The Sweeter Things in Life

Patisserie La Palme D’Or prides itself on quality delivered through both its delicately prepared desserts and stellar customer service. As its name (translated to mean “Golden Palm,” and also the symbol gracing the trophy bestowed upon the top film at France’s Cannes Film Festival) suggests, customers are in for the cream of the crop when experiencing what La Palme D’Or has to offer.

The Ala Moana Center eatery’s flagship items are its pastries, made daily from scratch to ensure freshness. Its recipes are crafted to make the desserts sweet enough to enjoy without being overwhelmed with too much sugar. The treats incorporate not only flavors from various ingredients gathered from Hawaii, Japan and around the world, but also showcase the artistry of the chefs that incorporate various textures and design to complete the presentation.

Executive chef Akiko Kimura brings a wealth of experience from her training at the Osaka Abeno Tsuji School of Culinary Arts to La Palme D’Or, where she’s worked for nearly two years. Kimura’s tutelage fuels the patisserie’s fusion of traditional French pastry-making with techniques from Japan. The combination has produced a wide array of confections, from the simple and classic to the exotic and flashy.

The Gateau Au Fraise ($4.80) is La Palme D’Or’s signature strawberry shortcake and although light and fluffy, the layers of moist sponge cake sandwiched with whipped cream and sliced strawberries pack a flavorful punch. According to Kimura, the strawberry shortcake is modeled after the popular style found in Japan. The Vanilla Roll Cake ($3.40) incorporates a similar soft sponge cake rolled up along with whipped cream and vanilla custard.

The Mont Blanc ($4.99) provides customers with the royal treatment — the pastry was presented to the Emperor of Japan during his visit in 2009. The dessert includes a base of almond cake baked with chunks of chestnuts and gooseberry that is covered with fresh whipped cream and an intricate piping of smooth, rich chestnut cream containing a hint of rum. The dish truly resembles the “white mountain” from which it gets its name.

In yet another unique incorporation of flavors, La Macha ($4.38) allows customers to double dip from the cake composed of both green tea mousse on top and chocolate sponge cake underneath. The flavors are bold, and form a tantalizing tandem when the two halves are enjoyed together. And, while filling, the treat is light enough to remain enjoyable down to the last bite.

The Lemon Tart ($3.20) and Framboise Fromage ($3.95) are ideal for light desserts or simply a treat during the day. The summery tart is filled with a lemon curd and baked to encompass the bold flavors while the cheesecake is layered with raspberry jam and surrounded by a hazel-nut cookie crust.

La Palme D’Or is also featuring specials for Father’s Day. The Baked Cheese Cake ($28) incorporates rich, dense cheesecake with a cranberry and hazel-nut cookie crust. The dessert is then topped with toasted nuts, dried fruit and whipped cream. Dad can also look forward to the Rocky Chocolate ($28), a chocolate sponge cake double layered with milk chocolate cream and topped with chocolate-coated hazelnuts and macadamia nuts.

Call 941-6161 to inquire about special menu items, or to pre-order treats and cakes for various special occasions.

Patisserie La Palme D’or