153cmの大食いOL
This is the first overseas branch of a chocolate factory with a chocolate specialty store located in San Francisco. The first floor houses the factory, while the second floor is a cafe space where you can enjoy drinks and sweets. I visited around 3 pm on a weekday and was lucky to get a seat right away, but the cafe was almost full. Among the many cafes in the Kuramae area, this place seems to be quite popular, and there might be a wait on weekends.
I tried the "Kuramae Chef's Tasting" for 1,700 yen, which is a small plate featuring 5 different sweets themed around the marriage of ingredients and chocolate. Each dessert had the origin of the cocoa beans used written on it, making it a perfect dish for a chocolate specialty store. From left to right, there was cocoa jelly (Brazil), choux cream (Tanzania), lemon tart (Belize), pistachio creme brulee (Guatemala), and financiers (Honduras). I may not be an expert to discuss the differences in origin, but all the desserts were intricately made and very delicious. I was particularly impressed by the choux cream and pistachio creme brulee. The chocolate cream inside the choux cream was rich and had a deep, bitter flavor that made me wish they served a regular-sized version of it. It was small but had an unparalleled taste and aroma of chocolate. The pistachio creme brulee was a delight for pistachio lovers, with a rich, pistachio-packed flavor. It was a small yet well-made creme brulee with a crispy texture that was enjoyable. The layers of chocolate paired perfectly with it. I would love to try these in regular sizes.
If you want to easily taste the differences in cocoa flavors, I recommend the "Brownie Bite Flight," which offers a set of 3 different brownies. My friend ordered it, and even though they were all brownies, they were completely different and delicious. It's interesting to think about how the flavors are different and what seasonings are added to each.
I also tried the "Kuramae Hot Chocolate" for 690 yen, a limited menu item only available at the Kuramae store. Although it's called hot chocolate, you can also choose it as an iced drink. I was surprised that it was not overly sweet as expected for a chocolate drink. It was incredibly refreshing, with a subtle sweetness and an elegant, rich chocolate aftertaste. It is flavored with roasted green tea. While the desserts like brownies and Chef's Tasting tend to be on the sweeter side, this drink is a refreshing one that doesn't interfere with the sweetness. It was delicious!
Overall, the prices may seem a bit high, but considering the brand's commitment to Bean-to-Bar, I think it's a fair price. I also bought Macadamia Nut Chocolate (2,800 yen) as a souvenir, and it was so delicious that I'm savoring each piece carefully. I was debating whether to buy a tablet, but it was definitely the right choice. I highly recommend it too. Thank you for the feast!