snowdrop
I went to Morimorisha to enjoy the last of this year's cherry blossoms. When I think of Morimorisha, the first thing that comes to mind for me is their summer shaved ice. I've been a fan for years, but their seasonal Mont Blanc and muffins are also famous. Especially popular are their early spring cherry blossom sweets. As the cherry blossoms were nearing the end of their season, I suddenly felt the urge to try their cherry blossom Mont Blanc before it was too late, so I decided to visit on the last day, 4/16 (later extended to 4/23). I had requested a reservation, and I noticed that after 3 pm, even if there were seats available, the cherry blossom sweets were sold out, and some people were turned away, so it's best to call ahead even on the day of. I had imagined the place to be quietly nestled in a residential area, but it was actually located along a main road. However, it was set back from the road due to the parking lot and container (roasting room!), and the succulents cleverly hid the view, giving a slightly forest-like feeling when you entered. The cafe space had a woody, natural, vintage style, and the adjacent pottery workshop added a creative, multi-faceted element that was quite charming. But the most charming thing was the cherry blossom Mont Blanc. It was so photogenic that I ended up taking multiple pictures, struggling to choose the best one. The guy sitting next to me even asked if he could just take pictures. I understand his feelings, haha. The delicate pink cherry blossom cream topped with a pink flower branch was beautiful. The branch, adorned with nuts nougat to resemble bark, looked so realistic. The branch made of craft chocolate cookies had several patterns, and I was hoping for a full bloom, but it was actually a leafless branch, which was a pleasant surprise. It showed how much they valued the seasonal aspect. The taste was satisfying too, with a subtle cherry blossom aroma that even someone like me who tends to avoid cherry blossom flavors found enjoyable. The sweet and sourness of the strawberries that appeared vividly from the inside also paired well with it. The base was also crunchy and delicious as a tart. By the way, the spoon placed on the tart was in the shape of a cherry blossom, and the cutlery rest was in the shape of a chocolate, which I had never seen before. I found out that the ceramic cutlery rest was original (it also had the imprint of SHINSHINSHA), but I wondered where the spoon came from, and it turns out they also do metalwork. Amazing. Come to think of it, even the straw was a trendy metal one. It felt a bit strange, but I guess it's unavoidable. This cafe was so lovely that I took my time to enjoy it. However, there was one issue - the setting sun. I was sitting at the counter, and the direct sunlight became intense, causing the chocolate on the plate, meant to represent soil, to melt into a mess. I wonder if adding shades would obstruct the view. I wonder how they'll handle this in the summer. It would be tough if this happened with shaved ice. So my mind is already thinking ahead. I'll make plans to come back for shaved ice this year!