Lisa's Cake Market *

In a first for Yokosuka Food Corner - I present the pastry shop of pastry shops. Artistry and ingenuity in action.

Look at this background:
Wilton School of Cake Decorating - Lead Instructor Certified - Chicago IL
Hilton Park Lane Hotel Pastry Chef - London
Umeda Hilton Hotel Pastry Chef - Osaka

Numerous Gold medals and Best-in-Show awards for cake decoration contests around the world.

Lisa (left) with her mother

A relaxing morning bike ride on a weekend is an enjoyable way to discover new restaurants. The Yokosuka food scene changes rapidly with openings and closings in the blink of an eye.

I was on such a morning bike ride recently, slowly pedaling down back streets, alleys, and sidewalks when something new caught my eye. It was across the street and next to M's Restaurant (not reviewed yet), so I was familiar with the general location. The light was green, so why not check it out...

As I got closer - Lisa's Cake Market - the sign said. And a small sidewalk chalkboard sign had Japanese and unusually perfect English writing on it. Being hungry helped, so I parked the bike and proceeded in. When I say "in" it means just a tiny bit in. The entire bakery/store may be 100 square feet with just a little place to stand before the counter.

What I discovered that morning was a true Aficionado find. That term has been used loosely here in the past - I know - but today it takes on it's full and true meaning.

You see, the Lisa of Lisa's Cake Market is an elite pastry chef. As I learned more about her shop, I couldn't help but think that this is what it's all about. It's about connecting with the small store and restaurant owners who become entwined in the fabric of a neighborhood and who's pride is clearly evident. It's about listening to their story. This is much more fun than reviewing a large chain restaurant.

At work

Lisa's Cake Market had only been open one week before I chanced upon it - and I still can't believe my luck.

So let's say you're looking for some high quality pastries or a special occasion cake - A wedding, an anniversary, a birthday, a theme event, and so on. Forget about the commissary if you can, for just a moment, and look at some of the photos below.

Everything you see is edible on those cakes. The flowers are not real, yet they tempt you to smell them. She's even designed a cake for designer Anna Sui, won a Chicago wedding cake contest in 2010, and worked in some of the world's top hotels. And now we are blessed with her presence in Yokosuka!

The Wilton Cake Decorating School in Chicago IL, is the Center of Excellence for Cake Decorating I learned. It has a top international reputation.

I like the Japanese bakeries here in Japan, but find the cakes to be very spongy with little substance. Lisa makes cakes of many styles, but the style and methods are decidedly American, Australian, and European. I'd say there is more substance to her cakes compared to what you may find at a Japanese bakery, but they are not heavy. It a perfect balance of complex flavors and texture.

She also makes some excellent cookies, including a very unique onion cheese cookie that is not sweet, and best paired with some wine.

Here's a treat for you if you've read down this far - tell Lisa that you heard about her on Yokosuka Food Corner.

Lisa's Cake Market can be reached at 046-821-5233 or my e-mail at kuriyama@weddingcakejapan.com. Service in both English and Japanese. You can find Lisa's Cake Market on the blog map or by clicking the location link at the very bottom of the post. She's only about 10 minutes away from the base on Hwy 16 heading south.

Her website can be found at www.weddingcakejapan.com - see if for many more photos and additional info.

Parking can always be a question in this area. But you can park right on the sidewalk, as shown in the photo below, for a quick stop in the store to buy something. If you're going to stay a bit longer, you can park on the small patch of pavement you can see across the street (see photo below) by an apartment building. Also, about a block away, there is pay parking.

Some pastries, cakes, and breads at the counter

1st Place Chicago 2010

Tassels, elephant - all of it is edible. Impressive!

For the designer Anna Sui

better quality original

Really ingenious in my opinion. Lisa can tailor the cake to your special occasion or theme. By the looks of it, there are no limits to what she can do.