Monday, April 11, 2011

Mackerel Sky (マクロル スカイ)


When: March 2011

Where: 4-1062 Kumatori-cho, Osaka (near Kumatorikita Junior High)

What: It's a cafe/restaurant with a light menu of pizza, some nice appetizers like bruschetta and a very extensive drink menu (machiatos, lattes, exotic teas and iced drinks). The real reason to visit is the view; unlike many cafes, this place was. It was built at the edge of a ridge which overlooks farmland. The wall which faces the view is basically all windows and most of the seats are right up against the glass. There's also some outdoor seating, including one table sitting on a platform hanging off the hillside. It's a little slow since there's usually just the owner working in the daytime but very relaxing.

Bistro Rue de la Gare (ビストロ リュ ド ラ ガール)


When: Several times since Feb. 2011

Where: 大阪府泉南郡熊取町大久保中2-28-4 Kumatori-cho, Osaka (about 5 minutes walk from JR Kumatori)

What: French cuisine! The chef/ owner trained in France and came back to Kumatori to open her own restaurant. It's actually in a renovated machiya-like house. There is only around 8-10 tables and it fills up quickly so it's best to make a reservation. The food is amazing- the appetizer/ salad alone is enough for lunch and the main courses range from lamb to duck to mussels in cream soup. Lunch is the best deal as it includes salad, entrée, dessert and coffee.