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Bien Patisserie
(04) 2301-4567
163-1, GongYi Rd
Hours: 10 am-9 pm
(Mon-Thu);
10 am-10 pm (Fri-Sat);
10 am-9:30 pm (Sun)
Local restaurateur Mr. Hong has realized his dreams in Bien Patisserie after partnering with award-winning Japanese designer Eiji Tamura and French-trained Japanese pastry chef Jinbo Katsushi. Meaning "good" or "fine" in French, Bien is designed as an upscale patisserie with authentic European flair, maintaining high Japanese standards while appealing to local tastes. This has yielded some interesting creations, like black sesame pudding or green tea infused roll cakes, perfect with a light, spongy texture, creamy custard swirls and rich matcha flavors from Japan. There are six kinds of roll cakes (NT$270-380), including a chestnut and honey blend. A wide selection of other baked goodies, such as the Madeleine (NT$45), macadamia and almond cookies (NT$45), Gateau Banana (NT$45), Chocolat (NT$50), and baked donuts (NT$60), as opposed to fried ones, are all packaged to-go individually or in gift-wrapped assortments. --By Vesper Stockwell, translated by Naomi Lai
A. A large crystal chandelier lights up Bien's interior, painted in "Tiffany blue" with butterflies dancing across the wallpaper and flitting about the dizzying displays of sweet treats.
B. In addition to Bien's logo, Eiji Tamura's playful illustrations are showcased on the patisserie's walls and reflected in the artful product packaging.
C. Five different cake flavors include the rich dark chocolate (NT$120), tart strawberry ($100), and passion fruit ($NT100). Another delicious concoction, a dome of lightly-whipped mascarpone and cheesecake mousse with raspberry filling (NT$140) looks like a cup of freshly-powdered snow. The cakes' simple shapes and minimal decorations are intentionally designed to highlight their simplicity and fresh flavors. "These are not just cakes made for decoration," explains Mr. Hong. "These cakes taste good, too." |