ぱりそら
I heard that there is a lovely retro-style old folk house cafe where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere in Nakazakicho, so I headed to Utena Coffee Shop. The blend coffee and cheesecake served in the quiet and nostalgic space have a special deliciousness. The cafe is located in a small alley north of Nakazakicho Station. It's easy to miss because the sign is small. Following the rules since the pandemic, seating is limited to 2 people (no seating for 3 or more) and the usage time is limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes. When you slide open the wooden door, you step into a space that feels like the Showa era. The dimly lit interior with warm incandescent light, weathered wooden pillars, creaky wooden floors, and a small garden casting a faint light create a nostalgic and extraordinary atmosphere. Everything you see exudes a nostalgic charm, typical of Nakazakicho's historic area. The staff quietly brew coffee, and on the counter, there are colorful sugar pots lined up, with cups and saucers waiting in the cupboard. The ticking sound of a pendulum clock, soft piano jazz or classical music playing in the background, enveloping you in a relaxing atmosphere. This unique tranquility is reminiscent of the popular cafe Keshi Pearl in Kobe. Here too, loud and lengthy conversations or standing up to take photos are not allowed (you will be approached by the staff). Now, let's check the simple menu. Drinks mainly include coffee, Earl Grey tea, mixed juice, and lemon squash, while food options consist of two types of cakes and four types of toast. The blend coffee comes in two varieties: medium-dark roast and dark roast. The medium-dark roast has a balance of bitterness and acidity, while the dark roast is more bitter due to a deeper roast. This time, I ordered the dark roast blend coffee and cheesecake. Each order is meticulously hand-dripped and the coffee and cake arrived in about 10 minutes. ■ Dark Roast Blend Coffee - 500 yen tax included A deeply roasted coffee with a strong bitterness and depth of flavor. The deep aroma that lingers in your nose is enchanting. The toasty bitterness unique to dark roasts, with a mild acidity and a clean finish without any roughness. Enjoyed black, it pairs perfectly with the cheesecake for the ultimate harmony! ■ Cheesecake - 350 yen tax included Topped with kiwi, lemon, and red goji berries, this retro-cute cheesecake is moist and rich with a pleasant creaminess. The fine, creamy baked cheesecake crumbles lightly and gracefully when you insert a fork. The gentle acidity of the cheese spreads softly, and the sweetness is surprisingly mild and light. The simple, homemade deliciousness evokes a nostalgic feeling, just like the atmosphere of the cafe. A blissful moment to leisurely savor coffee and cake in a retro space where time seems to stand still. While it's not the place for lively conversations, you can relax quietly surrounded by music and the aroma of coffee. Thank you for the meal!