This time, I went to an afternoon tea buffet that is held once a month (3500 yen). It's located a 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Higobashi Station. Every month has a different theme, so you can enjoy various sweets. My recommendation is the Crosstata! It's a hybrid baked confection with a crispy and moist texture like tart dough. There were different flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and fig, but I liked the strawberry the best. It had a good amount of fruit flesh and was amazing. You can also purchase them online, they look cute and would make a great gift. Besides sweets, there are also plenty of soups and light snacks, so you can eat a lot. One eye-catching item on the all-you-can-drink menu was "Akachan Bancha," a tea made from the tea fields of Tanba Sasayama. It has a fragrant taste of bancha and a gentle sweetness like a baby, very refreshing (seems like they also sell it online). The flower arrangement was also lovely, making the table look like a flower garden, very cute. The event dates can be checked on the website, and it's a welcoming place where even solo diners can feel comfortable. Thank you for a wonderful time. It was a delightful meal.

Higo Bridge "Amarena" - Attended a buffet event hosted by Amarena, an Italian dolce originating from Ashiya! Afternoon buffet (2 sessions) / 3,500 yen. This month's buffet event had an Italian Festa theme. There was a wide variety of dishes from classic crostata to main courses! Trendy maritozzo and cassata were also available. The cute space surrounded by greenery and flowers made me happy to enjoy delicious sweets (*´-`). The last photo shows a collaboration space with an illustrator who worked on the key visuals for YOASOBI, among others. It had a cute Korean cafe vibe and was a hidden gem... I wish they would promote it more... haha.

"I had been curious about the Amalena x La Flabo Cafe Higobashi branch for a while, but I couldn't find the location of the store. They seemed to serve a bread lunch, so I nervously entered the building. And lo and behold, there was a lovely cafe tucked away on the first floor! The most popular item, the Popeye Bacon for 680 yen, with a drink set for 200 yen, and I ordered a coffee. I also ordered the Cross Tartar (a traditional Italian pastry) for 350 yen. I was a bit puzzled by the term "Pankish," but the bread and filling were integrated and delicious, with a decent portion size. The Cross Tartar was a simple pastry, and I noticed many people getting it for takeout. They have various flavors of Pankish, so I would like to try a different flavor next time."

2021: Revisited♪ Discovered that "Amarena" offers Saturday lunch tucked away deep in the building, so I decided to drop by! Chose from the extensive lunch menu... (*^-^*)★ Gaba Rice Lunch for 850 yen including tax♪ Wow, it looks beautiful! ◎ Minestrone♪ Rich flavor, with plenty of vegetables! ◎ Gaba Rice♪ The spiciness that kicks in later is irresistible!(^^)! ◎ Coleslaw and Potato Fries♪ It's no surprise that these sides are delicious! I want to try all the menu items! (*^-^*)

Sweet buffet enthusiast @ Amako's pastry shop - Enjoying a delicious sweets buffet at a cafe with amazing cross tart! - Date: October 25, 2020 (Sunday) → Next date: November 23 (Sunday) - Time: 1st session 12:00-13:30, 2nd session 14:00-15:30 → Next event will have 3 sessions (11:00-12:30 / 13:00-14:30 / 15:00-16:30) - Price (tax included): 3,500 yen *Cash only - Lineup (16 types of sweets, 6 types of savory dishes): Pistachio Berry, Caramel Chocolate, Cassis Berry, Pumpkin Cassata, Capri Banana Nero, Petit Choux Caramel, Petit Choux Pistachio, Panna Cotta, Cross Tart Chestnut, Cross Tart Red Bean, Cross Tart Orange, Cross Tart Amarena, Cross Tart Chocolate Nut, Western Pear, Bacon and Sweet Potato Pinchos, Mentaiko Cream Canape, Egg Salad Canape, French Tacos, French Fries - Drinks: Coffee (hot/iced), Black tea (hot/iced), Orange, Apple, Ginger Ale, Cola ✔Sweets buffet event at a cafe that also runs a sweets shop (once a month) ✔Check-in and payment at the beginning ✔Venue on 1st and 2nd floor (each with buffet table) ✔Self-service from the buffet table ✔Free drinks are order-based I attended the sweets buffet event at "Amarena Kitchen & La Flavo," a cafe in Higobashi, Osaka, known for its signature cross tart. The setup was divided into 1st and 2nd floors, each with its own buffet table. The check-in was on the 2nd floor, which had a fantasy-themed room, but we were seated in a simple room on the 1st floor. The highlight was the cross tart, especially the "Chestnut Cross Tart," which was a luxurious tart with candied chestnuts and almond cream. The "Pistachio Berry" cake was also impressive, with 5 layers of white chocolate pistachio mousse, chocolate cream, berry jelly, pistachio dough, and a crunchy chocolate dacquoise base. Overall, the handmade feel of the sweets with a professional touch was delightful. The savory options were minimal but varied, providing a nice break between sweets. The atmosphere was slightly high-priced, but the quality and taste made it worth it. Looking forward to the Christmas-themed event in November with some new cake selections!

