Tokyo 7-10 May 08, Day 2 - Ikebukuro, Ginza

Had an absolutely good night's rest on the heavenly bed. Hubby had left much earlier for his meeting, so I took my time to wash up and slowly made my way to Shinagawa for my brunch. No need to hurry since most shops won't be open till 10 or 11am.

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Was eyeing on Dean & DeLuca the night before already :p

Dean & DeLuca The Shinagawa Store
2-18-1 Atre Shinagawa 2F
Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0075
TEL 81.3.6717.0935
Espresso Bar: 7am-11pmK
iosk: 7am-10pm
Market: 10am-11pm
International Website: http://www.deandeluca.com/Aboutus/Default.aspx?id=202&selItemId=202&parentItemId=14
Japan Website: http://www.deandeluca.co.jp/

Why isn't Dean & DeLuca in Singapore? There are a number of flagship stores in Asia already like Japan, Taiwan... Anyway, concept is similar to that of Jones The Grocer at Dempsey.

Ordered a Chai Spice Iced Tea and Tuna Puff. Yum! I love the Chai Spice Tea!

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After the brunch, I headed to Ikebukuro and specifically Sunshine City as I was looking for a particular zakka shop.

Ikebukuro 池袋

Shinzi Katoh Design

直営店東京都池袋

サンシャインシティ 専門店街 アルパ 1F (Sunshine City Alpha)

Tel 03-3986-2884
http://www.edg.jp/

Shinzi Katoh features zakka goods like bottles, cups, crockery, stationary, shopping bags etc with simple illustrations. I was drawn particularly to Onigiri boxes :)

There are also a number of other zakka shops in Sunshine City.

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Next proceeded to Ginza to do some window shopping at Coach, Prada, Gucci, Burberry etc.

Ginza 銀座

Pastisserie Qu'il fait bon キル フェ ボン銀座

東京都中央区銀座 2-4-5

TEL : 03-5159-0605

営業時間 : 11:00～21:00(年中無休)
http://www.quil-fait-bon.com/

Upon exiting the Ginza station, chanced upon this interesting bakery on ground level with cafe on level 2. On first look, it didn't even look like a cafe, but it sure was popular. As it was afternoon and hours since I had my brunch, might as well sit down for some afternoon tea. However, the cafe was already full and long queues forming on level 2. Well, next time perhaps.

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Afternoon Tea
http://www.afternoon-tea.net/

My favourite zakka shop in Japan, this place needs no further explanation as I think I mentioned it several times in my previous entries.

This store in Ginza must be one of the larger branches, with 3 or 4 storeys.

Delighted to see the Afternoon Tea Tearoom & Bakery next to the store! Might as well enjoy my afternoon tea at Afternoon Tea.

My favourite tea - earl grey with honey, lemon and a sprig of mint leaf. Ordered the Afternoon Tea High Tea set which included a drink and 5 pastries from selection. There were at least 20 selections, didn't know what to order and I was trying to figure out the pastries written mostly in katagana. In the end, asked the service staff for recommendations on most popular items.

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After the afternoon tea, walked around Ginza for a bit before heading back to the hotel to unload my purchases for the day while waiting for hubby to end his meeting.

It was slightly late by the time he returned to Shinagawa. Decided to have dinner at The Atre, which is connected to the Shinagawa station.

Manhattan Grill

The Atre Shinagawa 4F
http://www.manhattangrill.jp/index.html

http://www.gnavi.co.jp/gn/en/a039200h.htm

Took a slow and nice dinner at Manhattan Grill, enjoying the music, ambience and company.

After dinner, we took a stroll around Shinagawa station then headed back to hotel.