In late March 2023, I revisited the cafe after visiting the doctor. It was around 10:30 in the morning, so many shops around Sugamo Station were still closed. Hoshino Coffee was open, so I decided to stop by. They were still offering their morning service until 11:00 am, so I chose the 500 yen "Mini Pancake Set". I ordered a coffee with it. The mini pancake was about 10 cm in diameter, so it was a good size despite being called "mini".

Yesterday, I received a massage in Sugamo. After that, I visited this place. It was a little after 2 pm on a weekday and the place was almost full. I was told I could sit anywhere, so I chose a table for four towards the back. I ordered the limited-time "Caramel Apple and Strawberry Souffle Pancake" set for 1500 yen, which came with a drink. It took about 20 minutes for the dish to arrive. I really like the look of these kinds of sweets. The drink was black tea. Although it was a bit pricey, it was delicious.

To my beloved Hoshino Coffee Shop! On my day off, I often use Hoshino Coffee Shop for a relaxing time after lunch. Despite being a regular customer, this was my first time using their morning service. When I visited in the morning, I ordered French toast which came with the coffee. However, I chose tea instead this time, and it was a delightful Darjeeling tea with a sophisticated taste! The French toast plate also came with salad and boiled egg. The French toast was fluffy and delicious. Waking up early and having breakfast at a cafe makes me feel so happy!

In late November 2022, I revisited the restaurant. Lately, I've been having a lot of in-between meals and opting for sweets instead of a proper lunch. The other day, after getting a massage in Sugamo, I felt like having pancakes from "Hoshino Coffee," so I ordered the double portion of the chestnut souffle pancake set with a drink for 1400 yen. The drink was 100% apple juice. The restaurant was quite busy even though it was before noon. Whether it's healthy or not, it was delicious.

In late September 2022, I revisited my favorite cafe, "Hoshino Coffee." Since it opened in Sugamo, I have been using it frequently. I like the atmosphere here. It was a weekday afternoon around 2 p.m., and there were still quite a few customers. On this day, I ordered the "Mont Blanc Souffle Pancake Double" with a drink. It cost 1500 yen, which is a decent price. If you order the single portion, it might be a bit small. They always mention that you may have to wait about 20 minutes. I think the drink was probably apple juice. The Mont Blanc came with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The chic interior makes waiting bearable even for someone like me who dislikes waiting. The dish looked lovely as per the menu and tasted delicious. It's a menu item I would like to have occasionally.

In late July 2022, I revisited a massage parlor in Sugamo because I had been experiencing pain on both sides of my neck. Despite visiting an orthopedic doctor, all I received were painkillers, patches, and some rehabilitation exercises. So, I decided to get a 60-minute massage from a familiar massage therapist in Sugamo. The therapist mentioned that I was unusually tense, even more so than usual. After the massage, I felt some relief. Afterwards, I went to my favorite cafe, "Hoshino Coffee," and ordered their recommended limited-time menu item, the "Eternal Summer Vanilla Coffee" for 650 yen. It was a Sunday afternoon around 1 PM, and the spacious cafe was almost full of mostly female customers. I waited for a while and finally got my drink. The iced coffee was delicious, and it had vanilla whipped cream on top, which I really enjoyed. Overall, I was satisfied with my experience.

In late May 2022, I revisited Sugamo and had a 60-minute massage. After feeling relaxed, I started craving sweets. So, I went to my favorite cafe, "Hoshino Coffee Shop." It's my favorite cafe in Sugamo because of its great atmosphere. When I saw the menu offering a "Strawberry Short Parfait Cake Set," I immediately ordered it. It cost 950 yen and came with a drink. I chose a 100% apple juice. The visual presentation was satisfying, and the taste of the 100% fruit juice brought back memories of the popular "Watanabe Juice Mix" from my childhood. Even though I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference, I was still content.

Ah, I see. I thought so. Avoiding the crowded rotary area near the north exit of JR Sugamo Station, including Jonathan and Gusto, I headed to Hoshino. It was a sudden hot day, so everyone seemed to be seeking some cool air. Hoshino, except for some stores, basically does not have WiFi or power outlets. That's why you won't see people with laptops open or earphones in their ears. Instead, they are talking to each other. It felt like a scene from a few decades ago at a regular coffee shop, but somehow, it felt like the opposite phenomenon. Compared to Doutor and Veloce, where WiFi and power outlets are almost fully equipped, the atmosphere inside is noisy and bustling. It seems like it's just expensive... "Iced coffee, 1.5 times size" (620 yen) - As shown in the photo. It comes in a jug-like glass, not in Hoshino's iconic bronze cup. The vessel it's served in is important. I drank it all up quickly, like beer or a highball. I finished it without really feeling the essence of Hoshino. Thank you for the meal. (By Kyonatsu Shuusora, 4/26/2022) (12 reviews/3.03)

In mid-April 2022, I revisited a cafe in Sugamo after a visit to a hospital in Itabashi for my lumbar herniated disc which was causing leg pain. I wanted to have a strawberry shortcake parfait set in Ikebukuro, but it was still early in the morning so I assumed most places wouldn't be open yet. I settled for a "Showa-era pudding set" for 900 yen at a cafe called "Hoshino Coffee" in Sugamo, along with an iced coffee. It was delicious. I couldn't help but wonder what modern-day pudding is like compared to the one I had.

On the second floor of the building, there is a café called "Hoshino Coffee". Unlike many places that require taking the elevator, this café in front of Sugamo Station can also be accessed by stairs. After taking a stroll in Rikugien Garden, take a leisurely walk to the next station. Enjoy the Strawberry Fair at other shops. This time, the sweet treat is the classic cake "Opera (480 yen)" paired with the set drink "Hoshino Blend (400 yen)". It's a reliable combination. The chocolate flavor of the Opera cake is not too rich, making it easy to eat. The fluffy chairs are perfect for relaxing. Thank you for the meal.

