Cute Tokyo apple pie cafe

We moved to Tokyo fourteen years ago with three little boys . . . anyone who's ever had multiple little boys knows that little cafes aren't great places (nor were the trains to get there). Then they got bigger and discovered a liking for cafes, but by then they ate too much and it was something that was an occasional special treat. 

Tokyo is a crowded city in a land fond of cute everything. There are thousands of tiny places to eat and hang out in this city, but we've not visited many of them as a family. Somehow it isn't so kind to other customers to drag our "large" family into a little cafe. Over the years I've been to some with friends, but often I look with longing at little places I walk past when I'm traversing the city and wonder what they'd be like to try.

So last night, when I walked past an eatery I've seen a few times in recent weeks—Granny Smith Apple Pie and Coffee—I decided to indulge. I had about 20 minutes spare as I waited for an appointment and, why not, Granny Smith apples are an Australian export after all!

Granny Smith Apple Pie and Coffee is a homey little shop, you feel almost like you're in someone's country kitchen. 

Turns out there are several of them in Tokyo and one in Yokohama too. This year is the first time I've ever seen one. Their apple pies are divine, if a little pricey! I'm tempted now to make another one of my own...

Why not go seasonal: sakura apple pie, with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce. Yum!