マダム・チェチーリア
When visiting Arietta's terrace, I always pass by the front of the store and park my car in the coin parking. I knew that a new store had opened on the 1st floor of a newer apartment building since the opening. However, I never had the chance to buy bread and take it home as I usually have dinner there. But this time, it was for lunch, so I finally went inside the store! However, the interior was quite different from what I had imagined based on the stylish facade - it was very small and the selection of items was more limited compared to the much smaller Maison Kayser in Hiroo, which also had much better customer service. I couldn't help but notice a Christmas tree on the left and boxes of Asahi Super Dry stacked on the right in the back of the shop - it felt like a storage area. The bright blue Oricon (delivery box) piled up at the entrance also caught my attention. Despite my negative start, the bread at Arietta is highly recommended! I love the Croissant O'Zamand (¥411) - a croissant soaked in rum syrup, filled with almond cream, and baked to perfection. Plus, the new Danish Chocolate Nut (¥368) I found this time was outstanding with its crispy Viennese layers filled with Kirsch-soaked Griott cherries, chocolate, almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts, all balanced perfectly with a brush of honey. It's a must-try! Check it out at your nearest Maison Kayser! The Danish Marron (¥432) also offers a delightful trio of crispy Viennese layers, chestnuts, and chestnut cream inside, although I wish the cream was a bit more creamy to enhance the flavor of the chestnuts. The Earl Grey tea-infused sablé and milk chocolate walnut cookie (¥227) had a nice nutty flavor, but the walnuts stood out more. The Quiche Lorraine (¥573) and Salmon and Spinach Quiche (¥519) in the display case near the register didn't look very appetizing as they were casually placed on stainless steel trays. The display could be improved. The Christmas-related products include Stollen (¥3240), Christmas cakes (all 3 for ¥5184), Roast Chicken (Truffle Rice Stuffed for ¥4536), and a Party Sandwich (¥4320) where a large bread is hollowed out and filled with roast beef or smoked salmon sandwiches, with edible lids. Despite the impressive Chocolate Nut pastry, I will call Arietta next time and, if available, overlook the entrance decor and interior and pay a visit!