When you step into a Western-style confectionery shop, you are captivated by the sweets lined up inside, and just looking at them makes your heart race.
Many people may only think about enjoying the sweets, but few can sense that each product is filled with the knowledge and skills of the patissier.
At Patisserie Le Vert in Hiroe, Kurashiki City, they are continuously developing Western-style sweets that focus on local production for local consumption.
I spoke with the owner of Patisserie Le Vert, Kataoka Yoshiharu, about his recommended products.
I will introduce innovative products using local ingredients and Kataoka's passion for making Western-style sweets.
About Patisserie Le Vert
Overview of Patisserie Le Vert
Patisserie Le Vert is a Western-style confectionery shop located in Hiroe, Kurashiki City.
It is situated along the main road, Prefectural Route 21, which connects Mizushima in Kurashiki City to Okayama City and Tamano City.
One of its features is that it changes the products it sells each week.
On the third Sunday of each month, they offer soft-textured Taiwanese Castella on "Fluffy Day," and on the fourth Sunday, they have "Fresh Sweets Sale Day," where products are completed after receiving orders, continuing to engage customers with fun initiatives.
Additionally, Patisserie Le Vert is also attractive for its strong focus on participating in events such as markets.
You can check the store's business days and event participation information on Le Vert's Instagram.
A Western-style confectionery shop that continues product development
Patisserie Le Vert continues to develop products using local ingredients.
For example, the "Tomato Tiramisu" uses Okayama Prefecture's "Momotaro" tomatoes.
They source ingredients from companies active within Okayama Prefecture to create products that focus on local production for local consumption.
So far, they have collaborated on products with over 30 varieties and more than 10 companies.
It is said that developing products can take as long as six months to pursue the desired taste.
Product introduction of Patisserie Le Vert
Mont Blanc finished right in front of you
After receiving an order at the store, they finish it right in front of the customer by piping fresh cream.
In addition to the chestnut cream typically used in Mont Blanc, they have also used cream made from sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and bananas.
The Mont Blanc that is completed after receiving an order is only available on the fourth Sunday during "Fresh Sweets Sale Day."
Tomato Tiramisu
They make a confiture by simmering Okayama-grown "Momotaro" tomatoes with sugar.
The confiture of tomatoes is layered with mascarpone cheese and jarred, creating Patisserie Le Vert's special "Tomato Tiramisu."
As can be seen with pasta and pizza, tomatoes and cheese pair well, which inspired the idea to apply this combination to a Western-style sweet.
There is no acidity from the tomatoes, and the sweet tomato confiture blends with the creamy mascarpone cheese, offering a taste of a dessert that has never been experienced before.
Cheese Tart with Senryo Eggplant
This tart features Okayama-grown Senryo eggplant that has been caramelized with sugar and combined with cheese.
With a texture similar to that of an apple, many people would likely mistake it for an apple if they didn't know it was eggplant.
The moderate sweetness spreads in the mouth, allowing you to enjoy the unexpectedness of the eggplant.
Rice Flour Taiwanese Castella
The eggs are sourced from Sakamoto Egg Farm, a company in Kurashiki City that has a poultry farm in Biseicho, Ibara City, and the rice flour is sourced from a rice flour manufacturer in Kibi Chuo Town.
Additionally, the honey used is collected by bees raised in the grounds of Soja Shrine in Bizen Province.
This is a Taiwanese Castella that focuses on local production for local consumption within Okayama Prefecture.
It is sold on the third Sunday of each month during "Fluffy Day."
Next, I spoke with the owner of Patisserie Le Vert, Kataoka Yoshiharu, about the background of the business and the points he focuses on.
Data of Patisserie Le Vert
| Name | Patisserie Le Vert |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-12-50 Hiroe, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-4102-8931 |
| Parking | Available 6 cars |
| Business Hours | For store business days and event participation days, refer to Patisserie Le Vert's Instagram |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Restroom | No restroom |
| Website | Le Vert (Instagram) |
