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A Sweet Escape for Adults: Savoring Tapas, Wine, and Desserts at Que sera, c'est la vie!
In a food stall village in Obihiro, Hokkaido, you'll find "Que sera, c'est la vie!" The name is a portmanteau, combining the Spanish phrase "Que sera, sera" (what will be, will be) and the French phrase "C'est la vie" (that's life!). True to its name, Que sera, c'est la vie! offers a delightful fusion of Spanish and French elements. Here's how to enjoy it.
Blissful Sweets by a Pâtissier! Best to Visit Before 7:00 PM When Reservations are Possible
Upon entering the shop, you'll be greeted by the warm, welcoming smile of the owner, Namiko Kikuchi. The shop's array of sweets are all created by Ms. Kikuchi, an accomplished pâtissier with experience in Osaka, Kobe, and Tokachi.

Ms. Kikuchi, who decorated the shop with hydrangeas for today's photoshoot.
The most popular item on the menu is the "Sugar Butter Crepe," with its delightfully crispy edges and subtle sweetness. Another favorite is the "Basque Cheesecake," whose rich, dense texture and deep cheese flavor pair perfectly with red wine.

The "Basque Cheesecake" has a subtle sweetness and a texture that is neither too firm nor too soft, leaving you wanting more.
If you're set on trying these sweets, it's best to visit between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, when reservations are accepted. After 7:00 PM, the shop gets busier, and it's not uncommon for desserts to be sold out if you arrive after 9:00 PM. So, if sweets are a must for you, make this your first stop of the evening.

The No. 1 most popular "Sugar Butter Crepe." You can also add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.
Tapas to Complement Your Drinks, Hokkaido Natural Wine, and a Cozy Atmosphere
Que sera, c'est la vie! is also a popular choice for a second stop. Besides sweets, the menu features a variety of tapas like cheese nachos, shrimp ajillo, and Nagaimo pork liver pâté, as well as a wide selection of drinks from homemade sangria to shochu. If you're lucky, you might even find rare natural wines from Hokkaido.

The Hokkaido-produced natural wines available on this day.
Whether they're served by the glass or bottle is apparently up to the mood of the wine-loving owner (lol). There are also original coffee and herbal teas, so even those who don't drink alcohol can have a great time.

The counter is decorated with seasonal flowers, with about 8 round stools for seating.

A full lineup of non-alcoholic drinks is also available, including original blend coffee and herbal teas.
"It was a chance encounter that led me to open a stall in Kita no Yatai, and three years have passed," says Ms. Kikuchi. "As I enter my fourth year, I'm sometimes thinking about the future, and sometimes not... but when I was traveling in Spain, I loved the custom of buying cookies in a bag, so maybe I'd like to try making some baked goods..."
Keep an eye on the future of the popular stall, Que sera, c'est la vie! When you're in Obihiro, be sure to stop by!
Que sera, c'est la vie!
■Address: Nishi 1-jo Minami 10-chome 7 (inside Kita no Yatai), Obihiro
■Hours: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
■Closed: Tuesdays
■Phone: 080-4501-5801
■Instagram: queseracestlavie2020
Writer Profile
Deer Woman / Editor
Maya Nakamura
Originally from Miyagi Prefecture. She transitioned from being an editor at a gourmet media company to a hunter. Known by the nickname "Shikajo Mayamon" (Deer Woman Mayamon). Her motto is to savor life deliciously, and she handles the entire process from hunting deer to butchering the meat. She is also active as a freelance editor, designing logos and pamphlets, writing, and planning and managing events.