foodie thursday

Satoshi had to go to Tokyo for business today, so we woke up earlier than usual. After sending him off, I went back to sleep. An hour later, I had my breakfast and got ready for my foodie adventure.

I headed out to Higashi Osaka (East Osaka) because of a recent article in a foodie magazine noting several pastry chefs. Today, was a beautiful day, but awfully humid!

Unfortunately, the first place on my list was closed. This shop didn't have a website, so I didn't know they were closed. The chef is in France at the moment and won't be back until the end of the month.

My next stop was Tamatsukuri to a shop which is owned by an Englishman--Broadhursts. The shop was very open and welcoming. I picked up some of their baked treats (some scones, financiers, shortbread, lemon polenta, a fig cake made with Guiness beer and an oatmeal bar). He also had a very impressive showcase with refrigerated desserts. I'll have to take Satoshi next time.

I was then on my way to Uehommachi. I read in this magazine about a chocolatier that also makes different kinds of desserts too. One thing about getting information off of the internet is that the information isn't always the most recent. After making a few phone calls and asking people on the street, I found the place---Nakatani.

I had their lunch set--shrimp and avocado tartine. This open-faced sandwich really hit the spot. There were many other housewives lunching there too, so it was a bit chatty and noisy, and no smoking allowed.

Dessert also accompanied lunch, I chose the creme au chocolat--a rich chocolate mousse and a little dark chocolate bonbon.

After re-fueling, I was back on my way and headed to Tanimachi 4-chome.

There is a little shop called La Plage. This shop was featured on a local program a couple of years back and also featured in the same foodie magazine. They are known mostly for their refrigerated desserts, but since I was still gallivanting, I just picked up their matcha cookies, sables and dark chocolate covered almonds.

Nakatani also has a chocolate shop in Tanimachi 4-chome, so I went to check them out. They are located in the basement of a condo. It was kind of like going to a secret chocolate hideaway. I picked up 3 bars--Madagascar 66%, Caraibe 64% and Quatre vingts 80% (a mixture of 18 different Forestero, Criollo & Trinitario beans). (This chocolate shop is no longer at this location)

When I came home, I was surprised to find a memo in my post. I had answered a questionnaire from a foodie magazine which entered me for a chance to win a gift of my choice. I chose a chocolate tasting packet and won! 8 little neapolitans ranging from 29%-99%. I'm a bit worried about these since the guy that delivered it didn't have it refrigerated...still, I'm excited about winning.

Despite the heat and some obstacles, it was still a fun day.

Broadhursts (UPDATE: 2016 they moved locations)
2-25-12 Tamatsukuri
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6762-0009
Closed: Mondays

La Plage
3-7 Kitashinmachi
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6949-3938
Closed: Mondays

Nakatani
6-6-27 Uehommachi
Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6773-5240
Closed: Mondays

Nakatani-chocolate shop
1-4-1 Yariyamachi
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06-6943-0023
Closed: Mondays (UPDATE: this shop is no longer at this location)