Chocolate Specialty Shop Minimal Offering Rare Strawberry and Chocolate Treats
17.January.2022 | FOOD
Japan-based chocolate specialty store Minimal is now offering a limited-edition set of gateau chocolates with fresh strawberries from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture. These are available for preorder and are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
These sweets were a huge hit last year, selling out immediately. The rare variety of strawberries used is only found in 1 percent of Japanese strawberry farms, and these are blended with milk cream and specialty chocolate.
The strawberry jam found on the top of each chocolate piece is made from these rare Nyohou strawberries. Originally a small-grained variety, the Nyohou varietals send from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture are larger with a beautiful dark-red color. Fragrant, juicy, and sweet, they also have a slight acidity that provide a more complex flavor.
To maximize the natural strawberry flavor, the chocolate is made from Madagascar cocoa beans with a more berry-like flavor. Only slightly roasted, the graininess is intact, leaving a more powerful and rich flavor. A milky sweet cream has also been added to the center to provide a better balance.
This is the second year that the company has worked with these strawberries from Mei, and after making a number of prototypes, Minimal has found the best possible way to express these unique flavors in harmony.
Information
Fresh Gateau Chocolate & Strawberries featuring Mei Strawberries
Price: ¥3,510 (Tax Included)
Release Date:
Online Store/LINE Preorders: December 24, 2021~
Yoyogi Ueno Store: January 15, 2022
Sales Period: Until the End of February 2022
LINE: https://page.line.me/yrn4346m?openQrModal=true
Official Site: http://mini-mal.tokyo
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Japanese-Style Strawberry Afternoon Tea Arrives at Hoshinoya Tokyo
Hoshinoya Tokyo, a Japanese-style inn in Otemachi, Tokyo, will offer a strawberry-filled afternoon tea set from January 7 until May 31, 2023.
Fragrant Strawberry Afternoon Tea
The Fragrant Strawberry Afternoon Tea is a modern-day expression of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A major part of Edo culture, guests can enjoy small dishes, sweets, and more. All 10 dishes are made with seasonal strawberries and fermented foods. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of unique textures and flavors, from a French cake with four layers of strawberry sauce to a strawberry confiture in dough kneaded with amazake.
Enjoy Unique Pairings
Dim sum, sweets, and dried goods will each be served with a proper pairing. The oshizushi is paired with a sparkling sake that perfectly matches the seasonal ingredients, and accompanying the main sweets is original coffee brewed in a French press. This coffee was developed exclusively for the afternoon tea set by the specialty coffee shop Sarutahiko Coffee.
Original Box
Since ancient times, the fuchidaka has been used as a sweets dish to accompany stronger tea. This afternoon tea will be served in an eye-catching original decorated stacked box decorated with jewel beetles. Come enjoy this elegant treat with a loved one to celebrate the new year!
Information
Fragrant Strawberry Afternoon Tea
Available: January 7 – May 31, 2023
Available after 14:00
Capacity: 1 couple (2 people) per day
Price: ¥12,000 per person (Includes tax and service charge) *Doesn’t include hotel charges
Venue: Hoshinuya Tokyo 2F Tatami Room
Reservations: Required at least 3 days in advance (https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/) -
Touken Ranbu ONLINE Inspires Original Chocolate Candies
12.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Orders are now open for some tasty chocolates inspired by the many handsome characters from Touken Ranbu ONLINE! These sweets come in decorative tins, and while they can be ordered now from Premium Bandai, they will also be available in supermarkets and other shops starting December 26, 2022.
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These tins feature many popular characters, and customers can choose from Yamanbagiri Chogi, Nankaitarou Chouson & Hizen Tadahiro, Suishinshi Masahide & Minamoto Kiyomaro, Kokindenjunotachi & Jizou Yukihira, or Ichimonji Norimune. These gorgeous tins contain three types of chocolate: rolled chocolate, fan-shaped chocolate printed with the swordsman’s crest and motif, and cherry-blossomed-shaped strawberry chocolate.
