WONDERFUL CAFE

This small, charming cafe is located on the first floor of an office building in Akasaka-Mitsuke. It's a little tucked away, making it difficult to find, but the large windows let in plenty of light, creating a bright and open atmosphere despite its small size. Since it was before lunchtime on a weekday, the cafe was quiet, allowing for a relaxing experience. While Instagram users were using hashtags like "#glutenfree" and "#glutenfreecafe," the sign inside the cafe indicated "rice flour," so I confirmed with the staff whether all the baked goods were wheat-free and gluten-free. They confirmed they were, so I ordered my favorite carrot cake. Personally, I found it a little dry and crumbly, but it was dense and satisfying. While it was slightly lacking for my taste, the spices were subtle, making it easy to eat even for those who don't like the typical carrot cake flavor. I also inquired about cross-contamination, as they were making and selling paninis in the cafe. The term "cross-contamination" itself didn't seem to be widely understood, but after explaining it, they replied that while wheat isn't used in their baked goods, cross-contamination is still possible. While I confirmed that they don't use wheat, I was still somewhat concerned about their understanding of cross-contamination. The store and menu listed "rice flour" rather than "gluten-free," which made me wonder if that was the reason they didn't explicitly state it was gluten-free. It was quite hot that day, and I started to develop a mild headache while eating. I couldn't determine if it was due to the heat or cross-contamination, but since I've become more sensitive to physical changes lately, I monitored my condition. They also offered takeout for their baked goods, so I bought some cookies and brownies. I hesitated a little because I already had a headache, but I thought, "Well, since I'm already in pain..." and ate them anyway (laughs). In the end, my symptoms didn't worsen; I only experienced a mild, dull ache throughout the day. The cookies and brownies were all moist and delicious, and I personally preferred them. Since they're closed on weekends and holidays, I probably won't have many opportunities to visit, but I heard that shaved ice is popular in the coming season, so I'd like to try it if I get the chance.