My friend from San Francisco was visiting me here in Tokyo last weekend and to cure our 3 o’clock sweet tooth, I did what everyone in Western Tokyo should do: go to Second House in Shimokitazawa. Originally a bakery from Kyoto (never been to that one), this piece of heaven serves up delicious (both in taste and presentation) cakes and coffee delights in a bright, clean atmosphere for half the price you’d expect to pay at a department store or some upscale place in Ginza or Omotesando.

This is the type of place you realize that the French and Japanese have a serious love affair with each other… and are thankful for it.

We ordered the pictured:

Pear Tart

Custard Cream Puff