Pamper Mom at Patisserie La Palme D’Or

Celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day with Patisserie La Palme D’or, an elite pastry shop in Ala Moana Center. Owned and operated by Hiromi Tanaka, the patisserie is centered around a Japanese pastry concept that combines the crème de la crème of French flavor and Japanese craftsmanship.

Patisserie La Palme D’or made its mark in the Islands in 2006, when Tanaka brought it here from Mie, Japan. It wasn’t long before Patisserie La Palme D’or found its niche and established a fan base of patrons in love with the specialty shop’s sweet confections.

Executive chef Akiko Kimura boasts more than a decade of culinary experience, which is translated into exquisite works of edible art every day. Pristine glass display cases are home to cakes, pastries, croissants, sandwiches and drinks — a treat for all senses.

Kimura takes pride in her work, and the delicate detailing encompassing each masterpiece is a pure reflection of that.

“The perfect dessert comes down to quality,” says Kimura. “Ingredients are everything, and they’re a major contributor to a promising final product.

“I only utilize a special type of flour that is imported from Japan. I like it because it’s moist, smooth and very fine,” she explains. “I also work a lot with fresh fruit. I’d rather let the natural ingredients shine through in my work than to rely heavily on added sugar, butter, etc.”

La Macha cake ($4.45) is a manifestation of Euro-Asian flavors highlighting a layer of almond bitter chocolate sponge cake topped with another layer of authentic Japanese green tea and velvety chocolate mousse. Bits of white and dark chocolate are sprinkled atop the cake, along with a dash of green tea powder merging sweet and bitter into one magnificent flavor profile.

While green tea aficionados around the world adore La Macha, Kimura says Mont Blanc ($5) is popular among Japanese nationals. At first glance this confection appears to be a cream puff. Yet, the almond sponge cake, morsels of black currant and wisps of whipping cream indicate that it’s much more than that. Finally, chestnut cream with hints of Kona Coffee liqueur and Maui Dark Rum complete this cloud of decadence. “Locals are finally picking up on this, too,” Kimura says, noting its bold appeal.

Whatever Mom’s tastes may be, Kimura is almost certain that she’ll immediately adore Lemon Lilikoi Tarte this Mother’s Day. Priced at $4.85, this petite pie is enhanced with fresh lilikoi, lemon curd, a dollop of whipped cream and an assortment of fresh berries. It’s a classic.

If you plan on pampering Mom, go above and beyond by greeting her with Passion Delight cake ($30 extra-small, $40 small), featuring homemade banana strawberry mousse sandwiched between a bottom layer of white chocolate and a top layer of vanilla sponge cake. Finally, sweet notes of freshly baked, French-style raspberry macarons and adornments of strawberry slices and whipped cream add a touch of elegance.

This iconic La Palme D’or original is the ultimate springtime treat for Mom, or that special lady in your life.

“Passion Delight is light and fruity, and it’s a best-seller with our patrons,” adds Kimura. “This Mother’s Day, I also chose to feature Chocolate Trilogy ($30 extra-small, $40 small).”

Tickle your taste buds with this luscious chocolate treat, as layers of dark chocolate, hazelnut milk chocolate and hazelnut milk chocolate mousse laced with pistachio cream enliven your senses.

Single slices of Passion Delight and Chocolate Trilogy are available now, and entire cakes will be available for purchase May 10 and 11. Kimura suggests customers call in advance to reserve their Mother’s Day treat, however walk-ins are welcome as well.

“Many of our regular customers are mothers who bring their children in to enjoy a dessert, and now this is a great time to say, ‘Thanks, Mom’ for all she’s done.

“We also recently unveiled Banana Bread ($2.40 per slice) derived from an original recipe. In addition to fresh bananas, the bread consists of generous amounts of walnuts and dark chocolate chips. There is no trace of banana extract — everything is all natural.”

This year, show Mom love and appreciation with a little something from Patisserie La Palme D’or. Whether it be with sweet nothings, cookie sets or gift certificates, this patisserie surely knows the way to her heart.

Patisserie La Palme D’Or

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
941-6161
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 A.M.-9 P.M.
Sunday, 9:30 A.M.-7 P.M.
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