サカキシンイチロウ
In Shinjuku West, I had some errands to run. First, I stopped by "Paul Basset" for a quick bite. It's been a while... I love this place. Despite being located in the basement of a super high-rise building, natural light filters in through a skylight. The interior features plaster walls, wooden floors, chairs, and tables, all showing signs of use and adding a cozy feel. A large communal table surrounded by pillars separates Paul Basset from Salvatore, an Italian restaurant. There are no walls dividing them, allowing their charms to blend seamlessly. Sitting anywhere in Paul Basset in the morning is delightful. The morning atmosphere is lovely. The sparse customers make it quiet and relaxing. This space in the heart of the city allows you to momentarily forget where you are, making it truly special and a favorite. I chose a ham and Camembert croissant and debated what to drink. The cappuccino here with its fluffy foam was tempting, but for a morning stomach, the milk-rich flat white seemed more fitting, so I went with that. Behind the counter, an espresso machine is positioned against the wall. Freshly ground coffee beans are packed into a pod, firmly pressed into the machine. Steam is released to extract the espresso, while milk is steamed alongside. The espresso cup is held in the left hand, an aluminum pitcher with steamed milk in the right. Pouring the milk gently into the cup, the espresso slowly blends with it, creating patterns as it does. The whole process of preparation is part of the charm of this delightful drink. It's more about enjoying the delicious milk than the espresso itself. Soft and comforting on the morning stomach. The croissant is baked in the oven with ham and cheese sandwiched inside, resulting in a slightly moist texture. It lacks the crispy crunch but the buttery aroma is strong and rich, with a crumbly texture that melts in the mouth. Most importantly, the Camembert cheese is delicious. Its moldy aroma enhances the burnt wheat flavor, with a light bitterness and deep umami spreading through the croissant. The ham, tender and melting, blends slowly in the mouth. Enjoying the crumbs of the croissant on the plate, savoring them with a sip of flat white, I relished the morning time.