Most people who have spent a longer time in Tokyo are probably familiar with Almond Cafe in Roppongi. With its distinctive pink facade and a location just next to Roppongi Crossing, the cafe is an obvious meeting place, and I have often used Almond Cafe as a navigational reference point.
The cafe opened back in 1964, but closed for renovation in 2009. In 2011 Almond reopened in a new building, so when I was Tokyo in May, I decided it was time to take a closer look at the place. A late evening (Almond is open until late) I therefore braved the pouring rain outside and walked the short distance from our hotel and over to Almond for a late cup of tea and a pastry. The interior of the café is just as pink as the outside and the glass counter revealed an impressive selection of cakes and pastries.
After careful consideration, I chose two beautiful pastries from the display, and went upstairs for a table near the window. After a short while, a very polite waiter arrived with the pastries, which were served on pretty pink plates. The cakes had lots of cream, marzipan and chocolate, and tasted amazing. Ifelt as if I were at a tea party in a dollhouse; elegant and cozy, and in stark contrast to Roppongi’s busy streets and wild nightlife outside.