Interview with Kataoka, owner of Patisserie Le Vert
We interviewed Yoshiharu Kataoka, owner of Patisserie Le Vert.
How did you come to open Le Vert?
Kataoka (honorific omitted)
Actually, I originally liked bread, so I went to culinary school thinking I would study breadmaking.
However, I had more opportunities to learn about fresh pastries than bread, and I acquired the skills to make fresh pastries and became good at it.
After graduating, I trained for five years at a cake shop in Kurashiki City, and in 1993, when I was 23, I opened a shop at my home in Hiroe, Kurashiki City.
In 2021, it will be 28 years since I opened the shop.
Why do you focus on participating in events?
Kataoka
I was originally stubborn and had the temperament of a craftsman.
I wasn't good at serving customers.
After running the shop for about 10 years, I was invited to take part in a sweets-selling event held in Mizushima.
At the event, I saw the other vendors and noticed the differences in how they sold and presented their products. It broadened my horizons.
I felt that participating in events was also an opportunity to learn, so I have been actively taking part ever since.
Customers also responded well, so before the spread of COVID-19, I stopped selling at the shop and focused on participating in events.
Why did you reopen the shop?
Kataoka
Due to the impact of COVID-19, one event after another, including markets, was canceled.
When I was struggling because I couldn't sell my products at events, I took part in Tekuteku TAKE OUT Marche, a small-scale market event organized by Atelier sora design.
At first, I only participated in Tekuteku TAKE OUT Marche, but the organizers suggested making use of the unused shop in Hiroe, Kurashiki City, so I reopened it.
How did customers respond when you reopened?
Kataoka
I temporarily opened the shop in October 2020.
I was surprised by how many customers came—more than I could adequately serve.
I remember being so busy making products all day that I had no time to feel happy or excited.
When I opened the shop again in December 2020, even more customers came.
Why are you particular about product development?
Kataoka
I'm quick to get bored, so I'm always looking for something new.
More than anything, I enjoy making new things.
Also, with products created in collaboration with local businesses, I can tell that customers come looking for them.
I want customers to enjoy visiting a shop that has something new to offer every time.
What kind of shop would you like to create in the future?
Kataoka
I want the shop to be full of products made in collaboration with local businesses and products focused on local production for local consumption.
Ideally, the products on display would change every time you visit, making it a pastry shop you can enjoy again and again.
I want to create a pastry shop that fills you with anticipation as you make your way there, wondering, “What sweets will they have today?”
Trying the pastries at Patisserie Le Vert
I was surprised when I heard about the eggplant cheese tart.
I couldn't imagine what it would taste like, and I remember nervously taking a bite.
When I put it in my mouth and chewed, it had a texture like the apples in an apple pie.
I discovered an unexpected side of eggplant and found a new way to enjoy pastries.
Patisserie Le Vert is a place where you can find sweets made with ingredients we would never have thought of.
Patisserie Le Vert is always changing, making it a pastry shop that delights customers time and time again.
Patisserie Le Vert Information
| Name | Patisserie Le Vert |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-12-50 Hiroe, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-4102-8931 |
| Parking | Available 6 spaces |
| Business hours | See Patisserie Le Vert's Instagram for shop opening days and event dates |
| Regular closing days | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Restroom | No restroom |
| Website | Le Vert (Instagram) |
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