Showing posts sorted by relevance for query higashiya ginza. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query higashiya ginza. Sort by date Show all posts

Slice of Heaven in Higashiya Ginza


Pola BuildingSomewhere in Ginza there is a modest looking building that house the wonderland of tea parlours. The search for this building started off when I wanted to go for a high tea in Tokyo.
Since afternoon tea is mostly a European custom, I began to wonder if there is a distinctly Japanese fashion in enjoying an afternoon tea. I admire how they put so much thought and care to detail of almost every aspect of their lives. Blend this trait with the formal presentation of high tea and the result would surely be a divine experience.  My search led us to the doorsteps of Higashiya Ginza.

Higashiya Ginza pride itself for their traditional Japanese confectioneries (wagashi), and their original tea blends to match their sweet treasures. I am very familiar with few Japanese confectionaries, but it would be a great experience to try other traditional treats aside from mochis.
Based on my research, Higashiya Ginza is the only place in Metropolitan Tokyo that offers Japanese twist on afternoon tea.



As we stepped out of the elevator, their logo on a drape welcomed us. Behind the drapes, everything is arranged elegantly - from the neat displays of the different wagashi, the glass vials display, wooden furniture, the whole interior of the Higashiya Ginza radiates perfection.
Higashiya_Ginza_Bar
Tea Bar

Higashiya_Ginza_High_Tea
High Tea in Higashiya Ginza
Our wagashi was served on wood and brass-like tray,  The good thing for me, my dear 🐻is not a big fan of fermented vegetables which means more for me to enjoy. We had one of each when it comes to our treats, all of them - superb, but the one that stood out the most was this:

Natsume_Butter

Their natsume-butter (photo above), is a dried date with walnut and fermented butter stuffing. This treat was so rich that is so decadently addicting. On our way out we decided to bring us a few more for ourselves to enjoy and was hoping that we can bring it home to Canada. But alas, the Natsume-butter has a shelf life of four days! It's funny to think that a decadent treat has a way of telling us that there are some things that are meant to be enjoyed in a limited time.
Higashiya Ginza has opened my eyes to other traditional confectionaries of Japan aside from different kinds of mochis. I can see myself wagashi hopping on my next trip!

Higashiya_Ginza_Box


Date in Origo Club

We got married in Richmond, BC;  A city known for its popular night markets and predominantly Asian restaurants. Most of these food joints give you the feel of traveling to Asia in one bite!  Recently I heard about a new French restaurant in Richmond. It also offers afternoon tea - that's something new and romantic!  As Valentine's approached, I suggested to my dear husband that going to an afternoon tea in Richmond would be our Valentine's date. I want to make a tradition to regularly visit the city where we had sworn to be each other's partner-in-crime for the rest of our lives.

English_Breakfast_Tea
Breakfast Tea
I booked ourselves for an Afternoon Tea for two in Origo Club without reading further on what this place has to offer. Let the first experience surprise me!
As we sat on our table, sparkling water was offered. I started to savour the ambiance while looking at their menu to decide which tea should I pair with my meal. Unlike most afternoon places, their tea selection was limited, with no signature tea blend. But one thing that Origo offers with their afternoon tea was pour-over for an additional charge. I was torn between pour-over coffee and breakfast tea; the English breakfast tea won in the end, with the thought of going back for the pour-over experience and champagne on the next visit.

High_Tea_Origo_Club
Origo Club Afternoon Tea

Their signature "O" shaped tray was a visual treat itself with or without the sweet and savory treats that garnished it. Its design is my second favorite, next to Higashiya Ginza's wooden tray.

O_Shaped_Tray

We both took note of everything we ate: about their scones, at first, I was worried that my dear 🐻would not enjoy the chive scone - he is not a fan of anything that's too garlicky. He ate his share of scones with no qualms at all. We both agreed that our favorite piece was the duck breast (Canard et Poire Pochée au Thym - seared duck breast, thyme poached pear). On the dessert side - the Matcha tart (Tartelette au Fromage Blanc et Matcha) is the one I enjoyed the most.

Savoury_Treats
A row of savoury tidbits

Origo_Club_Matcha_Tart
Sweets on the top tier

During our stay in Origo Club, an entrance to another quarter with interesting displays caught my attention; upon reading later, I found out it's an art gallery that can be viewed by appointment only. Perhaps a peek in Origo's art gallery will happen in the future after a glass of Barons de Rothschild Champagne Brut.
It's nice to be back romancing in Richmond!