Latest news with #Japan-inspired
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
In Chennai's Besant Nagar, Cafe Āve balances the comfort of Eden with edgy naked cakes and matcha lattes
Eden played safe for three decades. Not surprisingly, it birthed a rebel. A chic neighbourhood cafe, Āve is carving out its own niche on a leafy Besant Nagar lane, wedged comfortably between a tailoring unit, 'Paul's Unisex waxing bar' and the optimistically named 'Say Cheese' Dental Clinic. This space used to be home to 'Pretty 'n' Passion, a beauty parlour, which has now moved down the road. (No doubt, to a sigh of relief from unisex Paul.) Inside, Cafe Āve is compact and minimalist, filled with sunshine that streams in from the French windows. A dramatic dessert counter, studded with tall cakes and chunky cookies, dominates the room. A waiter walks past with a tray heavy with cheese boreks, a nod to Eden, which is just two streets away. When Aparna Venkatesh, Venkatesh MB and Subadhra Raju, all graduates of Institute of Hotel Management, Taramani, and best friends, launched Eden in Besant Nagar in 1992, they quickly gained a cult following for their dependable, continental vegetarian menu, which still pivots on corn florentines, paneer pasta bakes and olive garlic naans. Aparna and Venkatesh got married and years later their daughter Nayantara, moved to Melbourne where she studied Economics. However, she too felt the pull of the restaurant business and ended up doing a course in Patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu, London, as well as stints at Glazed, a gluten-free Melbourne bakery and a cookie shop called the Cookie Box. Nayantara's menu at Ave is a blend of classics and experimental dishes, for while she is clearly anchored in Eden's comforting carb-laden embrace, she is also determined to let her personality and training shine through. The family legacy is evident, from the creamy coconut curry served with pandan rice, to her dad, sitting unobtrusively behind the counter to help with billing. But so is her individual, Asian inspired style, which she attributes to years in Melbourne, resulting in towering fluffy pistachio-lemon cakes and confident Japan-inspired egg sandos. Already bustling, Cafe Āve can be noisy especially if you land a neighbouring table filled with children squealing for French fries. (Spoiler alert: There are no French fries.) Fortunately, they are mollified by pancakes topped with honey butter. In their defence, most of the menu is rather grown up: the waffles are made with herbed cheese, served with eggs and avocado. And even the French toast has a twist, pav bread with salted condensed milk, berries and malted crumbs. I enjoy the tweaks. My fish – mahi mahi, which is sourced every morning – is light and flaky, encased in a crunchy tempura-style batter. It is served with a salad of finely julienned apples, fragrant with fresh coriander, Thai basil and mint. Sweet, spicy and salty, it is a simple but skillfully cooked meal. There are other reasonably healthy options: from zucchini hummus with pita and roasted vegetables, to pumpkin tacos. I try the chicken congee, which is a brave choice for a cafe, given how unapologetically bland it is, perked up marginally by caramelised onions and chilli crisp. The hefty grilled aubergine sandwich, filled with pesto and ricotta, would be better grilled – Nayantara says it is work in progress. Eager for feedback from customers, she intends to tweak the menu gradually, making space for seasonal vegetables and fruit though the year. Try the matcha, even if you are too cool to follow trends. Bright and refreshing without the grassy taste of desperation evident in much of today's matcha avalanche, this is made with creamy cereal oat milk and topped with a chewy knob of caramelised cereal. The menu also features indulgent no-cream, no-sugar hot chocolate, whipped till its light and frothy, and dependably strong espressos. Using coffee from Vithai, which sources beans from farmers in Palani hills, Nayantara serves typical Melbourne-style flat whites, as well as Spanish lattes, Cereal milk matcha and brown sugar lattes. As she makes me Mont Blanc – black coffee crowned with soft folds of whipped cream and orange zest – she explains how she worked towards tailoring a menu that is concise and purposeful. Eat cake. While this is always good advice, it is especially relevant here. Ignoring fondant (thank goodness for that) and fussy swirls of cream, Nayantara does 'naked cakes', without too much icing. 