Jugetsu Ginza Kabukiza, Tokyo JAPAN

In August last year, I had a few days to myself in Japan to explore the city, something I have been meaning to do but never did get the opportunity. Making my way around Narita airport felt akin to walking around Melbourne CBD in terms of familiarity and soon enough, I transported myself to the heart of Tokyo, ready to check-in and explore.

Knowing that I was a bit early to check into my hotel room, I headed to Jugetsu Ginza Kabukiza which was located about 10 minutes by foot from the hotel. Unfortunately, the blazing summer heat made it unbearably hot and I appeared rather flushed upon entering the premises. 

The menu comprised of a few sweet treats in addition to a good selection of drinks to enjoy with it. After gulping down two cups of water, I proceed to order a rich matcha drink which came accompanied by a little sweet wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) filled with red bean paste. 

Yes, there were other options to sample but being a solo traveller, I wanted to save my tummy space for other prospective treats scattered around Tokyo. My cup of matcha was certainly rich and had an almost syrup like texture; not everyone's cup of tea but was a good contrast to its sweeter companion. 

Upon finishing off the last sip, the waiter then poured some water into the matcha bowl before giving it a good whisk to evenly mix the remaining matcha into a lighter cup of tea. Ahhh the simple pleasures of life extended by another drink.

Decorated by polished bamboo branches and overlooking a small, tidy garden, the cafe itself is designed to look like an escape away from the bustling city. Would happily go back again granted the opportunity and not only sample other items on their menu, but also to purchase more tea from their shop. Tea may cost slightly more compared to those available at the markets but it's quality is undeniable. Oh they do also sell snacks which I too endeavour to try in the future. 
 

Butter Mafia

It has been a good 6 months since I last posted here. Looking back, I realized how unproductive I was during the lockdown period. Gyms were closed so no more rushing out to attend classes; I have stopped working on weekends, I hardly spend any time looking at properties as house inspections are almost nil existence and most importantly, holiday plans are on hold until international travel resumes.

 Indirectly, this could be a sign for me to slow down and reflect on what matters most to me; quality time spent with family and with myself. Too often I push my limits in an attempt to attain what I presume to be "achievement" financially and physically, consequently, losing patience and self-worth when targets are not reached.

This year had been a lesson on it's own and one that I will remember whenever I take things for granted. Butter Mafia treats came in a timely manner during my reflection period, possibly God sent? :) 

I was kindly sent a package from Butter Mafia that included 6 decadent brownie logs and 3 cookies. I will go into more detail but for now, can we please appreciate that these treats are 100% gluten free and are handcrafted to taste delicious, nil compromise on flavour whatsoever.

 

Henchmen cookies - Peanut butter cookie fully loaded with hand cut chocolate chunks. A chewy, crunchy, sweet and salty little number and one that I could easily finish off at least 3 pieces of (despite my mind disagreeing). I am not a huge fan of thin chocolate chip cookies because it isn't satisfying enough for me but this fella proved me wrong.

And now, let's meet the 6 brownie logs aka the mob log. On the front row lies The Mistress surrounded by the Bad Boy brownie on the left and the Don on the right.

The mistress - lemon and passionfruit curd on vanilla biscuit. The perfect marriage of tangy, sweet and creamy on the palate, lightly dusted with fine coconut for added aroma. This would be the perfect little contrast to the other bolder brownie flavours.

Bad boy brownie - the ultimate brownie aka rich, decadent and loaded with roasted almonds and hand cut milk chocolate chunks.  What more can one ask of a brownie.

Don - a remake of the classic caramel slice but made better with the addition of roasted hazelnuts in the rich caramel layer and a chewy chocolate biscuit base. Caramel slice redefined luxuriously.

To the left lies the Mafia Darling and to the right, the Black Widow. 

Mafia Darling - decadent white chocolate salted caramel on a buttery vanilla biscuit, topped with tempered white chocolate with a lovely pink hue swirled into it. I was anticipating sweetness overload for this one but found it rather pleasant and easy to appreciate.

The Black Widow - When you think the Bad Boy brownie takes the cake (haha), the Black Widow is akin it's relative minus the nuts but filled with a layer of coffee caramel and dark chocolate. Ohh now this is one for the really hardcore chocoholics out there.

 Last but not least, the Mob wife; a rich and moist chocolate mud piece layered with raspberry pate. For those who love both chocolate and fruit, this is one not to miss. Would have loved more raspberry pate to balance off the chocolate flavour but then again, I have been overdosed on chocolate so...

Overall a really enjoyable afternoon for myself as I work my way through the various treats. One can easily order online from their website as delivery is available Melbourne wide (free delivery for those lucky peeps living within 5km of Northcote).