The cold winter months ahead call for cozy comfort foods, and cheese fondue is definitely up there on the list. At Cheese Cafe 2, you’ll find everything from pizza to pasta and of course, fondue (R ¥980, L ¥1280), which comes with focaccia sticks to dip. It’s made with 5 different cheeses: red cheddar, mozzarella, steppen, Emmental and Gruyère. We couldn’t resist ordering a side of crispy Mushroom Fritters (¥580) to douse in our bubbling pot of thick, creamy cheese. Next came the Sweet Potato and Four Cheese Pizza (¥1580) which instantly filled the air with the sharp scent of…
Author: Seasider
by David Ellis Freshly-baked cheesecake is hard to beat–it’s hefty and decadent, but not overly sweet or rich. Fortunately for us all, Yokohama has a real cheesecake factory named Gateau Yokohama. Located on a quiet river canal with boats docked outside, it’s a nice, cozy place to have tea or coffee with friends. The factory has a tearoom and its main shop sells cheesecake and other sweets made within its facilities. We ordered the Blueberry Cheesecake (¥375) and the top two selling items: Yokohama Cheesecake (¥350), a plain cheesecake made with fresh cream cheese, and Yokohama Cheese Pudding (¥350). My…
A few years ago we introduced you to Satoshi Kimijima, the 4th-generation CEO of alcohol distribution company Yokohama Kimijimaya, not to mention guitarist and lead singer of his own band, Mystic Waters. Last month he converted warehouse space across from his head office in Minami-yoshidacho into a wine and spirits shop with a standing bar for tastings. Kimijima travels abroad extensively to carefully choose the best products to import, and to forge relationships with his suppliers, especially smaller, family-run businesses. While the main focus of this store is imports, domestic alcohols are available as well–and the main shop across the…
The buzz about the city during the Rugby World Cup™ surely exceeded the expectations of most. We are proud to say that Yokohama shined in its role as host city. A plethora of satisfied guests returned to their home countries chattering about the charms of the city. Don’t expect much of a lull between now and the 2020 Olympics. Yokohama is poised to keep the exciting times rolling. The year nears its close with the annual Hot Rod Custom Show, massive illumination displays, and a building momentum for the Christmas season. Fall foliage reaches its peak highlighted by the gingko…
Saint Maur is one of Japan’s best international schools. While teachers and administrators alike (not to mention students!) have been a driving force of its success, perhaps nobody has played a more central role than Jeanette Thomas. She has worked 53 years in education and is currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors & Director of Human Resources. Between 1991 and 2013, she was the school head, and prior to that, worked many years as a teacher. What follows is a condensed interview with her from October. How has youth education changed over the last few decades? Rather than…
We have had the privilege of featuring some great local business-owners–passionate people who contribute to their communities in order to collectively bring growth to the city. And behind the success of many small businesses is a great family–like the Irimuras, owners of Yotsuba Bakery in Ishikawacho. They offer an array of original, creative pastries and a good number of them incorporate wafu (Japanese-style) qualities. The first thing you notice when stepping inside the bakeshop is the warmth of the atmosphere. Sure, it’s stocked wall-to-wall with freshly-baked pastries, but you’ll realize that the warmth isn’t just from the ovens or baked…
Someone in the same profession and in competition for the same business as you cannot truly be called a rival if you are envious of them, have disdain toward them, or if your profits are inversely tied to theirs. True rivals raise each other to new levels through competition. Having said that, in my admittedly narrow-minded view, I don’t feel that I have anyone in my profession that I can honestly refer to as an industry rival. Instead, I find my motivation to excel elsewhere. There is one place where I find myself thinking, “I, too, must do the best…
*Menu is currently being modified. Items and prices may change in the coming months. Anchor Ground is housed within a red-brick building located in Kaigandori. Its nautical theme, cozy, stylish interior and overall aesthetic are factors which make it quintessentially “Yokohama”. It’s one of those places that makes you want to sit and linger for a while as you watch the world go by outside the window. The counter bar is perfect for customers who come alone, while the table seating is just right for families and larger groups. The lunch menu is reasonably priced considering its excellent quality. Known…
As September comes to a close, you begin to see Halloween merchandise popping up at shops and decorations adorning storefronts. Many neighborhoods in the city hold events designed for Halloween fun for both children and adults alike. The Motomachi and Noge neighborhoods have celebrated the holiday for years. Speaking of holidays, this year on the 22nd of October we have the good fortune of getting a rare, bonus holiday for the Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito. It’s up to you whether you choose to follow the procedures on TV or simply take the day to relax. Lastly, in this issue…
Bakeroom’s desserts have a familiarity to them that brings back childhood memories of baking at home. The warmth of the kitchen while confections bake in the oven and the delicious smell wafting through the house…Bakeroom exudes these cozy, homely vibes and rustic charm with its bright atmosphere, dainty aesthetics and sweet fragrance of fresh pastries that fills the air. You feel at ease the moment you step inside the little bakery where a glass case is stocked with mouth-watering treats, all of which were baked by owner Midori Nishikiori. She grew up in Yokohama with a passion for baking, and…