The Isetan Shinjuku Salon du Chocolat is a huge success, attracting many chocolate enthusiasts every day. This year, not only are chocolates on offer, but takeout items have also been enhanced. Among the items, we'll introduce a new and exciting drink that's proving popular.
Chef Shunsuke Saegusa, who has successfully opened numerous patisserie shops and opened Kansai's first chocolate specialty shop, Chocolatier Palet d'Or, in 2004, is proposing the world's first transparent chocolate-flavored drink. Upon its release in 2009, it quickly became a hot topic among chocolate fans.
The drink, named "Chocolat Nespa?! (Not Chocolat?!)," is made by extracting cocoa bean extract using a unique method to achieve the taste of transparent chocolate. The amount of cocoa beans used is several times that of chocolate. The extracted extract is mixed with carbonated water, resulting in a luxurious chocolate drink with a refreshing taste and a clean aftertaste. "Chocolat Nespa?!" (481 yen), normally only available at shops in Osaka and Tokyo's Marunouchi district, will be available for a special experience during the Salon du Chocolat.
Next up is Belcolade, a Belgian couverture manufacturer beloved by top chocolatiers and pastry chefs in over 90 countries. Two types of cakes (420 yen each) are available: "Mont Blanc," which combines Venezuelan cocoa milk chocolate with hints of caramel and vanilla, chestnuts, and rum; and "Cheesecake," which combines Dominican Republic cocoa white chocolate with buttery and milky flavors, cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and lemon. Each is topped with cream and crumble, giving it the taste and texture of a cake. These chilled chocolate drinks are perfect for sipping dessert.
The brand, which is also known for advocating food pairing, is proposing a course meal consisting of aperitif, appetizer, main course, and dessert, all paired with a single chocolate bonbon, under the theme "Pair your food with chocolate!" The chocolate box, named "Ristorante" (1,365 yen), contains four unique chocolate bonbons that represent an Italian course: appetizer = basil, salad = raspberry dressing, pasta = tomato and oregano, and after-dinner drink = espresso macchiato. Each box was created specifically for Salon du Chocolat, and features rare items that can only be enjoyed during this period.
