Whenever my husband and I return to Toyama, we always make a point of visiting this patisserie located along the banks of the Jinzu River in Kurose Kitamachi.Patisserie GiraffeAt [Shop Name], you can find a variety of unique cakes that reinterpret classic French pastries while adding a modern twist, all thanks to the handiwork of owner-patissier Junichiro Hongo. This time, we contacted Mr. Hongo in advance and he kindly agreed to an interview for our website, and we were able to schedule an appointment and meet with him. We will be posting an article focusing on owner-patissier Mr. Hongo at a later date, but before that, let me introduce you to some of our favorite delicious cakes. Now, I wonder how many times we'll be able to visit during our one-week stay in Toyama♪
The shop is decorated with antique lighting and furniture, and as soon as you enter, you'll see delicious-looking cakes and baked goods in a two-tiered display case. The right display case features baked goods and chocolates perfect for gifts and souvenirs, while the left display case showcases fresh pastries, mainly chocolate-based. If you're enjoying cake in the shop's cafe area, there's a one-drink minimum order.
The cafe booth is simple yet filled with carefully selected antique tables and chairs. The lighting is kept slightly dim even during the day, and the light filtering through the soft curtains creates a warm atmosphere. With about 12 table seats and bossa nova playing in the background, it feels as if you've stumbled into a salon in Paris, France.
"Piege" 697 yen
The giant macaron, featuring the distinctive "G" mark of a giraffe, is made with Turkish dried figs compoted in red wine and blackcurrants.These macarons, infused with vintage port wine, offer a sophisticated, grown-up flavor. They are rich in taste and best enjoyed with a knife and fork.The rich cake gives you the illusion that you're enjoying a full French course meal!
"Bossa" 472 yen
This dessert features a fragrant coconut mousse, coffee crémeux, and milk caramel, all encased in crunchy chocolate. It's made with the hope that you'll enjoy it while listening to the music of Gilberto, a representative figure of bossa nova. The shop has CDs by both João Gilberto and his daughter, Bebel Gilberto, on display. The smooth, creamy texture of the crémeux, combined with the prominent coconut flavor, makes this a perfect treat to enjoy in the afternoon, accompanied by music.
"La Giraffe" 693 yen (577 yen with cake set)
On this day, we ordered an espresso and this café. The coffee is topped with whipped cream, orange peel, and cinnamon powder. It's a café that allows you to enjoy a mellow sweetness, richness, and aroma. Even after visiting many times over the years, we still haven't been able to try all the cakes in the display case. Later, we went again and celebrated the day before my partner's birthday by toasting with sparkling wine and ordering two other cakes, "Concorde" (483 yen) and "Melba" (546 yen). Well, there are only a few days left. I wonder how many more we'll be able to eat? (laughs) During the long interview, Mr. Hongo, who apparently loves eating out, recommended a sushi restaurant in Toyama, so we immediately went there. I'll share that Tabelog diary entry next time♪
Patisserie Giraffe
1-8-7 Kurose Kitamachi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture TEL: 076-491-7050
Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:30 Closed: Mondays
http://www.patisserie-la-girafe.com/
