When we had the opportunity to go to the restaurant of the creator of this super popular dessert, we jumped at the chance. We wanted to taste the dessert that changed a nation.
Colombin Patisserie is located in Harajuku. Just looking at the place from the outside, you'd never know it held such historical significance. The patisserie was originally founded in 1924 (but in a different location) by Kuniteru Kadokura, a local pastry chef that was so acclaimed that he made pastries for the Emperor and royal family.
The staff at the restaurant showed my husband some information about the history of the shortcake. After returning from France, Chef Kadokura took the already popular castella and layered it with whipped cream and strawberries. Soon, he introduced genoise to his clients and produced the, now famous, strawberry shortcake.
Since we were there for the strawberry shortcake, my son ordered it. They still use the exact same recipe as Chef Kadokura. It was a lovely version, light and fluffy with bursts of strawberry flavor from the berries.
They have a contemporary version of the shortcake on their menu. It is served warm in a small cast iron skillet. I ordered this cake and was overjoyed with my choice. It was served warm, with the perfect amount of strawberries, ice cream, and whipped cream on top. It was simple and the balance of sweetness was just right. I even closed my eyes a couple times as the bliss felt was so incredible.
My husband ordered their matcha and strawberry roll cake. This cake was the absolute best matcha cake I have ever had - and I have had a lot over the years. The bright green cake was rolled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then "frosted" with a thin layer of matcha chocolate.
After enjoying a lovely dessert course with tea, we all agreed we would come back here again and again. We can't wait for visitors, so that we have a good excuse for going back!
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