Let's Break for Cake

Cake seems as good a reason to break from Living the Pyramid, and today I'd like to talk about one of my favorite bakeries, Ichiban bakery in Kenny Centre.  Unlike the over-the-top flavors of eggs and butter in European-style bakeries, Japanese baked goods tend to be far lighter, and focussed on clean, simple flavors such as green tea or fruit.  Whereas you might look at a slice of cake this big covered in buttercream and think "yum" and "ugh" at the same time, there's little trouble downing a slice of this ethereally light cake from Ichiban.  Their strawberry cake is hands-down my favorite cake for my birthday (and I even got one this year, thanks!).  Featured in the picture above (L-R) are green tea, strawberry, and mocha flavors.  While I was in the store, they also had raspberry mousse and an unbelievably purple blueberry variety.  The cakes, which feature a light whipped cream frosting, are perfect for those who don't like anything too sweet, as they are never overwhelming.

Besides their great layer cakes, Ichiban has a wide range of cookies, crisps, and roll cakes, not to mention a large selection of savory baked goods as well, such as the fat steamed pork buns I also brought home (which, sadly, didn't photograph very well).  This pork bun is so good, you'll probably never buy another frozen one.  And it is a steal at 80 cents.  They also have what seem to be the Japanese bakery requisite hot dog buns and corn and ham buns. 

Info:  Ichiban Bakery 1157 Kenny Centre on the Northwest side (Kenny & Old Henderson) 614.459.1688