OMG!!!
That was certainly worth the trek to Richmond!
Some of the chocolates were stunning.
The cakes were sensational!
Standout chocolates were
Green Tea - wasn't sure I liked it at first bite, then warmed into it within seconds and utterly savoured the second. The chocolate and matcha gelled together within an unusual but very pleasant texture.
Szechuan Pepper - excellent combination (reminiscent of chilli), not recommended for Cadbury's lovers
Chuao - wow!
Sea Salt Caramel - extremely sexy, the caramel was liquid but the salt made sure there was no sickliness to this exquisite confection. The sort of filling you could happily lick off of someone.
Wasn't such a fan of the dark chocolate truffle. The taste was excellent, but it somehow lacked substance - it had too much finnesse. Similar to gourmet chocolates you get in Japan.
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Patisserie
I don't remember the exact names - but we bought 4 kinds (and I tried them all!
)
For my husband we got a dark cone shaped white mousse and rum and raisin creation.
My Dad got a strawberry mousse square - the strawberries were perfectly ripe, and the mousse tasted natural and melted seamlessly into the sponge
My mum got a little platter of four petits fours - it included a miniature version of their signature chocolate milles feuilles and a tiny cup of raspberry mousse which was the finest I've ever tasted.
Mine was a perfect half orb of delicious dark chocolate ganache, flawlessly smothering sponge, fresh orange slices, mousse, grand marnier and a strip of candied orange peel. Delectable (and also my favourite of the four... luckily!)
I got the impression that they change the cakes that are available quite frequently. The presentation was impeccable! Beautiful bags and boxes. Products were well priced - service was attentive and charming.
Now I've one less reason to miss Tokyo (which excells in this kind of speciality shop).
If you're stuck for something to do on a weekend afternoon.... GO!!! It's about a ten minute walk from Richmond tube station. Kew Gardens isn't far away. Richmond is a lovely place to wander around in (even if the weather was a bit too miserable to have ice cream this time).