Before the pandemic, they also operated a cafe called Cafe Trico, but now it has become Patisserie Trico. When I visited around 4 pm, there were hardly any pastries left. However, the one I wanted the most, the Galette Bretonne, was still available, so I was happy about that. The Galette Bretonne was 270 yen, and the Plum Tart was 600 yen, totaling 870 yen. I didn't realize the Plum Tart was 600 yen!

※It seems that when the store first opened, it was called "Cafe Trico," but now it has been changed to "Patisserie Trico." I arrived 30 minutes before the opening time, as there were reports of lines forming at the opening. When I arrived, there was no one else waiting. Shortly after, more customers arrived, and by the time the store opened, there were a total of 9 people waiting, including myself. It was during the Golden Week holidays in 2023. The white exterior of the building stands out in the picturesque town of Biei. The interior of the store was small, with a limit of 2 groups of customers at a time. Upon entering, I noticed cookies and canelés on display. Looking down, I saw two types of cakes. The selection was not extensive. When I ordered 4 canelés, I was asked to choose between two types of packaging – one was triangular, and the other was a bag. It seemed that the triangular packaging was available for orders of 4 or more, so I chose that option. This packaging, called Pakémon, was cute and practical with a string for carrying. The strawberry shortcake for 560 yen was not too sweet and meticulously made. Its simplicity made it stand out compared to other cakes. The strawberry mousse for 540 yen was fluffy with a jam that added texture. The canelé for 380 yen had a crispy exterior and a moist interior with a hint of rum. Two days after purchasing, the canelé had become moist and chewy, losing its initial crispiness. The meringue cookie for 270 yen was crunchy and melted in the mouth like cotton candy. The meringue chocolate for 777 yen had a thin layer of chocolate that added sweetness to the meringue. The galette bretonne for 270 yen had a crispy texture that crumbled easily and a sweet-savory flavor that was irresistible. Overall, the prices were on the higher side. While there are older pastry shops near Biei Station, the prices at Patisserie Trico seemed to surpass them significantly. It may not be an everyday indulgence, but it could be a nice treat for oneself or for special occasions.

Facing Biei Station, there is a stylish white building on the left side of the street. It is a small Western confectionery shop that opened on October 17th last year. Although there is a seating area inside, due to current circumstances, it has been take-out only since opening. Currently, only one group of customers is allowed inside at a time. It seems quite popular, so I arrived 10 minutes before opening and was able to enter first. At opening time, about 10 customers lined up. The shop owner, who used to hold Western confectionery classes in Sapporo, opened this confectionery shop in Biei. As she manages everything alone, the variety of confectioneries for sale is limited, but the taste is quite high quality. (It seems good to check the announcement on Facebook for what will be sold that day before visiting.) Items purchased: "Madeleine" (480 yen, excluding tax) - A hazelnut-flavored cake with chocolate, almond cream, and hazelnut cream on top. The hazelnut flavor and richness are irresistible. The shop owner's pride and joy, as she used to make it often during her classes in Sapporo. "Strawberry Shortcake" (520 yen) - The sponge cake is in three layers, with plenty of sliced strawberries in between. Of course, there are strawberries on top as well. The surface is whipped cream, and between the layers, there is whipped cream and custard cream sandwiched. The whipped cream seems relatively less sweet. The balance of the sweet and sour strawberries and cream is well done, and the taste is well balanced. "Trico's Canele" (300 yen each, purchased 2) - Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The outside is crispy and fragrant, while the inside has the sweet aroma of eggs. This canele is also delicious and well balanced. "Bourdaine" (480 yen) - It uses plenty of nuts. It has a fragrant aroma. The outside has a smooth powdered sugar coating. It has a somewhat nostalgic taste. The various Western confectioneries are made very carefully. The shop owner's customer service was also very kind, making the shopping experience pleasant!

Due to the pandemic, only one group can enter the store at a time. I waited a bit and bought the items in the photo to eat after work at night. I paired it with sparkling blood orange wine. It's almost midnight, but it's kind of exciting (laughs). The deliciousness of the canelé was already expected, but the sablé is also quite good. It has a sweet and bitter taste. And the quiche, a limited-time item, is very buttery. It could easily pass as a French appetizer. I had a luxurious night♪

Facing JR Biei Station, if you walk straight down Maruyama Street without any power poles, you will find a shop in the middle between the town hall and Maruyama Park. In the same block, there is a kindergarten, and you may hear the laughter of the children on some days. During this period of social distancing, only 2-3 people are allowed inside the shop for takeout at a time, so there is a line outside the shop. Customers come from various places, and items like baked sweets, cakes, quiche, and mountain bread are selling well. They all look delicious! Although I haven't finished eating everything I bought, the raisin sandwich, florentine, and boudinage all have a wonderful level of sweetness. It's worth driving here just to buy them. The sidewalk may get crowded with people, but everyone is calm and it doesn't seem to be affecting the local residents passing by. If a cafe opens here eventually, it would be nice to take a break while watching the snow falling here and there. A lovely shop has opened in the city center! ^^