Cafe located on the 1st floor of Nagasaki Building, a 4-minute walk from Higobashi Station on the Yotsubashi Line of Osaka Metro. They held a buffet event on October 25, 2020, from 12:00-13:30 and 14:00-15:30, priced at 3,500 yen (tax included) for 90 minutes. The cafe is a collaboration between Pasticceria Amarena, which focuses on crostatas, and Rough Labo, a coworking cafe. The event took place in rooms 105 and 206 of the building. Upon arrival, the exterior of the building was not easily recognizable, but staff guided guests inside. Room 206 had a more stylish ambiance compared to room 105, but the quality and variety of food served were consistent. Crostatas were the highlight, with six different types available. In addition to baked goods, there were also delicious cakes like Pistachio Berry, Caramel Mousse, Pumpkin, and Cassis Berry. The buffet also included a few simple snacks. Another buffet event is scheduled for November 23, 2020, in three sessions. Overall, this cafe seems like a good choice for sweet buffet lovers in Kansai, offering a reasonable price compared to hotel buffets in the area.

One hot summer day, while walking through the Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, I found out that Amarena had relocated. According to the notice, a take-out only Amarena shop had opened a little further north, and the eat-in option was now available at their collaboration store with the co-working cafe ROUGH LABO in Higobashi. I wanted to try their Merenga and Crosstata again because they were delicious, so I decided to visit. It's about a 3-minute walk from the Metro Higobashi Station, very close to the station. There was a sign in front of the building that indicated the shop was inside. Upon entering, I was greeted by a friendly staff member (possibly the owner). When I asked about the Crosstata options, they showed me 5 different types available for the day. I ordered the Crosstata Amarena Cherry for 350 yen, which was smaller than a regular tart but had a crispy texture with juicy cherry filling. It was delicious. I also tried the Crosstata Fig for 350 yen, which was also tasty with well-baked figs. I got a free Apple Juice as part of a set drink promotion I saw on Instagram. The previous location in Temma was spacious and open, but this one had a more intimate setting with a bar-like vibe. The taste of the pastries was just as good, but it wasn't as conducive for leisurely reading. Overall, it was a satisfying experience.

In a hidden spot in the building, I found a lovely lunch at "Amarena Kitchen"! The chef is sincere and courteous, working hard on their own. ★Quiche lunch for 800 yen including tax♪ ◎Tomato soup♪ Wow, it's cold and delicious! This is definitely a place with authentic cuisine.◎Quiche toast, cabbage and carrot salad♪ The spinach and bacon quiche toast is hearty and the bacon is so good! The subtle flavor of the salad is top-notch!◎Herbal tea♪ It's tucked away in the back of the building, so it's a bit hard to find (lol) but a satisfying lunch is waiting for you!

