To commemorate the 55th anniversary of Henri Charpentier, one of Japan's leading Western confectionery brands, in 2024, a variety of special events are currently being held.
Starting October 1, they will begin selling limited quantities of the "Hazelnut Financier," an adaptation of their signature financier, which is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "world's best-selling financier" (※), as well as offering special menu items that can only be enjoyed at Ginza Maison and other stores with attached cafes. Prior to this, a tasting event for the media was held at Ginza Maison.
*Sales of plain financiers from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Survey conducted by Ipsos Inc. (Survey conducted in the most recent fiscal year, 2021)
Henri Charpentier Ginza Maison
Henri Charpentier is a Western confectionery brand that was established in 1969 in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, by founder Hisakuni Arita as a "salon de the" (cafe where you can also eat sweets), which was still rare at the time. Since its founding, the company has maintained the belief of "pursuing the best ingredients and best manufacturing methods for our customers' precious moments," and is committed to ingredients, processes, and freshness, spreading the culture of confectionery making with an eye to the next 100 years.
Currently, including salons, it has grown into a popular brand with 94 stores in Japan and 6 stores in Singapore. Ginza Maison, which has a top pastry chef who won the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2023, a world confectionery competition in France known as the Olympics of Western confectionery, and which also has a cafe, has been selected by the American information site BuzzFeed as one of the "World's Western Confectionery Shops You Should Visit Once Before You Die," and is known worldwide for its quality.
Financier
The brand sells a variety of fresh cakes and baked goods, but its signature product is the beloved financier, which has been on the market since 1975, and on busy days the production volume exceeds 200,000. This item has a rich flavor, thanks to the sweetness of Californian almonds and the original fermented butter made from raw milk from the Nemuro and Kushiro regions of Hokkaido.
To celebrate the brand's 55th anniversary, a special version of this financier will be released. The "Hazelnut Financier", which will be available in limited quantities from October 1st, was developed by the brand's chef with the desire to "create a special financier that is filled with gratitude befitting this important milestone."
"Hazelnut Financier"
■ "Hazelnut Financier" 1,188 yen (tax included) / 4 pieces
[Sales period] From October 1, 2024 *Limited quantity available
[Sales location] Henri Charpentier stores nationwide, official online shop: https://x.gd/ma9a4
The key to the flavor is the high-quality hazelnuts and almonds that are only available from Afronti in Sicily, Italy, which the chef discovered while examining ingredients from around the world. The dough is made with Parma Girgenti almonds, which have a richer aroma and sweetness than other types. The fragrant hazelnuts are used as an accent and the generous topping enhances the almond flavor. A secret ingredient, almond praline, a paste made from roasted almonds and burnt caramel, adds richness.
Hazelnuts and almonds from Sicily, Italy.
The tasting event also included a demonstration of the entire process, from making the dough to baking it.
I tried a freshly made one, and the aroma and flavor were just luxurious! The buttery aroma was subdued, allowing the fragrant and gorgeous aroma of the nuts to stand out. The texture was light and fluffy, but with each bite, the rich flavor spread, and the ample sweetness helped to create a blissful moment.
Additionally, at Ginza Maison, which has a cafe attached, and the Ashiya main store and Sakazodori store, they will be offering a never-before-seen "Dessert Financier" menu item for a limited time, which is a financier made into a dessert.
"Dessert Financier"
■ "Dessert Financier"
Ashiya Main Store/Sakagura-dori Store: 1,650 yen (tax included)
Ginza Maison: 3,300 yen (tax included) / includes drink
[Sales period] From October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
Three warm financiers are stacked on top of each other, topped with fresh cream and a butter disk made from butter cream and caramelized almonds. It is an authentic dessert that is topped with vanilla ice cream and topped off by the chef shaving almonds right in front of you. While enjoying the aroma of freshly grated almonds, you can also enjoy watching the ice cream and butter disk melt by pouring the accompanying warm maple syrup over it, making it a masterpiece with a lively feel.
You can add maple syrup whenever you like.
When we spoke to Chef Kotani, who gave the demonstration, he said that he developed the product out of a desire to let customers once again experience the deliciousness of financiers, which will mark their 50th anniversary in 2025.
"By combining hot and cold foods, we were conscious of creating a dessert that could only be enjoyed in this place, at that moment. We warmed the financiers slightly to intensify the aroma of almonds and butter. Almonds and butter are also used in the other components, so we thought that the synergistic effect would bring out their appeal even more. Also, by pouring maple syrup over them, which has a deep flavor and unique taste, we think you will be able to experience a new side of our financiers."
When I tried it, the creamy butter disk and vanilla ice cream were certainly delicious on their own, but they were also not too overpowering and had a refined finish that did not overshadow the financiers. When I tried it with maple syrup, it tasted like a nostalgic pancake. It was a completely different gourmet experience from eating financiers on their own.
In addition, a limited-time exclusive menu item available only at Ginza Maison will be the "Pomme Tatin – Apple Pie Dessert," an apple pie made with seasonal apples harvested in Yoichi, Hokkaido.
"Pomme Tatin – Apple pie dessert"
■ "Pomme Tatin – Apple pie dessert"
Ginza Maison: 3,300 yen (tax included) / includes drink
[Sales period] From October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
Both offers are only available for one month, so we recommend you visit early.
In addition, as a special project for the 55th anniversary,
・ A social media campaign will be held (until October 13th) where 55 people will be entered into a drawing to win special prizes, such as a special dessert night hosted by 2023 World Confectionery Championship winner, Mr. Komai, by posting their favorite Henri Charpentier memories and products on X.
・"Freshly Baked Financiers" events will be held at department stores nationwide
・Miniature charms of Henri Charpentier's sweets are released as capsule toys
There are many exciting events planned, so be sure to check out Henri Charpentier's official website and social media.
The miniature charms were also on display at the tasting event. They were so cute that fans couldn't resist them!
Although it is difficult for people living in Japan to obtain it, the Singapore store is offering a limited edition "Baked Singapore Sling (Financier)." It is a financier version of the country's signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling.
■Henri Charpentier official website: https://www.henri-charpentier.com/
Official X: https://x.com/ashiya1969
Ginza Maison Address: 1F Yonei Building, 2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 1 minute walk from Exit 10 of Ginza-itchome Station 3 minutes walk from Exit 13 of Ginza Station
*The contents of this article are from the time of coverage. They may differ from the latest information, so please check the official website for details.
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