Since I found about this place, I was interested.
Last weekend when we came here with my sister and her husband after lunch, but there were ten parties already waiting, and we decided to come back another time.
Yesterday was a rainy day, and it was not the best day for a walk, but we also thought it might discourage other people to go there.
I don’t know if it was because of the rain, but it was pretty quiet, and we were able to get in with no problem.
Okage-An is a part of the famous Japanese chain coffee shop called Komeda Coffee, and it’s their Japanese cafe version.
The layout is very similar to the regular Komeda Coffee, but the color scheme and the decorative items give a nostalgic atmosphere.
The menu includes a lot of traditional Japanese sweets.
They have their signature sweets called “Shiro-Noir”, but their version features Matcha and kuromitsu (Japanese “black” or dark syrup).
There were a lot of interesting things on the menu, but it was quite easy for us to pick what we wanted.
My husband ordered this Anmitsu and Matcha.
Anmitsu is a bowl of ager jello, fresh fruit, and sweet red beans, served with Japanese “black” syrup on the side.
I ordered “Azuki” tea.
I like that they offer this non-caffeine beverage.
Oh, by the way Komeda Coffee is found in many other prefectures in Japan (over 500 locations!), but it originated in Nagoya.
As for me, it was an easy choice.
I like Dango (sticky rice balls), so I was naturally drawn to it, but when I found out that I got to grill them myself, I was sold!
They bring this portable table-top grill and a plate of three Dango skewers.
Once the grill is hot, you place the Dango and cook for three to five minutes.
Once they are browned nicely, you turn them and cook for another three minutes or so.
Mine stuck to the grill unfortunately likely because I placed them too soon before the grill was hot enough.
Next time I will do better.
There are three topping/sauce options: soy sauce; red beans; Black syrup & kinako.
I chose soy sauce.
As recommended, I placed them back on the grill after coating them with soy sauce.
It caramelized, and the smell was amazing.
I personally like my Dango with sweet soy sauce, so I added some sugar to the soy sauce.
Once the Dango gets the nice charred color, you dip it in the sweet soy sauce.
It was so good!!
The freshly grilled Dango is the best.
Whoever came up with this idea is genius (lol).
After we left the cafe, we checked out this flower/plant shop.
I want to get some green for our place, but I’m just not confident to be able to keep them alive.
I may have to look into fake plants.
It got cold so quickly yesterday, and we realized needed to buy a few more fall/winter clothes. Fast.
I needed a jacket.
I really liked this one.
The color was nice, and the material was thick and soft.
But it felt a bit too big for me.
It was size M and the staff told me that it was the smallest size available.
It took me 15 minutes or so, but finally I decided to look for something else.
At night I met with a friend from college for dinner at an izakaya.
We’ve known each other for decades, but since I was away from home, so I would see her every three-five years until now.
Now I’m back, I’m looking forward to more nights like this.
