Henri Charpentier – Ginza, Tokyo.
My first impression is that this café outright trumps the interior appeal of every café that I’ve visited. It is posh but at the same time very comfortable and a place where you can easily relax those tired feet from walking around the whole day. When I went, there was a queue but we opted to be seated earlier by choosing the smoking area, which we regretted later as the patrons around us were chain-puffing like the world was about to end (though this didn’t spoil the experience).
As you enter Henri Charpentier, this level is where they display their infamous macarons and patisseries for your viewing delight. Downstairs is the café area, which is lead down by a spiralling staircase. The lighting is dim and sets a chill atmosphere. When I went the patrons were all female, myself and my brothers were the only males there – quite an odd moment.
I think this is the longest time I’ve ever spent looking at a menu, there’s just so many things that I wanted to try. But in the end, as we only had a few hours before the most anticipatory dinner at Le Atelier de Joel Robuchon (to be posted soon), we agreed that one dessert each would suffice.
Here Comes The Food
Tarte au Citron (¥473)
My partner is a self-confessed lemon tart fanatic. This particular one is “the best I have ever had” and I must say, my conclusion is the same. The crust is rich but does not hinder the subtle citric tang of the lemon that is silky in texture. As the dish is presented, it is certainly a treat on the eyes: a long slender piece of chocolate is laid across the tart and is topped off with a gold leaf, the condiments of a tangy liquid and deep flavoured sauce are served on the side.
Crepe Noisette (¥1,050)
“It tastes like nutella” is what my first impression is. I guess that was to be expected as this dessert was essentially crepe filled with hazelnut chocolate. The sauce was very addictive though, as I have an unhealthy relationship with anything-hazelnut.
Mille-Crepes aux Marrons (¥651)
The creamy flavour of chestnut lingers on the palate as the layers of crepe have a wonderful texture of nuttiness and delicateness at the same time.
Verrines aux Marrons (¥1,575)
A formidable dessert platter that pays homage to the different ways one could use chestnuts as the key ingredient. I particularly enjoyed the macaron and the chestnut mousse. Twas so delectable and creamy.
Crepes Suzette (¥1,575)
I ordered this because the table next to us ordered it. The way they prepared it instantly clinched it for me. Basically, they cook the crepe on the spot and then douse it with a generous amount of Grand Mariner. Then, they set your crepe on fire. That was enough for me; I had to order it to satisfy the little child in me that wants to see things lit on fire.
The waitress wheels out the trolley with the cooking utensils and I patiently wait for the pre-show. First the crepes are heated on the pan, and then a glass of Grand Mariner is heated over the fire till a molten blue flame is formed on top of the alcohol.
Then……….boom……the spectacle is at its peak and the burning alcohol is poured onto the crepe in an action similar to making teh tarik.
Once it is placed and served before you there is a giddy feeling as you look in marvel at the crepe before you. The fragrance of the orange liqueur wafts from the warm crepes and once you put it in your mouth you can taste the bitter flavour from the orange. It is pretty filling as the sauce is a molten thick and I find it hard to finish myself without the help of my partner. No doubt a must order just for the pure lunacy in the way it is prepared before you.
What is perhaps just as crazy are the toilets. You’re in some noir crime film where the toilets are hidden behind book shelves and if it’s your first time, like I was, you’ll look like a fool going around the whole café floor looking for the door to the toilet if you do not ask the waitresses.
Henry Charpentier is a great café in Ginza to stop by if you are in the area. The staffs are attentive and there is not one moment that goes by where there is something that catches the eyes attention.
Henri Charpentier, Ginza
Address: 2-8-20 Ginza, Chuo-ku
tel: 03-3562-2721
Station: Ginza-Itchome (metro exit 9), Ginza (metro exit A13)
May 17th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
MMaannnn I so wish I came here when I was in Japannnnn bbaahhh >_< The crepe suzette I wanntts!
May 17th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
OMG! Drools… That cabinet of the macarons makes you feel like you’re in a jewelry store and you’re looking at their prized possessions. The desserts look awesome. The first time I had a Crepe Suzette in Paris I blew off the flame; which I wasn’t suppose to do because the whole thing was so alcoholic.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
What a classy place! I’d love to visit one day.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
What great desserts. Any dessert that is engulfed in flames is a winner in my book.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
This place looks AWESOME! The desserts remind me of the food level of Mitsukoshi in Mitsukoshimae but much more opulent. This is definitely noted for next time!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
oh WOW! Why did I not go to this place when I went to Japan?! Must remember to try this one out next time… You guys are so lucky!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Macarons galore! God. They’re so cute. I love macarons so much I want to die in a giant macaron-shaped bed. In pink.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Oh, chestnut dessert platter! So earth and sweet and comforting =)
May 17th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
The inner pyro in me is screaming “BURN THAT CREPE!!! BURN IT NAOOOOO!!!!!!”
The stealth-maven in me is nodding in silent approval at the toilet’s concealment.
And the Japanophile in me is wishing I was back in that country right now.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Oh my!!! That’s my dream place! Amazing!
September 1st, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Hi! I stumbled upon your blog while searching for Henri Charpentier- looks so good! Just wanted to let you know I’ve linked to your post as well. Thanks! and keep up the beautiful posting!
Erica