Cafe Bimi — Restaurant in Fukuoka

What makes Cafe Bimi special is that it has been brewing coffee using the Flannel Drip method for over 40 years. Flannel Drip is coffee brewed using a Flannel Filter, and is called Nel Drip in Japan. Flannel Filter is known to produce deeper and more diverse aromas and flavors because it allows the oils in the coffee that cannot pass through paper filters to pass through, but it is also a method that is difficult to find these days because the filter is difficult to manage. The owner of Cafe Bimi, Mr. Morimitsu Muneo (森光宗男), who has passed away, is famous for insisting on the Flannel Drip method for over 40 years since he first opened his cafe in 1977. With his faith and love for the Flannel Drip method, he consistently brewed coffee using the Flannel Drip method and also spread the Flannel Drip method. Now, the wife who worked with Mr. Morimitsu while he was alive has become the second owner and is continuing the tradition of Flannel Drip. The Flannel Drip method is very delicate, so the taste changes depending on who pours it. That's why Cafe Bimi doesn't let just anyone do the drip, but the master herself always pours it. I tried the 'Basic Blend' coffee recommended by the staff, and it was a coffee that anyone can drink without feeling burdened because it had almost no acidity. Then, I tried half of the Fruits Cake that the lady from Tokyo who was sitting next to me at the bar table gave me to try. The Fruits Cake is a pound cake with fruit inside, and the rum and brandy-soaked fruit inside gave a subtle sweetness that refreshed my palate in between cups of coffee. A barista also works next to the master, and I saw him use an ice cutter to cut ice cubes right in front of me, and then pour them into a glass to make iced coffee. I didn't get to taste it this time, but the iced coffee looked really refreshing. I'll definitely have to try the iced coffee next...

Beautiful building, cute coffee roaster on the main floor, charming cafe on the 2nd floor. So Lovely. But be aware, there is some serious coffee making happening here. With a selection of beans from across the planet, at all different price points, coffee is all they make here. (fruitcake is supplied by a bakery) And only one person makes it. She is a master with the flannel filter, and with the bean selection. It is a marvel to watch. We got there half an hour before opening and it was already lined up. Lucky for us that all the other customers chose the tables, as we got to sit at the bar and watch the artistry. She chooses the beans by hand, literally, tossing the less-than-perfect ones aside. Then a precise grind, followed by the pourover. She is so focused - the other staff dare-not say anything during the pour - the 25-30 grams of coffee result in a surprisingly small serving of intense coffee served in a pre-heated and elegant cup with saucer. If you ask for cream, you receive a little creamer so small, you can't help but smile. It holds less than a eyedropper might hold. But it is enough. Don't ask for sugar..... Its a delicious lesson in what coffee can be, maybe even transformative. But it is not quick. This expression of coffee takes time. Be patient, soak up the ambiance while you wait. You will be rewarded! (If you arrive with the opening rush, and 'IF' you can, sit at the bar and order quickly. We were done and finished our coffee before the 2nd table was...

Peaceful quiet cup of well brewed java! Didn't expect to find this coffee haven n it was a surprisingly delightful discovery! Service was excellent, staff were polite n helpful! There was a nice selection of cakes which complimented the coffee. Price was fair considering the ambience n quality. After a stroll at the Temple/Shrine at Roppommatsu, it was a perfect interlude to enjoy some quiet time over coffee n confectionary! Highly recommended as watering hole to get your caffeine fix before more sightseeing. Wide selection of brews available n staff were well informed enough to recommend certain beverages. Atmosphere was restful, contemplative n niche, prices were higher but to be expected judging from the decor n specialities available. Java connoisseurs should definitely give this cafe...