1. 14 Aug



    Cassina IXC Café — Minami-senba, Osaka

    Originally what was supposed to be an all-day trip to Osaka turned into an overnight stay in the countryside but that’s another story to be told.  Meanwhile, I found this fantastic cafe located in an Italian home furnishings store.

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    Believe it or not, you can sit in the display in the window over there and enjoy your refreshments. That was where we sat that day for a late afternoon break (though the display has four sets of sofas and two coffee tables now).

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    Caffe Shakerato

    my choice

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    Caffe Macchiato - the real deal

    Kenji thought it would be something like the one at Starbucks.

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    Shake de Ciocolata

    We were all jealous of Mark’s chocolate shake since it upstaged us both!

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    It was chic & relaxing especially since that particular weekend in Osaka, last weekend in July was about 38C or 99F, PURE HEAT.  The place was full of young 25+ women, housewives, and one young couple. The cafe isn’t particularly large, but it was spacious considering the rest of the expansive place was for home interior displays.

    (Apparently, there is a Cassina IXC store in Nagoya. I hope they have a cafe, too! I’m going to find it!)

     



  2. 20 Jul



    Juchheim — Sakae, Nagoya

    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!)

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    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!

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    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!