cafe part of it - but the store itself is lovely and very modern.

The layout is different from the Osaka store, but nonetheless it has the same structured environment and cozy, home feeling.

Fresh Salmon Salad with Penne ^

Set comes with cold soup, small salad, and dessert of the day

^ Cappuccino Cocoa & Raspberry Yogurt Jelly

* all for 1,000 yen + 300 yen for 1/2 price of 800 yen coffee/tea! *

I guess you could say it was Sunday brunch since I did go on a Sunday. The place was actually closer than I thought and I wondered how could I have missed it when it’s literally in the area I often walk around and pass by?!

This has become one of my favorite places to kick back and relax. You could too since there are two comfy, soft leather couches inside where you can lay down if you wanted to and have a bite to eat.

————————————-

Ideal for — Sunday brunch/tea time,  read & relax

My rating — 73/100, food; 80/100, coffees & desserts

About 2 weeks back, I discovered a quaint, Indonesian Restaurant downtown at this Copley Place/Prudential Center-like complex called LA CHIC.

Welcome to Putri Bali.

Lamb Stew & a side of rice

(price N/A)

Iced Coffee with Tapioca & Cendol

(price N/A)

Panoramic View of the Restaurant

(it was indoors)

Delicious food and a cozy place! A definite recommend for anyone who wants to have an authentic Indonesian cuisine!

It was my first time although I’ve passed by the cafe several times since I’ve been in Nagoya.  I decided to take my afternoon break here (more like my late lunch!)

Juchheim is patissier founded in 1921. Originally from Germany,  this German patissier now has branches found only exclusively in Japan. (America needs more European cafes/patissiers like this!)

The “Schwartzver-something…”  Name was too long.

** 735 yen (tax incld.) **

A dedacant and rich, sweet yet slightly tarty vanilla/chocolate parfait with layers of cherries topped with fluffy cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a sprig of mint at the top. It was the perfect treat for a sweltering 98-degree summer day!

The Nagoya-Sakae cafe/shop at nighttime.

Besides desserts and cakes, they also serve German-style foods. You can also purchase other pastries and treats from Juchheim.  I’ve found branch shops around my area here.  I did buy my Christmas cake last December from here!