Assorted Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These assorted chocolate tins are available in four designs. The first depicts Mikazuki Munechika, Kogitsunemaru, Ishikirimaru, Iwatooshi, and Imanotsurugi. The second features Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamatonokami Yasusada, while the third depicts Taikogane Sadamune, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Ookurikara, and Kuninaga Tsurumaru. The fourth shows Higekiri and Hizamaru. The chocolates in each tin are inspired by these characters, and these would make perfect gifts for fans of the mobile and online game.
Variety Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Those who can’t choose a favorite character will want to snag one of these assorted tins, filled with familiar faces from the series. Grabbing all three will net you all 101 swordsmen!
(C)2015 EXNOA LLC/NITRO PLUS
Information
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Price: ¥972 each (Tax Included, Shipping and Handling Not Included)
5 varieties total
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Cafe ‘Junkissa Bread & Espresso’ to Start Chocolate Fair
Specialty cafe chain ‘Bread, Espresso &’ will begin selling special items as a part of its chocolate fair at the Harajuku location, ‘Junkissa Bread, Espresso &’ starting June 1!
Many of the existing items on the shop’s menu will be available in chocolate versions. The Chocolate Mint French Toast is chilled and perfect for summer, drizzled with chocolate cream and mint sauce. Additional mint can be added to your heart’s content!
The mint cocoa (pictured top right) features blended mint cream on top with cocoa on the bottom. The two halves blend effortlessly as the top warms and the bottom cools.
Come enjoy these chocolate treats during the warm summer months!
Information
Bread, Espresso &
Address: 6-25-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Last order at 7:30)
Open Every Day
Homepage: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ -
Kyo Hayashiya and Hayashiya Shinbei Offering Special Parfaits Perfect for Spring
Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is now offering a scrumptious Strawberry Matcha Parfait until April 24, 2022! If that’s not up your alley, four Kyo Hayashiya locations in Shinjuku, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ikebukuro will begin offering a Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait from April 1 until May 8, 2022.
Strawberry Matcha Parfait
The Strawberry Matcha Parfait is an eye-catching mix of green and pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms and bright green grass. Green tea blends with rose jelly and lychee sorbet, offering a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. The sweet accent of crunchy chocolate feuillantine gives each bite a little kick.
Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait
The Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait mixes the deep, bitter taste of Uji matcha, the sweet and sour taste of berries, and the gentle sweetness of mascarpone cream. The berry sauce is blended with crunchy chocolate feuillantine, a layer of whipped cream, green tea jelly, green tea ice cream, and milk panna cotta. To finish, it’s garnished with refreshing raspberry sorbet, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and fresh strawberries.
Information
Strawberry Matcha Parfait
Price: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) / with Tea: ¥2,090 (Tax Included)
Available: March 18 – April 24, 2022
Available at Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 2F)
Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait
Price: ¥1,430 (Tax Included) / with Tea: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)
Available: April 1 – May 8, 2022
*Available until April 30 at the SOGO Yokohama location.
Available at the following 4 Kyo Hayashiya locations.
・Takashimaya Times Square (Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Main Building 2F)
・Seibu Ikebukuro (Seibu Ikebukuro Main Building 8F)
・SOGO Omiya (SOGO Omiya Main Building 9F)
・SOGO Yokohama (SOGO Yokohama 10F)
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Pastel Easter Sweets and Bakery Items Coming to Grant Hyatt Tokyo
The luxury hotel Grand Hyatt Tokyo will offer Easter sweets and baked goods at the on-site Fiorentina Pastry Boutique from April 1 until Easter, April 17, to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Easter Egg Macaroon
Easter Cookies with Icing
Easter Lollipop
Easter Bunny Brioche
This year, in addition to the new Easter Bunny and Easter egg macaroons, cookies with icing, lollipop chocolates, brioche in the shape of the Easter Bunny, and other sweets and bakery items will be available. Don’t miss it!
