Three luxury treats from Tokyo’s top hotels, and unique creations by a custom cake designer.
The Ritz-Carlton
THE HOTEL: A five-star urban oasis in Tokyo Midtown, The Ritz-Carlton is of course revered for its opulence. But that doesn’t mean they don’t cater to families with young kids – they even offer an in-room camping experience called “The Ritz Kids Night Safari.”
THE CHRISTMAS CAKES: Talk about layers of dreamy deliciousness! There are four versions to try, each of which include four to six different layers. The Caramelia Pineapple Chestnut cake (¥6,400), for example, features gianduja-guanaja glaze and caramelia mousse wrapped around pineapple confit and chestnut cremeux, on top of chestnut frangipane and almond shortbread. (Cake orders can be placed in advance from The Ritz-Carlton Café & Deli by calling 03-6434-8711 before December 22.)
ADDED BONUS: Staying over for New Year’s Eve? Join the Countdown Party 2017 on December 31 at the Lobby Lounge & Bar. There’ll be live music and free-flowing champagne.
9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku
www.ritzcarlton.com
If You Prefer a Custom Cake… Raindrop Sweets
THE STORY: For those looking for a personal touch for their Christmas cakes, Reina Reyes’ unique creations will please you to no end. Reyes, who was born in Tokyo but grew up in Los Angeles, founded Raindrop Sweets just last year. “I have always had a passion for art and design, and I’ve also always been fascinated by cake decorating shows,” she tells Weekender. “In September 2015, I decided to make my mother a birthday cake; it was a simple vanilla buttercream cake with flowers made of frosting. I was surprised to get an outpouring of interest when I posted a photo on social media. The messages soon turned into orders – and the rest is history!”
THE CAKES: Let your imagination run wild as Reyes can make pretty much anything you ask for, from basic Christmas-themed cupcakes to a “dinosaur-on-a-shinkansen cake.” When coming up with unique designs, she says she finds inspiration in many different places from window displays to magazine covers.
HOW TO ORDER: All the cakes are custom made so Reyes asks for at least two weeks’ notice when placing an order. The price depends on size and design, and delivery within Tokyo is available at an additional cost.
To make an inquiry, email [email protected]
For more information, visit raindropsweets.com
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
THE HOTEL: This luxury hotel is in the center of Shinjuku and has a knack for combining Japanese traditions with popular culture into its numerous special offers. It boasts over 20 restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy, for example, an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed sweets buffet (until January 31). They even have two original hotel rooms decorated with the theme of Hello Kitty.
THE CHRISTMAS CAKES: For this year’s festive season, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is unveiling a Snow White Christmas cake collection, on sale from December 19-25. Choose from cakes such as “The Magic Mirror” (¥4,500), “The Forest of the Dwarfs” (¥4,500), and “The Magical Princess” (¥4,500).
ADDED BONUS: Love ballet and cake? The “Cinderella and a Night of Magic, Ballet and Dining” special package lets you enjoy a special ballet performance of Cinderella at the New National Theatre Tokyo, before tucking into dinner and themed holiday cakes.
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
keioplaza.com
Park Hyatt Tokyo
THE HOTEL: Besides offering a dose of nostalgia for fans of Lost in Translation, Park Hyatt Tokyo also affords a view of Mt. Fuji (when she’s not feeling shy), and some of the finest fine dining in the city.
THE CHRISTMAS CAKES: But let’s not waste any more time talking about fine dining when we could instead be salivating over these exquisite-looking treats. We simply cannot wait to dig into the decadent Bûche Forêt Blanche (¥4,400), with its striking snowy white chocolate glaze, rich mousse filling, and cherry compote center. (Cake orders can be placed in advance from Pastry Boutique by calling 03 5323 3462 before December 21.)
ADDED BONUS: If you’re looking for the ultimate gift, pick up a Christmas Canape box (¥10,000) from Delicatessen – it includes Pork Rillette, yuzu-flavored smoked salmon, dried fruits and nuts, and a bottle of “R” de Ruinart champagne.
3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
tokyo.park.hyatt.com