'I don't like things that are overly sweet. So we try and make our desserts salty-sweet,' she says. By now, the children have left, and their table has been taken by gym bros flexing muscles and baseball caps as they dig into banana pudding. Beside them, a lady dining alone eats a slice of pistachio-lemon cake as she reads her book. In the corner, two bankers discuss strategy for their next meeting with the boss. It is disarmingly warm and homey, especially once I start eating the malted chocolate cake, dark with cocoa and Milo, and topped with a crunchy salty-sweet crumble. 'We grew up at Eden, so Besant Nagar is home,' smiles Nayantara, looking around her new space with contentment. I used to visit this space when it was a beauty parlour. When I walked in, looking for a restaurant, this felt just right.' As it turns out, with life and with food, sometimes you need to travel the world to reignite the joys of home.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
The Chic Home: Japan-inspired HDB maisonette for a family of four
Retro window grilles, an original feature of the unit, lend this family's HDB maisonette an old-school charm. PHOTO: HAPPE DESIGN ATELIER The Chic Home: Japan-inspired HDB maisonette for a family of four SINGAPORE – When devising the brief for their home, the owners of this four-room HDB maisonette had just returned from a trip to Japan. Their designer, Mr Jacob Low of Happe Design Atelier, was heading to the Land of the Rising Sun the following week. Unsurprisingly , the couple, who are in their late 30s and early 40s , decided to adopt a Japanese-inspired theme for the 1,593 sq ft unit in Lorong Ah Soo. The husband and wife – he works in sales, she is an office manager – originally wanted a minimalist, wabi-sabi style. However, as parents to two young daughters aged three and six , they realised the look would be difficult to pull off with the girls' hotchpotch of toys and books. So, they settled for a Japanese style with neutral white walls, wood elements and a touch of retro inspired by some of the home's existing features. Mr Low says: 'The home owners emphasised the importance of creating a spacious communal area that would serve as a central hub for gathering and socialising, as well as a highly functional kitchen that meets their everyday needs. 'Additionally, they expressed a strong desire for a design that would leave a lasting impression on guests.' Left vacant for a while, the unit was derelict and overrun with pests. It underwent an extensive overhaul to the tune of about $150,000 for the renovation works, and $50,000 for the furniture and furnishings. Neutral white walls and wood elements are key elements of the design. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Inspired by the genkan, a traditional entrance vestibule in a Japanese home, the entrance foyer sets a welcoming tone with its dark tiles in deliberate contrast with the adjoining spaces. A built-in shoe-cum-display cabinet showcases the couple's collection of toys and memorabilia from their travels, offering not just storage, but also a glimpse of their personalities. A built-in shoe-cum-display cabinet showcases toys and travel memorabilia. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The entrance foyer transitions into a front-facing kitchen. As passionate bakers, the couple needed a kitchen that could accommodate simultaneous cooking and baking, says Mr Low. The entrance foyer transitions into a front-facing kitchen. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The spacious layout and expansive countertops provide ample room to manoeuvre and prepare food. Gold cabinet handles and a marble-like quartz backsplash complement the dark wood laminate to give the kitchen an aura of sophistication . The expansive kitchen can accommodate simultaneous cooking and baking. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Located right beside the kitchen is the dining space, the heart of the home. As avid hosts, the couple requested a versatile dining table that can cater to both large gatherings and intimate family dinners. They eventually found a convertible dining table from Castlery, which they paired with a wooden settee with rounded corners. These are juxtaposed against a backdrop of retro window grilles, an original feature of the unit, which lend the space an old-school charm. A vintage red slatted door opens up to reveal the powder room. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA One of the items on the couple's wish list was a visually striking powder room. The guest bathroom has a vintage red slatted door with old-school ventilation blocks above. The room's modest size belies the rich detailing , which transports its users to Japan. The powder room is reminiscent of traditional Japanese architecture. