February. It's the middle of winter, but the latter half of January was filled with completely sunny days without a single cloud. Even though the air was cold, the sun was warmer than in December, and it felt like spring was just starting to approach.
I don't dislike this season, when the days get longer and we can see that spring is steadily approaching. However, in Tokyo, heavy snowfall occurs in March, so we can't let our guard down.
So, one fine day, I invited the designers Taku-chan and Imai-san to go on an expedition to Sangubashi. Even though it was an expedition, the walking distance was actually the same as going to Yoyogi Station. Imai-san said he wanted to take a taxi, so I persuaded him to walk.
There you have it. It just seems far away because you are in an unfamiliar direction.
I'll have a hearty meal of meat from lunchtime.
Standing on Sangubashi Bridge looking towards Sangubashi Station. The Odakyu Line runs under the bridge.
The shop is located very close to Sannomiyabashi Station. After exiting the ticket gate, go right and enter the alley with the sign. If you are coming from Monosas, go in the opposite direction from Yoyogi Station... well. I don't think I can explain it well, so please take a look at this map.
The interior of the restaurant is typical of a burger restaurant, with a wooden interior reminiscent of an American diner, and the smell of grilled beef hangs in the air, reminiscent of a BBQ.
The restaurant is run by two male staff members. Dinner time starts at 6pm.
So today I got a cheeseburger and the two boys both got avocado cheeseburgers.
First, a small soup is brought out. While we were chatting and sipping the consommé with a spicy kick of black pepper, the tall hamburger finally arrived!
Coleslaw and fries are served together. You can choose between French fries or potatoes with the skin on, and you can choose between Cajun spices or salt. I chose the Cajun spiced French fries.
The basic set includes a hamburger, fries, coleslaw, and soup. The photo shows the January monthly burger (limited to 10 burgers per day), a premium steak burger served with homemade Chaliapin sauce.
The hamburger is served sandwiched between paper and held in your hands. You hold it in both hands, slightly squashing it, and take the first bite! It tastes just as good as it looks.
The beefy patty is topped with a thick layer of crunchy lettuce, making it very satisfying to bite into. The tomato, lettuce, and onion are equally as impressive as the meat.
As I alternated between the hamburger, French fries and coleslaw, I decided that a Coke is the best companion to a hamburger, so I gulped down a large glass of Coke, and finished the meal in a good mood.
I'm full and very satisfied.
Then, I suddenly realized that it takes energy to even eat such a hearty hamburger.
If I wasn't in good health and in a good mood, I probably wouldn't have even thought about going out to eat. I thought that what I want to eat for lunch that day might actually be a reflection of my physical and mental state.
So, here's one piece of advice:
Applebee's is a great place to go when you're feeling refreshed and hungry, and when the weather is clear and sunny, it's sure to be the best lunch ever.
Bonus: Sangubashi area
Sannomiyabashi is written as Yoyogi 4-chome in the address.
Although it is only separated by one big street, the atmosphere is clearly different from Monosas's 3rd Street. There seem to be many people who own dogs, and it gives the impression of being a fashionable town with a dog cafe and a bakery. (It seems that Applebee's also allows dogs to enter depending on how busy it is.)
Sangubashi Park has a wide lawn. The tall building is Hatsudai Opera City. It was quiet on a weekday afternoon.
Near the station there is a small park like a field called Sannomiyabashi Park.
One side of the park is low-lying, and then suddenly there is a residential area, creating a strange sight. Like Yoyogi, this area also has many hills.
I've been going to Yoyogi for years, but if you walk in a direction that's close but not your usual direction, like Sangubashi, you'll find unexpected scenery hidden in unexpected places. As a walking enthusiast, I quite like Sangubashi. (Although sometimes when I'm relaxing at a cafe in Sangubashi, it's so out of the ordinary that I don't want to go back...)
If I have the opportunity, I would like to introduce some of the interesting scenery I come across during my walks.
Apple Bee
Morita Building 1F, 4-1-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL:03-6276-2644
Tuesday to Saturday
11:30-15:00 (LO14:30) / 18:00-22:30
Weekends and Holidays
11:30-21:30
Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed)
Open for lunch, open after 10pm, open on Sundays
http://applebeediner.com/hp/
FURIHATA Yukari