with special thanks to Aya Kimura, Public Relations Department of Mont St. Clair
Since when is France the primary representative for pâtissiers? Okay, the word itself is French (meaning "pastry chef") and Paris is oftentimes considered the capital of the pâtissier world (along with Vienna), but that doesn’t mean that other countries’ fabulous innovations in the world of desserts and chocolate should be overlooked! In honor of our Asian issue this month, we got to know a pâtissier changing the world of Japanese pastries!
Hironobu Tsujiguchi, Mont St. Clair and LE CHOCOLAT DE H
http://www.h-tsujiguchi.jp;
http://www.ms-clair.co.jp/;
http://www.lcdh.jp
You might have seen Hironobu Tsujiguchi on the Food Network’s English dub of the Japanese Iron Chef TV series. After becoming the youngest pâtissier to win the 1998 World Cup of Desserts, Tsujiguchi appeared on the program as a challenger in 1999. With access to over $6000 worth of high-quality French chocolate, Tsujiguchi crafted four outstanding desserts centered around the theme ingredient, bananas, for his "Valentine’s Day Desserts for the 21st Century" menu. He won 3-1 and became the first pâtissier to achieve victory against the Iron Chefs!
The Japanese regard Tsujiguchi as one of their most famous and renowned pâtissiers. This award-winning dessert author, columnist, and world champion pâtissier has opened two pâtisserie (pastry bakeries headed by a maître [master] pâtisser) cafés in Tokyo, Mont St. Clair in Jiyuugaoka and LE CHOCOLAT DE H in Roppongi Hills. Some of Mont St. Clair and LE CHOCOLAT DE H’s desserts—which are exclusive to these shops—are available for sale online, but since all Mont St. Clair and LE CHOCOLAT DE H desserts are homemade and contain no artificial preservatives, they are available only in Japan. You’ll just have to include a stop to Mont St. Clair or LE CHOCOLAT DE H on your next Japanese business trip or vacation!
Chocolate Zoom had the pleasure of conducting an exclusive interview with Mr. Tsujiguchi about his original creations, his inspirations, and his thoughts on chocolate in Japan.
Are there any particular people or styles that inspire your work?
When I am looking for inspiration in my work, almost anything can influence me, be it fashion, cars, architecture or pictures. Particularly strong influences for me would include, for example, Giorgio Armani, DOLCE & GABBANA, Ferrari S.p.A, Antonio Gaudi, and Pablo Picasso.
Would you say there’s anything especially unique about the Japanese when it comes to chocolates and/or pâtisseries?
We are incredibly busy from Christmas in December to White Day in March, which is the peak time of the year. In fact, customers form long lines to get Christmas Cakes from Mont St Clair. St Valentine’s Day is also a very important day in Japan. Japanese women give chocolates not only to their boyfriends and husbands but also to male colleagues at their offices. Chocolates are also used as a confession of love, so in Japan, this is a market we have to cater to.
For example, Champagne Royal is packed in a silver box, similar to a jewelry box, and this makes it a popular choice for a gift. We also use genuine champagne in the products; Champagne Royal is made with Don Perignon.
Recently we are getting busier on White Day on March 14th. White Day is a uniquely Japanese tradition. The men who get chocolates on St. Valentine’s Day return the favor by giving sweets to women. Many men come to our shops to get a gift for this occasion.
(Editor: For more on Valentine’s Day in Japan and White Day, see the "Japanese Holidays" article.)
Japan is known for its teas. What kind of tea would you recommend drinking while eating Mont St. Clair and LE CHOCOLAT DE H desserts?
We sell over 200 items at Mont St Clair and it is difficult to select one in particular, as the most suitable tea depends on the cake. People can drink green tea and chocolate in the salon of LE CHOCOLAT DE H.
What are a few of your favorites from the Mont St. Clair and LE CHOCOLAT DE H dessert lines?
It is impossible for me to just pick a few of my favorites of our products, because I like them all.
