Interview with Kataoka Yoshiharu of Patisserie Le Vert
Kataoka Yoshiharu, who runs a pastry shop and plans and manages events, is with Patisserie Le Vert.
We asked him about the background behind the creation of the shaved ice and what makes it special.
Pursuing shaved ice unique to Patisserie Le Vert
Is this the first year you’ve made shaved ice?
Kataoka (surname only hereafter)
Yes, this is the first year. My wife suggested it, saying, “When it’s hot, you want something icy,” so I gave it some thought. I wanted to make it feel like something from my own shop.
In keeping with our shop’s concept of “locally produced and consumed, and healthy,” I decided to make shaved ice the way a cake shop would. The tomatoes and plums are from Kamogata, and the white peaches are from Tamashima. We’re also planning to offer a grape flavor in the future.
Tomato shaved ice seems unusual. What made you decide to create this flavor?
Kataoka
Even when making cakes, our concept is to “create things that incorporate vegetables and Japanese ingredients.”
We make tomato jam that even children who dislike tomatoes can eat, and use it in our cakes. It turns out a bit like strawberry jam. Since I already had a foundation from making cakes, I thought I could do the same with shaved ice, so I made it.
Dogs can cool off too
Dogs can eat shaved ice too, right? Why did you decide to allow dogs?
Kataoka
At our usual markets, dogs aren’t allowed inside the building, but we let them come indoors for shaved ice. I used to have a dog, and I felt there weren’t many places where dogs were allowed inside.
It’s so hot these days, and I want people to spend time with their dogs somewhere cool. The shaved ice for dogs is just plain ice, but they seem to really enjoy eating it.
It would be great if word spread through the dog community.
Offering collaborative shaved ice, too
You have unusual flavors like tomato, right?
Kataoka
We have shaved ice made for Sakamoto Keiran’s market, “HOSHINOSATO EGG MARCHE.” It’s called “Hoshinosato Egg Sauce,” and it’s made with eggs from Sakamoto Keiran.
We make it using the same process as custard cream, stopping the heat just before it sets. We make sure it doesn’t get too firm, so it coats the ice.
What inspired this menu item?
Kataoka
When we set up at HOSHINOSATO EGG MARCHE, we think about whether we can collaborate using eggs from Sakamoto Keiran.
The idea for the shaved ice came from Sakamoto Keiran, who asked, “Could you make something like a milkshake?” Since it was summer, we thought we could make it into shaved ice.
It’s shaved ice, but since it contains eggs, milk, and sugar, you could say it’s basically the same as a milkshake. You don’t have to eat it quickly; once it melts, you can drink it like a milkshake.
From the Writer
Patisserie Le Vert serves shaved ice through the hot season, probably until October. If November is still hot, they may extend the season.
These shaved ice creations, made with vegetables and eggs, can only be enjoyed here. It may be hard to imagine their taste just by reading this article. Come and discover this new world of shaved ice for yourself—you won’t know until you try it.
If you have a dog, be sure to bring them along.
The next scheduled open dates are September 13, 15, and 23, 2025.
Patisserie Le Vert details
| Name | Patisserie Le Vert |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-12-50 Hiroe, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 090-4102-8931 |
| Parking | Available 6 spaces |
| Business hours | For shop opening days and event dates, see Patisserie Le Vert’s Instagram |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | Patisserie Le Vert (Instagram) |
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