Milky Way Dessert Cafe, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan

Hi guys! Here's another gem of a cafe we came across in Tokyo and yes, it is another themed restaurant. Living up to its name, the Milky Way Dessert Cafe is an outer-space and star constellation-themed and filled cafe. The menu mainly consisted of parfaits and other small desserts and shakes (yes, I do realise that most of the desserts we've tried have been parfaits but they were all delicious!)

Above is a chocolate ice cream parfait with liquid nitrogen.

It had such a cosy and relaxed ambiance and its desserts as you can see consist of elements such as liquid nitrogen to really demonstrate the full effect and theme of the cafe itself. 

A recurring theme we also found were the little star biscuits found with each of the desserts and tasted amazing. Above is a chocolate flavoured shake with a Milky Way Cafe twist. 

As you can see we also ordered strawberry flavoured parfaits which I think slightly beat the chocolate flavoured ones  (which tasted beautiful as well.)

...And that is our experience at the Milky Way Dessert Cafe! Till next time. Alex :) 

Cafe Est. Est., Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Cafe Est. Est. conveniently located near Shinjuku station was best the place to go to for my travel buddies and I who all possess a sweet tooth. There were so many delicious looking desserts on the menu, we couldn’t decide.  

As you can see above, they offer a wide range of delicious looking desserts.

  
However, we settled for three parfaits which were unexpectedly HUGE. Complete with multiple ice cream cones in each serving attached to scoops of ice cream which were then attached to layers of moist cake, whipped cream and finally doused in chocolate sauce at the very bottom...and I must not forget the chocolate flavoured Pocky sticks sticking out from the parfaits.

I had to put this photo on here as well. I think how we felt towards the desserts is summed up amazingly on my cousin's face! We couldn't wait to dig in!

...And that's it for today folks. I can't wait to post again! Till next time. Alex :)

Youeni Foodstore, 2/ 250 Old Northern Road and Cecil Avenue, Castle Hill.

After a recent refurbishment, and the addition of a Dan Murphy's outlet, in this part of Castle Hill's main street, Youeni Foodstore has been open for just over a year.  It offers a trendy, industrial style atmosphere, with an health conscious, organic, gluten free and vegetarian friendly menu. Incidentally, not my usual style!

I have driven past many times and it always seems busy. We came for breakfast and our first impression was all the people stopping in for takeaway coffees - another good sign!  The menu is creative and was surprisingly different to our favourite cafes.  This left hubby with the grumps, crying out where's the meat? As bacon was an add on to the meals, followed by his cry of....what is that alfalfa doing on my eggs?

 The cappuccinos were lovely and the food was delicious. I ordered the breakfast plate above and my husband had poached eggs, cooked to perfection.

While it was very different to the standard cafes in the area, I enjoyed the change. It may not be for everyone. The lunch menu looked yum though and I think I'll come back with a girlfriend, or maybe Mum, next time!

Crystal Palace Buffet, Tokyo Disneyland, Japan

Hey guys! During the mid-semester break I went to Japan with my cousins hence why I'll be adding a little twist to this blog in terms of food experiences and what some of the places I visited had to offer.

So the Crystal Palace's menu consists of an international mix with a very Japanese feel to it and an enormous selection of food and drinks. Everything was also clearly labelled and although it came off as pricey and had a 90 minute time limit to eat (which we  surprisingly found was more than enough to satisfy our hunger), it was nonetheless an enjoyable experience and one must also keep in mind the location of this place which is at Disneyland in Tokyo. 

 This is just a little glimpse of what they had to offer on the menu and the drinks they had available. 

The desserts were delicious as well. There was a variety of different cakes and pastries. (Please excuse the plate in the background. As you can see we thoroughly enjoyed the food!)  

Just a little extra something we had right before we left and found near the Crystal Palace Buffet. It's a Summer Special Strawberry Flavoured Shaved Ice (it was ABSOLUTELY refreshing and mouthwatering) 

...And that is the first of my many food adventures in Japan! I look forward to posting again soon! Till next time. Alex :)

Gatoni cafe, Upper Level, Castle Towers, Castle Hill

Gatoni is another frequent coffee and cake spot for my two best girlfriends and I. For over ten years we have enjoyed a multitude of coffees, teas and cakes and delicacies.  On the menu we always seem to return to the Choc Rock cake served with ice cream and that is what I came for today.  Hubby was occupied for a short window of time at the Apple store, and being one to make hay while the sun shines, I promptly headed up to Gatoni to hide away for 20 minutes...and eat cake.

It was a Sunday afternoon close to closing time and so service was a little delayed. The coffee was really great when it arrived.

The Choc Rock cake, with it's layers of crunchy hazelnut meringue layered with chocolate mousse and cream, did not disappoint. No surprises with the bill either, a fairly standard coffee and cake price of around $10. 

I texted the girls and they were jealous that I was here without them! Thanks for the memories Gatoni. Sonia xo

Sushi Bay, Castle Towers Piazza, Castle Hill

Yes, I know that Sushi Bay is not a cafe, however, it is a favourite lunch spot for my husband and I (particularly when we are alone!) and so it seemed fitting to sneak it in here in a cafe review blog. Sadly they didn't serve coffee - please forgive me!

Upon entering and being seated the wait staff and chefs and cooks exclaim the traditional greeting used in Japanese restaurants (which I looked up so I could add it here) is "irrasshaimase", which means, "please come in".  This adds to the sense of welcome and invites diners into their sushi experience. The moving sushi train is continually refilled during the busy Sunday lunch time, allowing for a large variety of choices.

I tend to stick with the same few familiar dishes including chicken and lettuce rolls and tuna and cucumber rolls (without avocado!).  My husband is a little more adventurous and will often enjoy the sashimi.

Today we both ordered the chilli prawns. They are spicy, sweet, crunchy and delicious, especially when made fresh to order.

Prices are based on the colour of each plate and is an affordable dining experience at around $20 each (including soft drinks)!

Yes we will be coming back, the next time we have a babysitter lined up! Sonia xo

Sol Cafe, Old Northern Road, Baulkham Hills

I'm a little embarrassed to confess that today was my first visit to Sol Cafe and it is less than a 10 minute walk from my house! Especially now that i know it serves such great coffee! While researching for this blog I went looking online for cafes in my local area and Sol Cafe had some good reviews. It is a little tucked away from my normal driving routes (my excuse) but it was easy to find and a pleasant surprise. 

The cafe has a warm, cosy feel and is decorated with interesting tasteful art and curiosities. The waitress was friendly and patiently came back to us a few times waiting as we chatted and browsed the menu, the all day breakfast choices on offer looked delicious, we were a little early for lunch, but I was really hoping for some cake. As we chose to sit outside in the sunshine, the waitress was able to tell us about the day's cake selection but in the end I chose the pancake stack and a cappuccino. My friend is currently on a gluten free diet (with some additional restrictions) and decided on the gluten free toast - not terribly exciting but she was happy to have choices on the menu for her limited diet. The drinks arrived quickly and the coffee was great.

The pancakes were light fluffy and delicious! I'll be coming back here again for sure. Sonia xo