There is a place in Shinjuku that sits at the top of the Tokyo dessert scene with a single item on the menu, a gateau chocolat, so I went to check it out. It is called Ken’s Cafe, near Shinjuku Gyoen, and their 3,000-yen gateau chocolat sells so well that they have stopped running the cafe and now do takeout sales only.
The leaflet
It explains how to enjoy it. You can eat it at room temperature, chilled, or warmed up.
A fancy box
Well, at that price, I guess this is the least they can do.
Inside the package
With something this luxurious, whoever receives it as a gift would be delighted.
The gateau chocolat
It is made with top-grade Valrhona chocolate from France and plenty of Calpis butter, the finest Japan has to offer.
Sliced
Incredibly rich and smooth. It just melted in my mouth. A taste that makes the steep price feel entirely worth it.
Warmed in the microwave
I had heard that warming it up makes it taste like a fondant au chocolat, so I gave it a try, but room temperature was the best. It is something I would love to eat again if I get the chance. You do have to reserve one before going, of course.