Marufuku Modernity
It is funny what you end up finding when you are in search of something else. I went to my beloved Dai Biru in Nakanoshima early on Monday morning this week, to visit the romantically looking Dai Osaka Coffee shop which I randomly found out about.
I was all excited thinking about having my first slow breakfast in a 1923 Goddess building. If I had been more aware and looked further down the web page of Dai Osaka, I would have noticed it had already closed on April 11th this year. Forlornly walking the first floor for a while, I finally asked the kind-looking elderly man cleaning.
“Nope. Nothing here for breakfast” he answered matter-of-factly, and escorted me all the way to the “new” Dai Biru next door. The tilt-your-head-up-at-the-sky, 33 floor Nakanoshima Dai Biru West.
So there I was, inside this super shiny-new modern version of a “Dai Biru”, in my vintage red dress with polka dots, a beret and pearls. It certainly didn't match the morning I had imagined (nor my selected outfit), but I kind of grinned when I saw the Marufuku Coffee shop logo peering out from the back corner. Having only just opened in July 2009, it contrasted so very differently to the Marufuku Kissaten I recently visited for breakfast in Kitahama. With smoothe, clean-cut lines, katakana edges (to my preferred gentle hiragana way), and sharp reflections from every angle, I was quite overwhelmed with a new focus.
I chose a corner carefully in the smoking area (only because they usually have the best view) away from people (I don't smoke ever), and sunk into my chair. I especially like it when as a customer alone somewhere, there are no limitations as to where I am allowed to sit. From my self-selected location in each direction I looked, a modern city winked at me timidly, and tried to open my eyes to another type of elegance. The beautifully polite waitresses in classical black and white uniform, brought me the basic morning set of tea and toast (although at 520 yen, it was more expensive even without an egg, than a similar set the week before), and left me alone only to refill my water glass from time to time.
Here are some more snapshots of drink selections throughout the day (Open till 21:30).
This Dai Biru West location of Marufuku is modern and elegant; simply a great place to spend a little time. The constant grind of coffee beans, the calming deep brown tonings, and the inside-outward glimpsing of a city at work is particularly alluring. Open early from 7:30am., come and try to spot the Asahi Kasei workers from the top floors of 31 and 32, or the K- Opticom Corporation employees who dominate floors 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. The super uber-cool toilets on the ground floor are also a bit jazzy. Get a point card when you pay if you think you'll be back. The location on Nakanoshima-dori street, looking out onto Dojima River Promenade, may be the drawcard for you. Maybe it will be about trying something new, newer, newest. See for yourself.
How to get there:
Take Exit 3 out of Higobashi station of subway Yotsubashi line and walk North. Cross over Higobashi bridge and turn left along Nakanoshima-dori street.
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