The New York cookie shop "The Soul Snacks" (5-5-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has opened on Ginza Chocolat Street.
The brand is created by Bronx-born drummer and music director Ralph Roll. He started the brand after giving his grandmother's cookies to artists, which were well-received, leading to the creation of the brand. Fans include Jennifer Lopez, Whoopi Goldberg, and Toshinobu Kubota, and the Ginza store was decorated with flower stands celebrating the opening from many artists, including Sting and Elvis Costello. While the shop has been sold in American department stores, this is the world's first street-level store.
The soft cookies, approximately 10cm in diameter, are freshly baked and prepared on the spot in about 10 minutes after ordering. A classic favorite is the "Down Home Double Chocolate Chip" (443 yen, prices per piece), which has chocolate kneaded into the dough. Ralph also recommends the "Ebony and Ibony" (518 yen), which comes in both black and white chocolate. The motif is the song of the same name by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. "The ebony and ivory chocolates represent friendship that transcends race. Of course, I recommend all the flavors," he said. "I want the moment you walk in to feel like you're in soulful New York, not Tokyo," he said, pursuing a New York-inspired interior. The second floor will be converted into a cafe space with a kitchen in late May, and the third floor will be a lounge where you can enjoy alcohol and music. Ralph, who has visited Tokyo 50 times on tours and other occasions, is a fan of Japanese food, including sushi and ramen. "My favorite sushi topping is sea urchin. I've also tried horse meat, and in Hong Kong I ate a whole pigeon! I try to experience different cultures in different countries," he said, incorporating new ideas into his recipes one after another at home and in his factory. "I'm also interested in green tea flavors. I'll be coming to Japan again in August, and I think I'll have some good news to share," he concluded in a friendly tone.