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA 'The carpentry integrates Japanese design principles, showcasing vertical lines reminiscent of traditional architecture. Thoughtfully designed niches offer practical storage solutions, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,' says Mr Low. The couple also converted the balcony into a dedicated play area for their daughters, where the whole family can enjoy the peace and serenity of the space . The master bedroom has two distinct zones: one for sleeping and one for the walk-in wardrobe. As the couple are light sleepers, this separation ensures that their rest is undisturbed , while addressing their needs for ample storage. The sleeping zone in the master suite. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA By integrating the bathroom vanity with the walk-in wardrobe, Mr Low freed up space within the master bathroom to accommodate a small, standalone bathtub. With the vanity now part of the walk-in wardrobe, the couple has more space in the en-suite bathroom. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The family moved into their new home in December 2023 after a four-month renovation. This article first appeared in Home & Decor Singapore. Go to for more beautiful homes, space-saving ideas and interior inspiration. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yomiuri Shimbun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Welsh Artist Creates Artwork to Highlight Japan-Wales Links; Himeji, Conwy Castle Among Designs on Show
© Crown Copyright / Licensed under U.K. OGL v3.0. Full-color version of tetsuin railway stamps created by Jonathan Edwards, representing (left) Himeji Castle and Conwy Castle, and (right) Mt. Fuji and Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon), the tallest mountain in Wales. Y Ddraig Goch, the red dragon that symbolizes Wales, stands out with its tongue and tail shaped like arrowheads. To celebrate ties between Japan and Wales, Welsh artist Jonathan Edwards created designs with the dragon in front of scenes depicting both countries, with its arrowheads pointing at each of them. Edwards was among the Welsh artists whose Japan-inspired work was on show at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo on Wales Day at the U.K. pavilion on April 29. Edwards' work takes the form of full-color tetsuin railway stamp designs. He was given a brief to come up with various designs and narrowed it down to themes such as nature and technology. © Crown Copyright / Licensed under U.K. OGL v3.0. Jonathan Edwards 'It was a great honor,' Edwards told The Japan News via e-mail when asked about having his work on display at the Expo. 'To walk into such a spectacle and then see people using my stamps was a moment of great pride.' One of the most striking designs is an image of Himeji Castle in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, and Conwy Castle in North Wales. The castles, both UNESCO World Heritage sites which were both built around the same time, were twinned in 2019. Another features Mt. Fuji along with Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon), the tallest mountain in Wales and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom. Visitors to the Expo were able to make prints of the designs with a monochrome ink version of stamps similar to those found at Japanese train stations. © Crown Copyright / Licensed under U.K. OGL v3.0. Jonathan Edwards, right, at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka on April 29. Courtesy of Jonathan Edwards Close ties Japan and Wales have many links in various fields. Many Japanese companies have bases in Wales, including Sony Crop. and Panasonic Corp. Both companies have had a presence there for over 50 years. The country even provided Hayao Miyazaki with inspiration for his movie 'Tenku no shiro rapyuta' (Laputa: Castle in the Sky). Edwards, from Wrexham in North Wales, first visited Japan 20 years ago. He has previously held exhibitions of his works in Nara and Osaka, and in 2021, his work was displayed on store windows at the Hankyu Department Store Osaka Umeda Main Store. He has also produced prints and books of his work themed on Japan. © Crown Copyright / Licensed under U.K. OGL v3.0. An ink version of a stamp available for visitors to sample Edwards said he is a big fan of many Japanese illustrators, including Ryohei Yanagihara and Akira Uno, and finds Japan 'endlessly inspiring.' 'I've been asked by a lot of people in the U.K. if they'll get to see [the stamps] used in Wales,' he said. 'It would be great to see them used at Welsh train stations.' Works from other Welsh artists and performers were also on display at the Expo, including hand-woven blankets by textile artist Llio James that were made using traditional Welsh fabrics.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Summer staples take centre stage @ DTFW