Information
Fiorentina Pastry Boutique
Available: April 1 – April 17, 2022
Location: Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Official Site: https://www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.co.jp/restaurants/
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St. Regis Hotel Osaka Offering Updated Strawberry Afternoon Tea Menu
The St. Regis Hotel Osaka’s current strawberry-themed afternoon tea set has been updated as of March 7, 2022!
The Fifth Avenue Collection, a strawberry afternoon tea set inspired by the hottest trends in New York fashion, is now available at the St. Regis Bar. The St. Regis New York Hotel was founded in 1904, and is located on 5th Avenue, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. This new afternoon tea set features a gorgeous three-tiered array of colorful savory and sweet dishes inspired by the many fashion items that line the shop windows of the NYC street.
The Spring Collection features brand new items, including six sweet items, four savory items, two scones, and three pass-around glass desserts.
The legs extending from the Strawberry Heels glass dessert give a nod to the classiest scenery in New York, while the Strawberry & Mango Shortcake adds a vibrant touch of yellow, popular on the runway this season.
The desserts include lime and strawberry macaroons and plenty of chocolate for cocoa lovers. Those wanting something savory can enjoy meat-filled crepes and the spring vegetable and smoked salmon rolls. This bright and colorful set is sure to brighten up anyone’s mood!
Information
Strawberry Afternoon Tea ‘Fifth Avenue Spring Collection’
Available: March 7 until May
Location: The St. Regis Bar, 12F
Reservations/Official Site: https://www.stregisbar.stregisosaka.com/ -
Meiji Milk Chocolate Celebrates 95th Anniversary with Laforet Harajuku Collaboration Project
From March 12 until April 3, chocolate lovers will want to visit Laforet Harajuku! 30 different stores are celebrating the 95th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate with over 80 new pieces of collaborative apparel, toys, and snacks.
Collaboration Items at a Glance
Laforet Staff in Unique Collaboration Outfits
Wind and Sea Pop-up Shop
Laforet Harajuku continues to be a place to discover local fashion and culture. Meiji spearheaded this collaboration after realizing the potential to create new and exciting pieces for fashionable chocolate lovers to enjoy! A wide range of products from clothing to chocolate block-shaped home goods are available now, along with Meiji White Chocolate and Meiji Black Chocolate items!
A Wind and Sea pop-up shop will open for the first time at Laforet Harajuku during the event and will also be selling chocolate-themed items. Fashion model and YouTuber Noah Sato will also be featured in event ads as a Meiji Chocolate ambassador! Those purchasing collaboration items will receive a special Meiji Chocolate bar in unique packaging while supplies last.
Information
Meiji Milk Chocolate Collection in Laforet
Running: March 12 – April 3, 2022
Details: https://www.laforetharajuku.com/
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Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama Holding Strawberry and Chocolate Fair for a Limited Time
Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama is holding a scrumptious limited-time sweets fair, Sweet Strawberry Valentine, until March 14, 2022! If you’re looking for all things chocolate and strawberry, look no further.
Strawberry Chocolate Plate
Strawberry Chocolate Pain Perdu
Strawberry Mont Blanc
Strawberry Chocolat Ole (Hot/Iced) / Sparkling Berry Soda
Strawberry Chocolate Afternoon Tea Stand
Strawberry Chocolate Afternoon Tea Plate
Petit Fleur
The Sweet Strawberry Valentine lineup includes three desserts, three drinks, two afternoon tea plates, and one dish for takeout. If you could only choose one, which would it be?
Information
Sweet Strawberry Valentine
Running until March 14, 2022
Location: Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama
Hours: Weekdays |11:00-17:00 (Last Order at 16:00) / Weekends & Holidays | 11:00-21:00 (Last Order at 20:00)Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays *Hours are subject to change.
Reservations/Official Site: https://cafe.anniversaire.co.jp/minatomirai/ -
TENQOO Restaurant at Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi Offering Strawberry Parfait Lunch for a Limited Time
Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi’s restaurant TENQOO, located on the 27th floor, is now offering a weekday-only lunch set with a scrumptious strawberry parfait until March 31, 2022.
