zakka + cafe: orange cafe in kumamoto city (shimotori)

in the same circle of cafes as cadeau, this place was introduced to me by cafe/photo aficionado pal martyn. ありがとうございます！this cafe/boutique/photo exhibition space is yet another quiet cafe tucked into the alleys away from the hustle and bustle of kumamoto's busiest entertainment district. the comfortable lounge aura also has some good food to go along with it.


the two times that i have frequented this cafe, i ordered the same thing- toasted camembert cheese, honey, and raisin sandwich, with a tall glass of blood orange juice. the reading material in this picture is courtesy of martyn as well. have yet to put those phrases to use...

the rest of the menu consists of other toasted sandwiches (the BLT is also recommended) for ¥500-¥700, an extensive list of coffees for ¥300-¥400, and a few rice dishes for ¥600-¥800. aspiring photographers and hipsters frequent the place and its selection of picture books, accessories, home items is worth taking a look at.


info:
check the website for map...but basically its off sunroad, between densha-dori and shimotori, in a left alley, amongst very expensive clothing boutiques. yeah, sorry, that's probably not too much help. find it if you can!

http://www.zakkacafe-orange.com/

zakka + cafe: cadeau in kumamoto city (shower dori)

located next to a popular shower dori destination, tom tourist, this second floor faux french cafe, is one of my most favorite places to eat in kumamoto city. it really is my fantasy business- an accessories/handicrafts store with a cafe in the front. there are about 6 small tables but i've thankfully never had to wait for a vacant table. everything here is 超かわいい！　(cho-kawaii, super cute). it is quite popular with the 20-something girls...eating and shopping together. um yeahhh...


they have lunch sets for ¥700 to ¥800 that includes a pasta/rice dish, salad, ice cream, and drink. i recommend their hurricane rice dish- marinated minced beef, with fried egg over rice. when you're done eating, you must check out their funky boutique. i got a pretty sweet watch for ¥___. well you don't need to know that. its a quiet little hide out in the middle of the city that will make you feel all warm inside.

info:
2F sankei bld., 13-11 shinshigai
telephone: 096-355-4080

野の花 (nonohana) in 松橋町 (matsubase-machi, uki-shi)

this little cabin in the middle of rice paddies (i'm not kidding), is one of my most favorite eateries in uki city. located about a 10 minute drive south east of matsubase station, it is a bit of a treck, but well worth it. the restaurant prides itself on using the freshest vegetables (locally-grown), meats, and dairy products.

their lunch sets for ¥1000 include salad, soup, main dish (usually a pilaf or pasta), dessert, and coffee/milk to finish it all off. today i had their chicken and mushroom pilaf, with a cold pumpkin cream soup, with a berry sherbert for dessert. their regular menu ranges from pasta, to sandwiches, curry rice, pilaf, all in the range of about ¥700 to ¥900. their tofu and beef dorian is one of their most well-known dishes. its fabulous!
the staff is very friendly. the restaurant is quaint. the food is yummy. its something you definitely have to try.


info:
from 266 toward misumi, take a L at the 7-eleven/joyfull intersection. follow that road for about 1.5 km and you will see a sign on your left for 野の花。
open 11 to 10, last order at 9:30
closed: thursdays
telephone: 0964-33-6094
(party room available, 10 to 15 people)