9.07.2011

Sunday Wanderings in Daikanyama - Eataly Deli and Surroundings

Daikanyama is a small, trendy neighbourhood tucked between Shibuya and Naka-meguro. On a lazy Sunday, with a hankering for pizza and cured meats, I headed to Eataly for some fresh pasta, pizza, cheese and prosciutto (yes we went a little crazy). Eataly is a casual restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh and imported goods. And if you like what you're eating, just head to the nearest shelf in the deli to find endless varieties of olive oils, wines, pastas, meats, and any Italian staple imaginable.

As the perfect cure to our overly full bellies, we wandered from Daikanyama towards Shibuya passing boutique stores including Dita Eyewear, A.P.C clothing and Kitsune records, and spotted some little cafe's I can't wait to go back and try.

All in all, a very nice way to end a weekend in Tokyo.

Along with the plate of cured meats and pizza we had pesto pasta and a cheese plate. Such piggies


This was an organic cafe we stopped by which looked beautiful. I think it's name is Yemen Cafe


Boutique stores to explore



Eataly is easily accessed from Daikanyama Station


大きな地図で見る

9.06.2011

The Real Crepe Deal - Cafe-Creperie Le Bretagne

Tokyo's crepe scene, particularly for those who frequent Harajuku, consists predominantly of street side crepe stands, surrounded by bright plastic models, selling young girls endless variations of creamy goodness. Whilst the crepe connoisseur may gasp at such a display, fear not, as around the corner in Omotesando is what claims to be Japan's first official Creperie, Cafe-Creperie Le Bretagne, serving authentic French-style crepes.

Approaching the cafe, I was greeted with a 'bonjour' from the Japanese waiter. The cafe is decorated with traditional ceramic plates and paintings from Bretagne, which set the scene for our French lunch in Tokyo. This is complemented by the head waiter, who willingly discussed with us the methods they used to make the crepes, as well as the amazing home-made ice-cream. 

The menu is packed full of both savory and sweet crepes, from the simple cheese, ham and egg, to smoked salmon, grilled vegetables and anchovies. The savory crepes, with its sides carefully folded in the shape of a square, are crisp and delicious on the outside, and meltingly good on the inside. The sweet crepes tell a different story. Filled with stewed fruits, chocolate, or simply maple syrup, and topped with a slightly sour ice cream, made from butter milk imported from France. The side dishes, such as salads and soup, are also fresh and tasty. This is all washed down with some sweet and bubbly cider. 

Le Bretagne's website explains how the crepes are made specifically in the Bretagne style with the finest buckwheat flour and ingredients. A perfect lunch spot for those around Omotosando, this is well worth a visit.

Sparkling cider served in little cups
These waiter's spoke to me in French, I was too flattered to mention I didn't speak a word of it
Simple crepe with maple butter - yum
Classic mushroom, cheese, ham and tomato crepe with scrambled eggs
This one had Gruyere cheese and chili on top! 

The creperie can be accessed from Omotesando station.
Details are here.