Most new builds out in this part of the countryside seem to be old peoples' homes these days, so it was with some excitement that we read the sign for the new Patisserie Sphere premises just off Route 17 in Yuzawa. Sphere, otherwise know as Maruya, has been in Yuzawa for years in a little shop tucked away on a side street on the east side of the station. Cake lovers have been denied their fix since the old shop shut its doors early in the summer, but the new building has quickly sprung up and is once again serving up top quality confections.
One of the most frequent comments about the old shop was that there was no where to sit down to enjoy the cakes on site. This has been solved with the addition of a small cafe at the new location. Everything is new and freshly painted, with an abundance of wood underfoot and for the seating and tables. Floor to ceiling windows provide plenty of natural light as well as a view out onto the mountains. It's a very tasteful setting to enjoy your treat and there are a range of drinks available. Highly recommended are the smoothies if they happen to be available; cake in a glass.
The shop has a selection of individually packed cookies and cakes so you can choose the ones you want and fill a box for yourself or as a present. There are also other great options such as mini cheese cakes, macaroons or chou buns if you want a gift that will delight. My first experience of Sphere was a chou cream pastry that to this day remains the best one I have ever eaten.
The real magic of the patisserie is behind the glass of the main display. Hand crafted cakes of all colors are lined up to tempt you. There are a few regular favorites like the sponge shortcake and the chocolate gateau, but many of them are seasonal, utilizing whichever ingredient is currently at its best. The hard part is choosing just one. I opted for a cassis and chestnut mousse that was encased in incredibly fine nutty chocolate. It was out of this world.
Patisserie Sphere should be on everyone's list if they are in the area or even just driving through. Indulgent but worth it.
