MODERNLY artful LUNCH escape
It was one of those “ki ni naru” places that I kept on spying on my cycle home from Namba adventures. It looked funky and free from the smoothe exterior, and I knew I would get a chance to go there some day. It was the third Saturday night in August when I first went; the time of Obon rememberings and slow city grooves all about. People were lighting candles down at nearby Dojimagawa river in front of Dojima crosswalk there, and there seemed to be an extra sparkle of glimmer about. This annual festival celebration welcoming home the spirits of loved ones gone, fit right in with the mood of ambient space of Fudo on the second floor at the Graf Bld.
Located just 50m from The National Museum of Art, Osaka, the Graf Bld is easy to find, and easy on the eye. Daily blackboard specials for lunch and dinner cost around 1000 yen, and range from spicy vegetable health curry, to home-made hamburger combinations. Soup, onigiri (rice balls), donburi (a main meal on rice), and gohan (rice) sets change daily as well. The cafe menu has all your favourite cakes, crepes and caffeine chargers.
Fudo is an attractive big space of freedom to unravel yourself. Although you can't see Tosaborigawa river beyond, you can feel its presence as you sink into the huge long bucket seats across the entire back wall. There is also a large, wooden communal table, sweet modern lighting unique, and an atmosphere of intimate privacy. The young wait staff and chefs all ooze utmost attention to detail in both service and food presentation. The mood is light, soulful and earthy-arty.
If you have time, why don't you also visit the Graf Living shop on the 3rd floor, and the showroom on the 4th. The original wooden furniture is hand made further down the road at the Graf Labo. The Graf Salon on the 1st floor also holds regular events of art, music, poetry and even woodwork lessons.
Check their website below for all their upcoming events exciting.
The Graf Bldg is open from 11:30 – 20:00, and closed on Mondays.
How to find the place:
The Graf Bld is only a quick 5-minute walk South West from Watanabebashi Station (Exit 2) on the new Keihan Nakanoshima Line.
You could also try walking 10-minutes West from Higobashi Station (Exit 3) on the Yotsubashi Subway Line.
If you'd like a scenic stroll, it's also only about a 10-minute walk from Fukushima Station on the JR Loop Line. Turn right out of the station, and walk straight down Naniwa-suji avenue. Cross at the intersection (Sonezaki-dori) and continue on the same street toward the river. Just before the river, you'll see on the opposite side corner the gigantic modern-brown ABC TV station (Asahi Broadcasting) at Hotaru Machi.
Cross over the street here, and walk down the Dojima Crosswalk Promenade.
Across the river to the right, you will see the silver Sydney Opera House style arcs of The National Museum of Art (Kokuritsu Kokusai Bijtsukan).
When you get to the end of the promenade, turn right and head toward the museum. The Graf Bldg is on the left hand side of the street behind the museums (The Osaka Science Museum is also at this location).
A great map of the area in English is here:
You could combine a visit to the Graf Bldg for lunch with a trip to the nearby Cirque du Soleil which has two shows daily until October 18.
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Sounds great! Shinya and I are so excited about going to the Cirque du Soleil. His mom and sister already went and said it was amazing! Darlene and Pam are also going together later. How about you?♥
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer the memories of circus visits from my childhood. It sustains me well.
ReplyDeleteI also remember when I was feeling sick and blue in Hanoi one time, and took myself off to the circus in the park. What a remedy immediate for genki power for a mere $2 US.