In this issue, we would like to introduce a hidden gem: Seasonal Western Confectionery and Natural Yeast Bread Aoi. The store is owned by the older sister, Eri, who is a baker, and the younger sister, Yukiko, who is a pastry chef. You can taste seasonal breads and western-style confections made with domestic wheat, rapeseed oil, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

The location is about a 10-minute walk from Nakamura Nisshoku Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line. It is also about the same distance from "Nakamura Koen" station, one station next door. At first glance, you will be greeted by a magnificent Japanese-style house that is hard to believe it is a bread and confectionery store.

Cakes and baked goods are selled on all business days. Breads are  available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Upon entering the grounds, one is greeted by a lovely Japanese garden.

Making use of the Japanese house built by my great-grandfather

Older sister Eri, who is a baker (right in the photo), and Yukiko, a younger sister who is a pastry chef (left in the photo)

We asked Yukiko, the younger sister in charge of Western sweets, about the birth of the shop.

ー Please tell us how you came to be called “Aoi”.

Yukiko: "Our family is in the construction business, and this building was built by my great-grandfather with great care. My sister and I both love this house very much, and we wanted to make use of it in some way.

I worked as a pastry chef with the goal of owning my own shop someday. My sister used to work in construction field, but after she got married she started making bread because she wanted her children to eat safe and secure food. It's pretty popular with people around us, and we decided to have a shop together. ”

The Japanese house built by the great grandfather is over 70 years old.

- What is Aoi's commitment?

Yukiko: "Although not everything is organic or allergy free, we use ingredients that you can eat with peace of mind.

We also try to use seasonal ingredients for our breads and confections. I'm often asked, ”What's the best seller at this store?'' or ”Please tell me what you recommend.'' But instead, I try to find seasonal items among the products that change depending on the season. I would be happy if you could feel it and enjoy it. ”

Western sweets with seasonal ingredients

Inside the store, there are Western sweets in the showcase, freshly baked bread above the showcase, and baked goods on the shelves.

First of all, we were told about the commitment of Western confectionery.

Yukiko: "We try to use seasonal ingredients and make each dish carefully. During the current season, we use sweet summer oranges, kumquats, strawberries, etc. For example, strawberries vary depending on the season, but we ask "Katou Farm," which grows strawberries in Tsushima, to supply us with strawberries. We buy directly from them, so we can get them picked ripe on the same day. The ones that come to market are harvested a little earlier so that they ripen during distribution. Since we don't have that problem,  you get to taste the freshest fruit."

Natural yeast bread made with domestic wheat and rapeseed oil

On the showcase, there are about 10 kinds of breads. The bread is baked little by little from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with the best selection from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Eri: "We use seasonal ingredients for our bread as much as possible, and the vegetables we use for our prepared bread come directly from farmers without pesticides. The flour is also domestically produced.

Bread becomes soft and fluffy when butter and sugar are used, but we use non-genetically modified pressed rapeseed oil instead of butter. Therefore, the dough is more satisfying to eat, with a wheat flavor rather than a fluffy texture.

We also make the fillings (ingredients) for our bread by hand. For example, the curry filling for curry bread is also homemade. Because it is handmade, we can't make a large quantity, but even small children can enjoy it without worry.

Gentle Taste of the Seasons - 
Aoi's Western confectionery & natural yeast bread

From here, we will introduce Aoi's western confectionery and natural yeast bread.

*Products may change depending on the time and season

Amanatsu orange cream cheese tart ￥400＋tax

Plenty of pesticide-free Amanatsu (sweet summer) oranges in a grilled type tart! It's a refreshing taste that can only be tasted at this time of year.

Seasonal fruit short ￥450+tax

Shortcake made with strawberries from Kato Farm. The sweetness is modest so that you can enjoy the deliciousness of strawberries.

Matcha and Kinkan Mousse ￥400＋tax

The mousse is divided into two layers: matcha and white chocolate mousse, and pesticide-free Kinkan (kumquat) homemade compote.

Chocolate and mascarpone mousse ￥400+tax

This mousse is a standard cake that can be enjoyed all year round. The moist taste like tiramisu is irresistible.

Amber pudding ¥280 + tax

A traditional pudding with a chewy texture made with special eggs (Running Egg) and special sugar (Amber Sugar). It has a nostalgic taste that makes you want to eat it again and again.

Baked sweets with strained bean paste and wasanbon ¥180 + tax

Here is the best of the baked sweets! Cookies baked with azuki bean flour and butter, which melt in your mouth, are coated with plenty of Wasanbon sugar.

Today's Recommended Vegetable Bread ¥280+tax

Seasonal vegetables are combined with springy natural yeast bread. On this day, Yuki Farm's burdock was paired with a sweet white miso tuna dip.

Pizza ¥350 + tax

They also have pizza that is very filling. They also use seasonal vegetables here. For example, the sweet carrot sauté uses carrots grown without pesticides from Yuki Farm, and is paired with non-spicy grain mustard. It is accented with cream cheese.

We also recommend the pizza made with thickly sliced new onions from the Tsunagu Farm, carefully baked in the oven and finished with homemade tomato sauce!

Sandwich ¥450 + tax

A delicious sandwich that's perfect for lunch. Additive-free wiener sausage topped with grainy mustard and cream cheese. The point is that they use plenty of pesticide-free sunny lettuce.

White sesame and Tamba black soybean kinako ¥200+tax

Simple bread is also recommended because you can enjoy the flavor of wheat!

This one has a filling of black sesame paste and Tanba kuromame soybean kinako wrapped in a dough filled with white sesame. You can enjoy the full aroma of sesame.

Homemade Fluffy Butter Cream Sand ¥250+tax

The saltiness of the bread and the gentle sweetness of the bean paste are a perfect match! Homemade ice cream is sandwiched in summer.

Aoi's confections and breads are made with the idea of "tasting what is in season and enjoying the feeling of the seasons." Because the menu changes with the seasons, you can look forward to a new experience each time you visit, and enjoy the ingredients at their most delicious state. We can't wait for the next season -  this is a store that makes you feel that way.

The Japanese garden also offers different looks depending on the weather and the seasons. The snowy garden and the moss on rainy days are also said to be beautiful. When you visit Aoi, be sure to take a look at the expressions of the garden.