The Little Twin Stars have landed their flying star in Fukuoka for a limited time only! Kiki and Lala, the adorable twins from the Sanrio universe, are celebrating their 40th birthday this year (they look good for their age) by opening a cafe in conjunction with Parco. The cafe caused a huge stir in Shibuya, Tokyo, with dedicated diners lining up for over four hours! Now it has moved to Fukuoka’s own branch of Parco, and is serving up some of the cutest food we’ve ever seen! Fukuoka Now just had to check out the pre-opening event…
Kiki and Lala themselves greet customers at the door at the Little Twin Stars photo booth. In keeping with the anniversary theme, the models with which customers pose are based on the original Kiki & Lala (meaning their hair is slightly less colourful). You can also make use of some photo aids: don fluffy little cloaks (choose from a pink or blue bow) and/or hold props, such as wands on which perch the characters themselves.
The cafe itself is simply furnished, but images of Kiki and Lala, the twin stars of the show, hang on the walls, and plushies of them are available to act as dining companions (much like the Moomin plushies at the Moomin Cafe).
But what we really wanted to see was the food – and we weren’t disappointed! Wax models of all the dishes had been laid out, with a few select items having been prepared as finger foods.
We particularly enjoyed the charming sushi, modelled to look like stars or one of the twin’s faces, and the salmon and tomato blinis, kept in a tower shape by use of a star-shaped pick.
When it came to drinks and desserts, there was a decided theme (besides the obvious one of ADORABLENESS): blue and pink. We loved the sponge cake, iced in blue or pick, and each topped with a biscuit star, and the pancakes, slices of which were served with a piece of fruit and a dollop of pink or blue whipped cream.
This cafe is not just a duplication of the Tokyo version; efforts have been made to create food especially for the Fukuoka store. The Kiki and Lala Starlit Sky Eclair (¥1,280) is perhaps the most impressive of these: an eclair with a custard cream filling is topped with the heads of Kiki and Lala, which are made out of blue and pink cotton candy! For an extra ¥300, you receive a mug you can take home with you.
‘Tis the season, so you may want something a bit more festive: Cake Gift from Kiki and Lala (¥1,580) is another exclusive to Fukuoka Parco treat, and consists of two slices of fluffy cake with creamy icing and a Christmas tree-shaped parfait.
If you prefer your cuteness in liquid form, why not try one of the two drink items which are available at only this particular pop-up: Kiki and Lala’s Iced Latte with Coffee Jelly (a baby pink coffee topped with blue/pink whipped cream and sprinkles – it also comes with a free keyring! ¥980) or Kiki and Lala’s Hot Chocolate (a mug of hot milk and a chocolate spoon, each decorated with the twins – heart-warming, as well as stomach-warming! ¥980).
Diners don’t just walk away with full stomachs. Order an item off the food menu and get a free place mat, order something off the drinks menu and get a free coaster.
In conjunction with the cafe, a gift shop has been set up. This way you can take one or both of the twins home with you, whether it be as a plushie, on a pencil case, or a charming pair of socks. Here too there are some exclusive-to-Fukuoka items, some of which are available in the neighbouring gashapon machines (toy vending machine) – like certain badges and keyrings (¥400 each). Or get a set of Fukuoka-exclusive pockets for your loose papers (set of two: ¥600).
If you were born without a sweet tooth (or a heart) then you perhaps won’t enjoy this homage to these two adorable twins, but we certainly got a huge kick out of it! There’s something extremely satisfying about having foods you’re familiar with transformed into something so heart-warmingly adorable. So inject some sweetness into your day with a visit to Kiki & Lala Cafe!
Kiki & Lala Cafe opens Nov. 21 (Sat.)!
• 11/21 (Sat.) ~ 12/28 (Mon.)
• 10:00~20:30 (L.O. 20:00)
• THE GUEST Cafe & Diner
• Fukuoka Parco Main Bldg. 5F, 2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-235-7000
• http://www.parco-art.com/web/other/exhibition.php?id=849