One thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. I find it very important time well spent in order to live a happy, fulfilling life. During a business trip to Ise, I decided to treat myself to some breakfast in the coastal city. I got up nice and early and went to pray at the Toyo' ukedaijingu of Ise Grand Shrine before making my way to Asora no Chaya to order some of their Asa Kayu ("Morning Porridge") to warm myself up since I was feeling a little cold.   Asora no Chaya is about an 8-minute walk from Ise Stationーwhich by the way is the closest station to the Toyo' ukedaijingu of Ise Grand Shrineーand just a minute's stroll from the inner shrine itself. At the entrance they had "Asa Kayu" written on the door as pictured above. The cafe itself is located on the second floor. The cafe has wood-based decor, and the windows are nice and big, letting lots of natural light seep in. From the window I could see Ise Grand Shrine which I prayed at just moments ago. It's a place where you can wind down and relax.   I ordered the "Mike no Asa Kayu Awabi" (in Japanese: 御饌の朝かゆ 鮑). I found out that the word mike is used to refer to precious, sacred food. Apparently, your good fortune will increase if you eat it after praying to the god of food at the Toyo' ukedaijingu.

Mike no Asa Kayu Awabi (御饌の朝かゆ 鮑) - ¥2,040 (Tax Included)

My meal arrived in a wooden box. When I opened it, I was happy to see that I not only received the porridge, but other small plates and bowls of food too. I was charmed by how shiny the rice was in the sunlight. To eat the thin rice porridge, you add the awabi, pickled vegetables, kombu, bonito broth and other ingredients.   The rice porridge is easy to digest and warms you up to the coreーthe perfect way to relax on a cold day. The combination of the tender bonito and the smooth porridge is a match made in heaven. It's a very simple dish with no unnecessary additions. It has a gentle flavour that makes your mind and body just wind down and relax. As well as the rice porridge, the meal comes with other healthy foods too like dried fish, soft boiled egg and vinegared ingredients. For dessert, you get zenzai which is a type of sweet soup. This is a very special breakfast you can only experience here at this cafe, coupled with a view of Ise Grand Shrine, all in the early morning.   Whenever I wake up early, it feels like I'll have a very different start to the day than usual, but spending my morning in Ise, praying at Ise Grand Shrine and eating kayu porridge at Asora no Chaya had me holding my head high.   This morning, it was the start of another new day, and I began it feeling dignified.    

Today's Souvenir

Awabi Gohan no Moto - ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

I wanted to share the happiness between friends and family on this fine day where I got to eat a delicious breakfast. This Awabi Gohan no Moto is an easy way to enjoy awabi. You took it together with rice to make awabi rice. Being able to purchase awabi, which is a high quality ingredient, at this price is an absolute steal.   Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON) Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

If you're looking for a cool café experience in Tokyo then head to Nakameguro for a goldmine of craft beer taprooms, coffee roasters and restaurants. One café to consider adding to your list of must-go places is music café and wine barepulor. The café has added a number of exquisite and unique items to its menu this November including a matcha drink, black bean paste and butter toast and craft cola.Take a seat and admire the walls of old records which create a soothing artistic atmosphere while sipping your cup of the café's specialty hand drip coffee or sommelier-selected wine as the music of old records fills the air. When you have finished, feel free to take a gander at the gallery corner to appreciate the cafés art. The November menu introduces a high-quality matcha by UK brand Matchæologist®, providing the opportunity to make and enjoy your own matcha drink. From the high-quality rich flavour to the contemporary design of the tea vessel, Matchæologist® lives up to its reputation as artisanal matcha green tea specialists.Fans of epulor's popular Red Bean Paste and Butter Toast are in for a treat as the café is now serving up the Black Bean Paste and Butter Toast. The bread is a charcoal bread from the bakery Lotus baguette, which uses only natural yeast, Japan-produced wheat and no additives. The binchotan charcoal used to prepare the bread is a traditional charcoal which has been used since the Edo period. The appearance is just as striking as its taste. The café has also started to sell Japan's craft cola TOMO COLA. The cola is spiced with flavours from around the world including kola nut, nutmeg, Japanese herbs and Japanese citrus fruits. This natural cola contains no additives so you can indulge in the taste of nature and enjoy a unique flavourful experience of Japan.    epulor is the perfect spot to enjoy a luxurious moment of relaxation during your busy day while immersing yourself in an artistic and cultural experience. 

BAR & GRILL DUMBO is a restaurant heavily inspired by the Brooklyn neighbourhood town of Dumbo in New York. They will be adding a sprinkle of New York Christmas magic to the menu from November 7 - December 25, 2019 with the Christmas New York lunch and dessert buffet.   The buffet table will be filled with irresistibly cute and delicious desserts. From the Statue of Liberty to Brooklyn Bridge, the background is lined with skyscrapers and New York's most iconic landmarks. The S'more Bar is the perfect opportunity to toast your own marshmallows. Sandwich your molten marshmallow between two crackers to enhance your New York Christmas experience. Put your icing skills to the test at the Iced Biscuits Corner where you can enjoy decorating your own biscuits to your liking.There is more than just desserts, however. You must try the Christmas gratin, which is garnished with a jolly green Christmas tree made from romanesco broccoli. There is also a DUMBO Caesar Salad in the shape of a wreath, a delicious Roast Turkey Breast dish and much more. Make sure to pop down to Omotesando for a jolly New York-style Christmas celebration.