【Tokyo Stroll】Experiencing the Finest Quality Gateau au Chocolat at “Ken’s Cafe Tokyo”—Reservations Required

14.February.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

Shinjuku—Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the most populated metropolitan area in the world, and absolutely packed with travelers and tourists. It’s a pivotal ward in Tokyo connected via many transportation services including the JR Line, subway, private railways, rapid bus lines and more. Shinjuku is an absolute must-visit when sightseeing in Tokyo.

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In today’s entry to “Tokyo Stroll,” Rinko Murata stopped by Ken’s Cafe Tokyo in Shinjuku, a shop specializing in Gateau au Chocolat that’s made with the best quality ingredients.

Ken’s Cafe Tokyo is very easy to get to, located just 3-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.

0Q0A4142The Special Gateau au Chocolat is one of the desserts served by the shop’s owner, Kenji Ujiie. Full sales of this dessert began due to strong demand from customers for it being so delicious. The word got out and immediately led to high praise that spread far and wide, and this year, the shop is celebrating its 20th anniversary!

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The Special Gateau au Chocolat comes in at ¥3,000 (tax included), with reservations in abundance up to a month. When it’s freshly cooked, the outside is crispy, and the outside is creamy like fondue chocolate, making a perfect melt-in-the-mouth combined texture!

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The secret to its deliciousness is in the thoroughness to use only the best ingredients. The chocolate used in the photo is from an Italian brand called “Domori.” The founder of Domori, Gianluca Franzoni, was deeply impressed with the quality taste of the Special Gateau au Chocolat, and so personally created his first and only chocolate mix called “KEN’S” to be used at the shop.

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To draw out the good flavour of the chocolate, it’s made with gluten-free chocolate. Although the flavour is rich and full-bodied, the result of the taste is that makes it simple to eat.

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300 gateau chocolates are made in a single day! And because each and every one of them are handmade with the utmost care and detail, it’s difficult to make any more than this, so there’s always an abundance of reservations. But if you can’t wait and need to try one straight away, limited quantities are being specially sold at Matsuya Ginza and Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro, so be sure to check those places out.

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Rinko couldn’t control her excitement at the sweet smell of the chocolate. She took no time at all to begin tasting the Special Gateau au Chocolat.

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When eaten at room temperature, it tastes like terrine chocolate. Depending on what temperature you eat it at, the taste and texture will change, so with one gateau chocolate you can enjoy trying three completely different flavours. Also, the balance between the sweetness and bitterness is fine-tuned every time. If you buy one now, the bitterness of the cocoa has increased every so slightly compared to 10 years ago.

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Rinko gave it her seal of approval. “The moment I took a bite, the aroma of the cocoa hit me, and the soft texture just melted inside my mouth! The balance between the bitterness and sweetness is exquisite. This delicious chocolate hit me in the head right away. Happiness is running around inside my brain. I can’t get enough of how it feels!”

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You can go back via Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station, but you should take a stroll towards Shinjuku Station instead – it’s just a 17-minute walk. Plus, Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku’s imperial garden – is close by Ken’s Cafe Tokyo, so you might enjoy getting lost in your own thoughts while taking a walk through nature.

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The Special Gateau au Chocolat is a perfect present for yourself or someone special. They are always waiting on orders, so if you’re interest, check out the shop’s website below and make a reservation.

 

■Information

Ken’s Cafe Tokyo

Address: 1-23-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Access: 3-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of “Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station” via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00

Closed: Weekends & Holidays

Website: http://www.kenscafe.jp

 

 

Model: Rinko Murata @rink0_

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Rinko Murata appears in fashion magazines and is active on radio and TV. Sales of her first style book were so successful that it required extra printing during its first week. She also has a rapidly growing following across her social media profiles. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she also has her own column online at “She magazine,” and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.

Photo & Writer: Haruka Yamamoto

Editor: Sayuri Mizuno(ASOBI SYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

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    ■Information

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    21.April.2022 | FASHION / MOVIE / SPOT

    From April 13 until April 25, fans of Disney Pixar will want to visit the first floor of the Odakyu Department store in Shinjuku! The Pixar Fest Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be selling a large collection of items featuring popular characters from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Cars, and more!

     

    A wide variety of PIXAR goods such as bags, towels, mugs, stationery, and apparel will be available, and the Disney Friend of Nature Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be held simultaneously, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly Disney items.

     

    PIXAR FEST POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance

    [Exclusive Event Item] IC Card Case: ¥2,310 

    [Event Exclusive Item] Drawstring Bag: ¥660 *On sale April 16

    [Event Exclusive Item] Random Pin Collection (12 varieties): ¥440 each

    Purchase Bonus: Tote Bag

    Purchase Bonus: Acrylic Coaster

    Starting April 13, guests spending ¥6,600 (including tax) or more at the venue will receive one special tote bag while supplies last! Starting April 23, guests spending ¥2,750 (including tax) will receive a Toy Story acrylic coaster.

     

    Disney FRIEND OF NATURE POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance

    [Event Exclusive Item] Mug Made from Recycled Goods “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥2,310

    [Event Exclusive Item] Eco Bag “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥3,190 *On sale April 15

     

    Be sure to visit the pop-up shop to grab some exclusive merch while you can!

     

    ©Disney/Pixar
    ©Disney

  • Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku to Open MOOMIN POPUP STORE by Small Planet

    05.April.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From March 30 until April 12, fans of Moomin will want to visit the Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku for a special pop-up store!

     

     

    Lineup

     

    Odakyu Preorder Items 

    Toto Bag

    Synthetic Leather Coaster

    Masking Tape

     

    Event Exclusives

    T-Shirt

    Acrylic Keychain

     

    Stainless Steel Tumbler

     

     

    Purchase Bonuses

     

    (March 30 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥6,600 or more

    Pocket Thermos Bottle, Joxter Cloud Design (Not for Sale)

     

     

    (April 2 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥3,300 or more

    Sea Orchestra Acrylic Keychain (Not for Sale)

     

    (April 9 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥5,500 or more

     

    Snufkin & Joxter Acrylic Stand Set (Not for Sale)

     

     

    The pop-up store, which was very well-received last year, focuses on Snufkin, one of the most popular Moomin characters. This year, Snufkin’s father, Joxter, will also be making an appearance. The venue will be decorated with original artwork, and a wide variety of Moomin merch will be available, including plush toys, sundries, apparel, and much more.

  • Meiji Milk Chocolate Celebrates 95th Anniversary with Laforet Harajuku Collaboration Project

    16.March.2022 | FASHION / FOOD / SPOT

    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.

  • 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.

  • Pokemon Valentine’s Day Sweets on Sale for a Limited Time from Meine Rollen

    05.February.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD

    Western confectionery brand Meine Rollen has begun selling a collection of Pokemon-themed Valentine’s day goods for 2022! Although some of these chocolates look too cute to eat, they’ll certainly earn top marks with your crush.

     

    Chocolate Set L (Pokemon)

    Sleeping Pikachu Pack (Pokemon)

    Eevee & Friends Pack (Pokemon)

     

     

    Last year’s designs focused on characters from Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and Silver, released between 1996 and 1999. This year’s imagery was inspired by all games in the series, appealing to an even larger audience. Which design do you like the most?

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