Diana Penty walked the ramp for M&S at DTFW Bringing together fashion and creativity, Day 1 of Delhi Times Fashion Week (DTFW), Powered by Obello Life, CSR Partner Oil India and Event Strategic Partner Silent Partners Inc, kicked off in style. The three-day fashion extravaganza began on May 16 at Hyatt Regency Delhi, putting the spotlight on trending designs and offering Delhiites an inspiration for their summer lookbook. Go-to summer style M&S India Set in a rich palette of rust, earthy browns, and serene neutrals, M&S Spring-Summer collection blended style, versatility and comfort. From linen co-ord sets and shirts paired with chino shorts to breathable, crease-resistant dresses and vibrant beachwear - the collection drew a perfect summer moodboard on the ramp. M&S showcased their summer-spring collection Diana Penty , who turned showstopper for M&S India, in a cream co-ord set, said, 'It was my first time walking at DTFW and I was very excited. Comfortable yet chic is ideal for me. I love straight lines, solid colours, comfortable co-ord sets for summers.' Art to wear, ft florals Rajdeep Ranawat Inspired by his travels and the floral arrangement of Japan, the Ikebana collection by designer Rajdeep Ranawat included silhouettes like co-ord sets, harems and dhoti pants, Turkish pants with kaftans in silks, Italian linens, modal satins. The Japan-inspired floral-print ensembles paired with shiny sun hats, oversized straw hats, bandanas and sunglasses, accentuated the look. Japan-inspired silhouettes in Italian linen and silks Talking about his collection, designer Rajdeep, said, 'Every garment for me is an artistic expression. Designing for a spring-summer collection definitely means using florals illustrations on breathable fabrics.' Rajdeep Ranawat's collection featured kaftans, turkish pants, harems & more High-fashion vision Amity University With unique designs and a play of summer colours, the students at Amity University showcased pieces inspired by global fashion, featuring metal corsets, bubble hem skirts and more. "It was a great experience associating with the Times group. They were professional, organised and supportive to our students," said Divya Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity School of Fashion Technology. Amity University students showcased a summer-special collection An ode to Manipur The Empowerment Walk presented by Oil India ltd. - House of Ali With inspiration from Manipur's flora and fauna, designers Md Alimuddin and Daya Oinam showcased an array of flowy Indo-western silhouettes in their collection Tradition meets Innovation. The showcase by House of Ali was an ode to Manipur's flora and fauna 'The collection draws inspiration from the vibrant colours and intricate patterns found in nature. The pieces showcased sequin work, digital embroidery, Swarovski crystals and luxurious zari work,' shared the designers. In the Empowerment Walk segment of House of Ali's show, presented by Oil India Ltd, models walked with students from an NGO Pi cs: Ranjit Kumar and Lokesh Kashyap One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time Out
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time Out
A Japanese minimarket in Greenpoint is opening three new stores
Fifty Norman, the mini Japanese marketplace that opened in Greenpoint in 2022 to massive success, is physically expanding its store and adding a few new businesses and brands under its roof. Starting this week, you'll find three additional shops on site. A French/Japanese inspired cafe-slash-bar is also scheduled to debut in June. Currently at 50 Norman, you'll find Cibone, a Japanese home design store selling ceramics, kitchenware, zen meditation items and art pieces; Dashi Okume, where you can custom order your own blends of dashi packs; and House Brooklyn, a Japanese-French restaurant with a nine-course omakase tasting menu. The new stores include Balmuda, a Japanese home appliance store; Kama-Asa, a kitchenware purveyor from Tokyo's kitchen-street Kappabashi that will sell a range of Amane knives; and Cibone O'Te, an artisanal design retailer focusing on homeware and furnishings. The cozy café-resto-bar opening in June is Cafe O'te, which mixes the ambiance of a French wine bar with Japanese flavors. a new food market curated by Muji that opened in Chelsea Market earlier this year to the new Bandai Namco store in Industry City and the resurgence of Japan-inspired claw machine arcades, we are squarely in the midst of a full-blown Japanese cultural renaissance in the city.
