The bread city

Tsukuba seems to be a city full of bakeries! The local government is promoting the 'bread city' and most bakeries now follow a monthly flavor theme. Not sure what this month is, but recently it was 'bread with chestnuts'.

The large number of bakeries mean that competition is fierce, but that doesn't necessarily mean that every bakery is good! For example, one of the most popular places in town is not really that special - it has a few really nice items and the rest are just so-so. The drawcard is that it has free tea/coffee/soft drink and has some tables and chairs on a patio. But the cashier staff are far too busy and are not polite, and whats more, they often squash your bread in their hurry to serve you and move on to the next customer. I HATE it when my bread is all squishy and looks horrible. And because the shop is so small, it is always crowded with people pushing here and there. If they make so much money, why don't they open a larger shop??? And the worst thing, once I bought sliced bread which became moldy the very next day. Chemical free is good for your health, but mold after just one day? Hmmm. I don't go to that bakery any more ...

One of the best places in town is a really small shop in Sakura called 'Gris Gris'. That is French and I think the pronunciation is something like 'Guri Guri' :) I started to go there when it first opened 3 or 4 years ago. Nowadays I live on the other side of town so don't make the trip so often. You should try it though - the bread and pastries are French style and not like other shops. I asked the owner about it and he said he and his wife studied in France.

I really recommend the French bread sandwich rolls with either cheese or fresh ham. Sorry I don't have a picture because I forgot and ate my lunch today before I thought of the camera :) But here is a picture of an apple pie. And if you can find it on the day you go, the onion quiche is wonderful.

But by far the VERY BEST thing was apricot and black sesame tarts that they made a few years ago. Let's start a campaign - everyone please go and ask the owner about the apricot tarts! Maybe he will make them again. And please tell me if you find them! They are the most delicious tarts I've ever had in my life.

You can find Gris Gris behind Fujiya cake shop in Sakura. Turn left at the traffic light with Fujiya and Lawson, and the bakery is on the left.