Fukusaya Cube Castella: From Nagasaki, this traditional Japanese cake comes in a thoughtfully crafted package that's a joy to open. The laminated paper box has perforations for bisecting the cube before pulling down its sides to reveal a cake further wrapped in textured waxed paper. The paper that encases the cake is precisely folded like origami. Finally, there is a small plastic "fork" that you bend to snap together to eat the cake. The cake I had was about a week past its due date, and according to the site, no ... (read more)
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Dominique Ansel Bakery Gingerbread Pinecone: I still haven't tried a cronut, but I have tried some of Dominique Ansel's desserts in the past, mostly through special events held at his New York West Village Kitchen location. While some were exceptional, namely a pea and carrot dessert modeled after a baby's first word, others have actually been quite bad (like the pie night a few years ago). There is a relatively short line at his first bakery and restaurant in Los Angeles at The Grove, so I opted for a seasonal treat: the gingerbread... (read more) 4.5/5.0
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今川焼千駄木 Imagawayaki red been wheel cake : I took a detour on my daily walk and came across this small shop with a decently sized line. Since there are no tourists in Japan right now, lines are for sure signs of a local favorite. The little stand only sells imagawayaki, which are enclosed wheel-shaped pancakes filled with red bean. They have three flavors on the menu: red bean, custard, and one other that I couldn't figure out through direct translation (しるあん), and all of them are made to order using a traditional Japanese mold. They... (read more) 4.5/5.0
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萩の月 仙台銘菓: Japanese confection consisting of custard encased in a sponge cake. The cake is light and mild, but the filling is rich. The custard tastes like a cross between asian pudding and egg custard. A surprising treat. 4.0/5.0
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Haitai Korean chili rice cake snack: A uniquely addictive snack with a bit of an identity crisis. Tubular, ridged wheat \"crackers\" that are meant to resemble their solid rice cake counterparts but look more like macaroni. Unlike real rice cakes, this snack is crunchy. Coated in a sweet and savory chili glaze. The immediate flavor is sweet, but the finish is just spicy enough. Really didn't know what to expect when getting this snack, but it is oddly delicious and definitely worth trying. 4.0/5.0
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Salt and Lemon Baumkuchen: Ever had a salted lemon flavored cake? I hadn't up to this point in my life, and I wish I had. This import from Japan is very well balanced, with a concentrated acidic flavor. Like most Japanese pastries, it's lightly sweetened. Texture is a bit dense but not dry. Honestly better than many fresh cakes I've had. 4.0/5.0
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