森のコロちゃん
【Chapter 1: Compatibility Issue】Located about a 10-minute walk straight from Musashikoganei Station North Exit, this small yet stylish cake shop opened its doors about 3 years ago. Despite its somewhat inconvenient location, it is loved by the local family demographic. On my first visit, in the evening, most cakes were already sold out. However, the staff were friendly and provided good service. My second visit was in January last year. I decided to purchase the "Mont Blanc" again since it was delicious the first time. I also asked for a recommendation and was suggested the "Saint-Honoré." While the "Mont Blanc" was delicious, the "Saint-Honoré" was not to my liking. The caramelized ingredients were so hard that it was almost impossible to eat. I thought I might break a tooth. Despite it being a "recommended" item, it seemed that the compatibility between this cake and me was "terrible." Since compatibility is subjective, I decided to keep my review of this place to myself and remained silent (or so I thought).
【Chapter 2: Tragedy on Christmas Eve】Last December was tumultuous, but I wanted to at least enjoy a Christmas cake. It was already evening, and my first choice was only left with leftover cakes covered in whipped cream. Reluctantly, I decided to give this place, with which I had a not-so-great compatibility, a try. The narrow shop was bustling with customers. In the back, pastry chefs were working tirelessly to make cakes. Amidst the chaos, I purchased the usual "Mont Blanc" (400 yen), "Cav" (420 yen), and "Foret Noire" (380 yen). When I got home in the cold and opened the boxes, to my surprise, the "Mont Blanc" was squashed and misshapen. The circular divider inside the box was protruding outside, causing the cake to roll around. It was clearly a flat Mont Blanc. If they had put it in a slightly larger box, my Christmas Eve would have been much more enjoyable. It was probably a temporary staff member, but encountering such a "tragedy" after purchasing a cake was a first in my long life. While accidents happen, especially with fruit or other food items, cakes are meant to provide joy to the consumer. If I had dropped or mishandled it myself, I would take responsibility, but to have a cake treated in such a manner after carefully bringing it home is unacceptable. Even if it was a temporary staff member, I wish they had shown a bit more "love" towards the cakes. The sadness of experiencing such treatment on the one night of the year that is meant to be special is profound. As one of the representative patisseries in the area, I hope they will strive for improvement in the future.