In the hidden café Amarena x Laflabo Café Higobashi branch in the Edo-bori area, they offer a reservation-only afternoon tea experience. The highlight here is the pairing of authentic Italian sweets with the top German tea maker Ronnefeldt in a stylish yet cozy café space. As you walk through the approach hidden behind the impersonal building, you'll discover a sunlit, secret space filled with vintage items and dried flowers, unified by a chic French retro interior. There is also a terrace seating area resembling an English garden, offering a sense of openness that you wouldn't expect from a room in an apartment building. The afternoon tea set features a 3-tier stand with Ronnefeldt herbal tea as the centerpiece, accompanied by a variety of high-quality and beautifully presented sweets and savories unique to Amarena. The top tier consists of square-shaped cakes including Cassata ice cake, Capri chocolate cake, and a cupcake with seasonal fruits, each layer showcasing a delicious combination of airy cream and moist sponge cake. The middle tier features three half-sized Crostatas, a traditional Italian home dessert, each offering a distinct and rich flavor. The set also includes a delightful pig-shaped cookie that brings happiness when bitten into. The bottom tier includes a daily selection of bread, quiche, potato dish, soup, and salad, providing a satisfying array of savory items. Currently, they are selling a limited edition of 300 sets of Afternoon Tea Gift Cards under the theme of "Thank You for Ordinary Days," which allows you to write a handwritten message on the card and easily make a reservation by scanning the QR code. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere, along with the friendly staff, creates a relaxed and flexible environment where you can enjoy a heartwarming and leisurely time. The subtly sweet ambiance appeals to solo male diners for business lunches, and the generous lunch menu and photogenic sweets make it perfect for daily use. You can also purchase the popular illustrator Tsumi Kotou's original T-shirt worn by the staff for ¥5000 (excluding tax), with a wide range of sizes available, making it a unique and stylish gift option. Why not spend a heartwarming moment enjoying delicate and artistic sweets here?

Once-a-month enchanting sweets festival! Amarena x La Flavo Cafe Higo Bridge Store The sweets buffet event held once a month by Amarena and La Flavo, which has been gradually gaining popularity among sweets lovers in the Kansai area, was attended. The modern, stylish, and colorful artistic table decorations, unified in a glamorous and pop-like color scheme, were supervised by a professional flower designer. The items displayed, competing in beauty, included the eye-catching cross-section Maritozzo and Amarena's signature sweets, the Crostata, available in a variety of flavors! The opening of a gorgeous and dreamy sweets time! Enchanted by the delicate and intricate beauty of a painting-like world, I will introduce the contents of the high-sense and beautiful world of the Amarena's sweets buffet. The event is held for 90 minutes, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests take off their shoes and enter a cozy space. The reservation is required, and the number of people is limited, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere throughout. Introduction cards with information on allergies and menu contents are also provided. When taking photos of the food, gloves are worn, and ventilation is good. Disposable cutlery is placed on each table, and plastic partitions are provided for a safe and enjoyable dining experience. ⭐︎ Cannolo Plain - A Sicilian pastry filled with ricotta cream, honey, custard, and dried fruits, creating a simple yet deep flavor. ⭐︎ Crostata Strawberry Blueberry - A luxurious tart topped with plenty of blueberries and strawberries. The crispy cookie crust is fragrant, while the inside is moist and smooth. Each bite is deep in flavor, simple, and elegant. ⭐︎ Crostata Fig Orange - The orange slices on a buttery orange-flavored crust add a perfect touch of bitterness and a refreshing aftertaste. The figs offer an elegant sweetness and a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western flavors. ⭐︎ Crostata Pear Chocolat - The juicy and tangy flavor of fresh pears, combined with a chocolate tart filled with chocolate chips and gold flakes, creates a luxurious and visually stunning chocolate-filled tart. ⭐︎ Jellies - Made with lime and guava, these tropical chilled fruit desserts balance well with baked goods and cakes. ⭐︎ Bananiero - A moist cake with a tropical twist, made with fresh bananas and coconut milk. ⭐︎ Capri - A light chocolate confection made without wheat flour, perfect for early summer! ⭐︎ Maritozzo Plain - A brioche filled with mascarpone cream and marmalade, offering a light and delightful treat. ⭐︎ Maritozzo Pistachio - A brioche filled with strawberry jam and pistachio cream, showcasing a high-quality blend of fine brioche dough and cream. ⭐︎ Baba Brioche - A rich brioche soaked in ample black tea syrup, perfect for reducing alcohol content and making it easier to eat. ⭐︎ Minestrone - A hearty vegetable soup with eggplant, onions, carrots, and plenty of beans, offering a healthy and elevated taste. ⭐︎ Caprese - A popular Italian dish, Caprese, featuring an original dressing and a marriage of cream cheese. Cold drinks include orange juice, grapefruit juice, and all soft drinks are unlimited. "Sun-dried Baby Tea" is a gentle baby-friendly tea with a rustic flavor that pairs perfectly with sweets. Other popular options like coffee and tea are also available, with a variety of choices to complement the deliciousness of the sweets. The Higo Bridge area is known as a gourmet district.