In mid-March 2022, revisited the hospital in Itabashi for a regular check-up. Lately, my lumbar hernia seems to have recurred after a year, as my left lower back and calf have been hurting. Despite the monthly check-up, I decided to go. After it was over, I usually have lunch at a restaurant in Ikebukuro, but I didn't have the energy for it this time. However, I didn't want to go straight home, so I stopped by "Hoshino Coffee" in Sugamo for a light dessert. I had the "Caramelized Custard Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream" and a drink of "Hoshino Blend." It cost 950 yen. It was a Monday morning around 10:30, and the place was about 60% full. Despite its spacious interior, it was quite popular. I like apple pie, so I often choose it when it's on the menu. The apple pie here was also quite good. I've really only been going out to the hospital and convenience store. Every day, I'm taking a lot of medication. It's truly the twilight of my life.

In mid-February 2022, I revisited the massage parlor in Sugamo. After it ended, I took a break at my favorite Hoshino Coffee shop. It was around 4 pm on a weekday, and the shop was almost full. It's quite popular. I ordered my favorite "Baked Souffle Pancake Set" double for 1180 yen. I chose maple syrup and the Hoshino blend for the drink. I felt that the pancakes here were small the other day, but they were about 12 centimeters in diameter. Maybe they looked bigger because I ordered a double. I still prefer the classic taste here. I love the atmosphere of this cafe.

In early February 2022, I revisited the massage parlor in Sugamo because my neck had been hurting. After getting a one-hour massage, I decided to treat myself to some sweets here. It was around 3:30 pm on a weekday, and the place was almost full. I ordered the "Sweet Potato Rich Pancake Set" for 820 yen, which came with a drink called "Hoshino Blend." The coffee arrived first, and after a short wait, the pancakes were served. They were small. Honestly, when I had ordered regular pancakes before, they were much bigger, so I was expecting something larger. These pancakes were about 10cm in diameter. Despite their size, they tasted great. Considering the price, I guess it's understandable.

I tried the apple French toast from the seasonal dessert menu. The apple was cooked to a soft texture, the French toast was flavorful, and the maple syrup added a nice touch. Hoshino Coffee's French toast is always delicious. I have visited about six Hoshino Coffee locations, and I always enjoy the comfortable seating on their soft sofas. Each Hoshino Coffee store has a different atmosphere, so it's fun to explore the differences between them.

I went to my usual Hoshino Coffee shop. I'm happy that there is plenty of space between the seats. Not necessarily for preventing coronavirus infection, but I don't need to hear the conversation of the customers next to me more than necessary. I like the Hoshino Blend coffee here, which has a rich flavor and a strong bitterness. It feels like it goes well with sweet pastries. So, I'm enjoying a Mont Blanc pastry with coffee, which costs 900 yen as a set. It's the blissful time in Japan. Thank you for the meal!

In mid-October 2021, I revisited Sugamo. I rarely go out these days, only for doctor's appointments or grocery shopping. On this day, I went to Sugamo to deposit the Tokyo Metropolitan Retiree Association fee at the bank, had lunch alone, and then got a massage. It had been a while since my last one, so it felt really good. After the massage, I felt like having something sweet, so I went to "Hoshino Coffee Sugamo" located on the second floor of a building in front of the north exit of Sugamo Station. I prefer cafes with a relaxed atmosphere like Hoshino Coffee or Tsubakiya Coffee rather than Starbucks-style ones. The café was about 70% full on a weekday afternoon around 1 pm. As soon as I looked at the menu, I decided on the "Chestnut Souffle Pancake" because I liked its appearance. It was a double serving with a drink included, originally priced at 1500 yen, but with a lunch discount of 100 yen, it was 1400 yen including tax. I chose the Hoshino Blend Coffee as my drink. I was told it would take about 20 minutes, so I stood and waited. The pancakes arrived with a Mont Blanc-like topping on the double stack. The taste was also to my liking. It was satisfying to have something sweet while dining out after a long time. Satisfaction.

Mont Blanc French toast with marron glace ice cream on the side. The toast is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a satisfying texture. The sweet chestnut cream complements the toast well, so you may not even need maple syrup. I'm curious about other chestnut dishes on their menu, so I might go on a Starbuck's coffee shop tour.

I feel that Cafe Hoshino in Sugamo is taking thorough measures against COVID-19, making it the only choice when meeting people in the Sugamo area. It feels safe. Today, I had a set of coffee and Mont Blanc for 900 yen. In the quiet space, I can leisurely chat with my friend. It's a luxurious time and space. I'm always grateful. Thank you!

I stopped by Hoshino Coffee in Sugamo to adjust my schedule. I ordered the Orihime Blend. There was a man sitting nearby who seemed to be working intensively, typing away on his Panasonic laptop. He had a serious look in his eyes, occasionally taking business calls on his phone before returning to his typing. The sound of his fast typing was quite loud. I wondered if this place was a coworking space. I decided to take a break and ordered the "Baked Souffle Pancake" for 580 yen with maple syrup. I opted out of the whipped cream and vanilla ice cream toppings. Why do people eat sweets? Perhaps it's for a quick sugar boost. Finally, I was able to relax and take a breather. Thank you for the meal!

Hoshino Coffee is where we went for lunch today because the kids wanted to go. They have a variety of dishes like spaghetti with lots of toppings, beef stew, omurice, strawberry-filled souffle pancakes, and more. Personally, I think their plain pancakes are delicious enough on their own.