(4⁄5 stars) Beyond Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — 33/? Located on the southwest edge amidst the trees of Inokashira Park, this café is a hidden gem known only to local residents and passers by who happen to stumble upon it while strolling in the park of while heading back to Kichijoji station after visiting Ghibli Museum nearby. It looks like a quaint, single story house that has been converted, and the atmosphere inside nicely compliments the natural setting outside. Highlights: + Access: 4⁄5 stars(not adjacent to the station, but by using the Unilocal app, it’s a nice seven minute walk from the south exit of Keio/JR Kichijoji stations) + Menu: 4⁄5(featuring gâteau– wheat-based crepes filled with fresh, seasonal and savory ingredients; nice selection of sweets and beverages also available for lite meals) + Atmosphere/Ambiance: 5⁄5(in the woodsy setting, it’s very intimate and comfortable; lots of Windows and French doors let in natural light whether you choose to sit at a table or at the long counter along the wall to the right of the entrance) + Value: 3.5÷5(although the menu features carefully prepared seasonal ingredients, a full meal including dessert and beverage will run close to ¥2,000/person — a bit on the pricey side) + Bonus: 4⁄5(a mini — I mean really tiny — gallery is located downstairs) Overall, it’s a solid four stars. The staff are friendly and conscientious — they should be as the place is small but nicely intimate. The lunch sets are a good value, and although a bit pricey, it appeals to the upper class clientele who live in the neighborhood. It also keeps noisy, poor college kids away, except for those who are better behaved(as they’re from well-to-do families). The food quality is very good, and you’ll enjoy this place to relax in an intimate setting among the trees. Not a place to visit often, but when the mood for crepes with fairly authentic presentation hits, this is a good spot that would easily fetch prices two to three times higher in the posh neighborhoods of Tokyo. Bonus notes: The arts and crafts on display in the mini gallery vary by season. Take a peek after descending the spiral stairway leading downstairs — it’s kind of mysterious and fun!
