The final piece of the Log Road Daikanyama jigsaw is now in place. Well over two months after the rest of this handsome, timber-clad development opened, Garden House Crafts is finally up and running. It was quite a saga getting here (San Francisco bakery Tartine was originally slated to be in the space), but it has definitely been worth the wait.
This casual all-day cafe has its own bakery — turning out excellent cakes, croissants and hearty, wholesome sourdough bread — and it also has a fine little deli section offering American classics of past and present, from meat loaf and pastrami to red-lentil hummus, quinoa tabouli and avocado salad. Put the two sides of the operation together and you have all the makings of a very tasty and substantial snack.
The Reuben sandwich is rich, tangy and filling — just as it should be. Ditto the grilled aged cheddar, which comes with tomato jam on the side. There are soups, salads, coffee and cakes as well. If you can grab one of the outside tables, this has to be one of the best lunch spots in the neighborhood. And for breakfast, too: It's open from 7:30 a.m. every day.
The chef at Garden House Crafts, Katy Cole, hails from California and she's developing some great new ideas for the menu. Next up: A dim sum and cocktail menu starting Aug. 15.
There can't be a better place to spend a mellow summer evening than out on that spacious timber veranda.
