The news that there will be no more Ristretto columns by Oliver Strand in the NYT sent me back to reread his piece on Tokyo's coffee shops. Even a year later, it's still* one of the best round-ups on contemporary caffeine culture in this city.
And it reminded me of one of my favourite neighborhood espresso bars: Little Nap.
It stands all on its own, right beside the Odakyu Line tracks and just across the road from the back of Yoyogi Park. With its heavy door that slides across a single large glass window, at first sight it looks designer-sleek...
Inside though, it feels comfortably neighbourhood-casual, not cluttered but with hand-built wooden counters and indie music on the sound system.
Much like owner Daisuke Hamada himself. He's laidback. Welcoming. And has style in spades.
He makes excellent drip coffee and great aeropress...
…and high-octane espressos out of his impressive gleaming Synesso machine.
Notwithstanding the frequent clatter of the trains out back, Little Nap is a nice, calm place. With little traffic on the side street outside, it's a good spot for contemplation — with seats outside for the smokers, especially in summer.
A fine cup indeed.
Perfect for a mild winter day with a crisp golden sunset over the park...
So why the name? Well, Hamada says it's because he has to get up earlier in the morning than he'd really like to — so he doesn't get enough time to sleep...
The Little Nap web site is here. And more photos on their FB page.
* though obviously there are a few places that should be added to his list now, not least of them the inimitable Fuglen.
