"Cake Walk" I'm alone in Kushiro, aiming to conquer all the stores of Higashiya. I don't have much time today, so how many can I visit efficiently? The second stop is Cake Walk Cafe, as written in my notes. The first stop took longer than expected, so things don't always go as planned. I'll try to stick to the plan for the second stop. I'll have to change things up drastically for the third stop and beyond, right? The cafe seems a bit intimidating for an old guy like me to enter, but once inside, the counter faces the outside. The owner is the only one there, and after sanitizing my hands, they become so slippery that it's hard to deal with. It's right by the restroom, but you can see outside and avoid interacting with anyone, except for the owner. The slightly elevated autumn sunlight feels unexpectedly hot as I bask in it. The piano plays leisurely, creating a languid atmosphere on this Saturday morning. The cafe, which I've seen a few times before, serves the blend within two minutes of ordering, true to Kushiro's impatient nature. The mocha-like blend has a hint of acidity, a nice change of pace. Maybe it's my age, but I'm starting to appreciate this kind of coffee. It's not a light roast, with a decent bitterness that makes it enjoyable. There's a newspaper clipping about this cafe that reads, "A coffee break after a walk..." It makes sense. The lakeside promenade at Harutori Lake is bustling with walkers.

Visited on January 27, 2019 with a friend. We were planning to have tea after shopping but the other store was closed. We remembered this place nearby where only one regular customer was present. The elegant lady running the place greeted us. Unfortunately, the cakes were sold out so we just ordered drinks. I had the Blend Coffee for 450 yen which tasted a bit sour, maybe it was pre-made. My friend chose the Cream Soda for 550 yen, which surprisingly wasn't green. We realized it's because it wasn't melon-flavored. My friend mentioned that the soda seemed like it was commercial but the ice seemed homemade. The coaster under the Cream Soda looked hand-knitted. The place had a vibe of a shop run by a lady who loves handmade items. I was interested in trying the parfait but I really wanted to try the cakes. By the way, the sign outside says they are open until 9 pm but the menu inside states they close at 6 pm, so I assume they close at 6 pm.

I stopped by this shop after going for a walk in the neighborhood and wanting to take a coffee break. I had a hot coffee. The taste was brilliant with a nice touch. The reason it exceeded its price is because of the precise job and step-by-step process that brings out the primitive sensory aroma of coffee to the maximum. You're doing a great job. Please continue to cherish this taste. Thank you for the meal.