Yamanote Atelier - Japanese Bakery

Yamanote Atelier is a unique bakery using a perfect fusion of Western baking and Japanese ingredients to create something very special. Marketed as 'The UAE's First Japanese Bakery' this was one place I couldn't wait to try out ... So this weekend we did just that!

We visited the store located in the Wasl Square Complex in Dubai and from the minute I was able to get a peek through one of the windows I couldn't wait to get inside. The beautiful displays of cakes, pastries and sandwiches made choosing just one treat a nightmare... so we had to share! The staff are very friendly and more than happy to help you choose between the delicious pastries. 

The store is beautifully decorated and has a unique bakery feel to it. One of the things I liked the most was how all of the bakery items are displayed as you walk in the store rather than behind a counter. You can choose exactly which item you want using the tongs and putting it on your tray before taking it to the counter...This means no awkward pointing on a glass cabinet trying to describe the location of the pastry you feel gives you the best value for money!

They have a great selection of hot and cold beverages, many made with a Japanese twist!

We got a Ying Yang Mocha - Espresso smothered in chocolate sauce for a delicious twist!

And a normal cappuccino (original I know) 

We both got an egg and turkey muffin to start (It was our breakfast)

We then shared a chocolate, raspberry and almond croissant - this was delicious warmed up.

Finally, we couldn't visit the Yamanote Atelier bakery without getting the famous Yamanote Croissant! This is made with a cream cheese filling and custard cream at the bottom. It is their best seller and I can see why ... this was one thing I didn't want to share!

They had a large selection of gift boxes filled with Japanese treats!

The staff were constantly bringing out freshly baked items from the kitchen and stocking up the baskets. I left feeling like I hadn't even nearly tried enough of what they had to offer. 

There is now a second store in the Dubai Mall which I am definitely going to check out! 

Visit Yamanote Atelier's website to see their full menu - they also deliver in the UAE which is awesome! http://www.yamanoteatelier.com

Laura x

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Don't Quit Your Daydream

As I sat at my desk staring out the window, watching the rain fall I would often dream of holidays and sunnier destinations... I mean who doesn't? But it's when you read those stories online of people who packed up everything to move abroad and travel the world, that's when I would think...why isn't that me?!

To most people, those stories seem about as achievable as winning the lottery, and I would feel the same. That is until about a year ago...

I still remember the day I thought to myself, why can't I move abroad? What is actually stopping me? I was in Dubai Mall looking over the balcony, watching people wander around the many levels of the mall when I realised...this is where I want to be! 

When I arrived back in England following that trip to Dubai I looked in to the logistics of moving abroad. It isn't until you really think about it, that the realisation of how hard it can be hits. I had a full time job, an apartment, a car, my family and friends and my little sister to think about. 

After thinking long and hard I realised, when it comes to life experiences, sometimes you have to be selfish. The saying 'You only live once' is never truer than when you are faced with a big decision like this. 

With things like Skype and social media, you are never far away from family and friends. So I decided to take the leap and in July 2015 i moved to Dubai. I sold all of my belongings, including my car and apartment and I moved out here with only 30kg of luggage!

It really doesn't take long to build your life back up, and when every weekend feels like a holiday ...thats when you know you made the right decision! The expat community is always there to lend a hand, after all, everyone has been in your boat at one point in their lives and there is always someone who has experienced what you are going through. 

I am now sat on my balcony overlooking the skyscrapers of Dubai in 30 degree heat and I don't regret a single thing. The way I see it, life is for living, and you can always resume a life back in your home city whenever you're ready to do so... the people who mean the most to you will always be there for you, so really... what do you have to lose? 

There is a big world out there just waiting to be explored, and someone has to do it...why can't that someone be you?!

Laura x

Follow my adventures:

Facebook: lauraloutravels

Twitter: @lauralou_x

Instagram: lauraloutravels

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzHqsDPJcvQD87EkcPZYTBQ/videos?view=0&shelf_id=0&sort=dd

I make YouTube videos documenting my travels - here is my first video ... 

''Moving to Dubai''