Tochitome Strawberry Parfait
Appetizer & Salad Buffet
Dining & Bar TENQOO
The strawberry parfait, made with strawberries from Tochigi Prefecture, was designed to be a light and refreshing dessert. Guests can also enjoy the buffet-style appetizer and salad buffet along with a lineup of pasta.
Strawberries from Tochigi Prefecture were selected for their juiciness and balance of sweetness and acidity. With high sugar content, they pair wonderfully with jellies and cream. Complete with jasmine jelly and blancmange, this will be a lunch to remember.
Information
TENQOO Lunch Set with Strawberry Parfait
Available: Weekdays from January 25 – March 31, 2022
Reservations Now Open
Serving Times: 11:30-14:00 (Closes at 15:30)
Location: Dining & Bar TENQOO (Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi 27F)
Reservations: https://marunouchi.metropolitan.jp/restaurant/list/tenqoo/menu/parfait-lunch.html ※Reservations Required
Official Site: https://www.nihonhotel.com/
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Sweets Decoration Pioneer Osamu Watanabe Opens ‘Strawberry Museum’ Exhibition at Hanshin Umeda
Contemporary artist Osamu Watanabe creates works made from lifelike resin sweets. The ‘Strawberry Museum,’ an exhibition of these works unique to Valentine’s Day, will be held at the Hanshin Umeda flagship store from February 9 until February 15, 2022.
Strawberry Heart
Strawberry Carp
Chocolate Venus
The main themes of ‘strawberries’ and ‘Valentine’ will make guests feel nothing but love during this snowy season. Don’t these pieces look good enough to eat?
Information
Osamu Watanabe ~Strawberry Museum~
Address: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 8F Hello Culture
Running: February 9 – February 15, 2022 (Closes at 17:00 on February 15)
Details: https://web.hh-online.jp/hanshin/contents/hlc/hlc01/detail/2022/01/–_1.htmlOfficial Site: https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/
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Gelato Pique Cafe Now Serving Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sweets
09.February.2022 | FOOD
From January 19 until February 15, gelato pique cafe is selling four chocolate-based treats for Valentine’s Day! The theme of this new menu is ‘Melt,’ and guests are asked to enjoy the richness of melting chocolate during this sweet season.
Fondant Chocolat Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)
This crepe is topped with chocolate fondant that melts into a warm chocolate sauce inside. The chocolate whipped cream is combined with Royal Bourbon gelato, accented with blackberry and black currant sauce, and a bit of crunchiness from the cookie bits.
Chocolate Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)
This mouth-watering crepe includes plenty of whipped cream and a luxurious fresh chocolate sauce topping. Inside, dark chocolate gelato is mixed with cocoa-flavored chocolate whipped cream.
Hot Chocolate Chai (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)
This hot chocolate is a variation of the popular chai beverage. White chocolate is combined with Assam tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for that perfect chai flavor. The sweetness of the hot chocolate is enhanced by the rich spices, giving it a more mature flavor!
Hot Dark Chocolate (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)
Extra dark chocolate is only enhanced with a roasted flavor creating a less sweet hot chocolate beverage. Available toppings are less sweet whipped cream, milk chocolate, and chocolate sauce.
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CCC Cheese Cheers Cafe Kyoto Holds Limited Time Strawberry Fair
CCC Cheese Cheers Cafe Kyoto, a restaurant specializing in cheese dishes, is holding a Strawberry Fair until February 28, 2022. Guests can enjoy original sweets and drinks made using seasonal strawberries, and can also find a unique selection of cheese and strawberry dishes exclusive to the restaurant.
Cheese×Strawberry×Cake
Very Berry Squash (Non-alcoholic) / Strawberry Sparkling Wine / Homemade Limoncello Cocktail Strawberry Lala / Berry Cheese Cream Soda (Non-alcoholic)
Information
Strawberry Fair
Running until February 28, 2022
Location: CCC Cheese Cheers Cafe KYOTO
Running: 12:00-21:00 (Last order at 20:30)Official Site: http://cccshibuya.main.jp/menu.html