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Unique Valentine's and White Day Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Minimal

Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate, a specialty chocolate store founded by βace Co., Ltd., is set to enchant visitors with its Valentine’s and White Day Chocolate Afternoon Tea vol. 9. This seasonal event will take place at Minimal The Specialty Azabudai Hills from January 10 to March 31, 2026. Reservations are expected to open on December 1, 2025.

An Afternoon Tea with a Distinct Chocolate Experience

This afternoon tea offers the distinctive taste of chocolate crafted from rare fine cacao that represents less than 10% of the world's production. The meticulously prepared chocolate is designed to be enjoyed with an exquisite selection of bites crafted exclusively for this event, including both sweet and savory items.

The menu is set to impress with a line-up of desserts that harmoniously blend rich chocolate flavors and seasonal ingredients. Included in the special dessert offering is an eight-layer Chocolate Opera cake, which is beautifully paired with strawberry and chocolate ice cream to create a decadent finale.

Special Dessert: Eight-Layer Chocolate Opera

The Chocolate Opera, made with Ghanan cacao beans, combines two types of chocolate—bitter and white—to form a rich, flavorful layer complemented by a delightful coffee taste. The dish is accompanied by luxurious ice cream featuring the sweet spice notes of Ghanan cacao, velvety almond ice cream, fresh strawberries, tart raspberries, and an indulgent blend of blond and white chocolates, offering a delightful explosion of flavors in each bite.

A Celebration of Flavors: Five Types of Chocolate Comparison

To elevate the experience, the chocolate and cacao used in both the sweets and savory dishes can be savored individually on a specially curated plate. The dark chocolate, crafted solely from cacao and sugar, exhibits a variety of fruity and nutty flavors influenced by its origin and production method. This unique tasting experience encourages guests to enjoy and compare the differences in flavor profiles across the various chocolate offerings.

A Closer Look at the Menu

1. First Tier – Chocolate Sweets
- Tarte Tatin: A delightful dessert featuring caramelized apples paired with a nutty chocolate almond cream, providing a luscious mouthfeel and a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Fresh Strawberry Gateau au Chocolat: This luxurious cake showcases 女峰 strawberries, cultivated specifically in Kagawa, topped with a smooth jam that enhances the dessert's chocolatey profile, complemented by a creamy custard made with farm-fresh eggs.
- Lemon Verrine: Highlighting seasonal lemons from Wakayama, this three-layer verrine delights with crunchy texture and light citrus notes, inspiring a refreshing palate.

2. Second Tier – Chocolate Sweets
- Strawberry and Blond Chocolate Financier: A moist treat combining tart strawberry jam with sweet, caramel-toned blond chocolate.
- Cacao Nib Milk Ice Cream with Strawberry Sauce: Enjoy this refreshing palate cleanser reminiscent of strawberry milk.
- Single-Origin Bonbons: Experience the diversity of cacao flavors from over 30 countries—explore the unique characteristics of different regions with these exquisite bonbons.

3. Third Tier – Savory Dishes
- Pickles with Cacao Pulp Dressing: A refreshing take on pickles, enhanced with a fruity, tangy dressing made from cacao pulp.
- Chocolate and Andouille Pizza: Collaborating with the acclaimed CRAZY PIZZA, this dish features a unique pizza topped with a spicy salami, complemented by the richness of flavorful chocolate.
- Strawberry and Cacao Nib Salad: Using freshly made cheese from Tokyo’s CHEESE STAND, this salad pairs beautifully with greens, olive oil, strawberries, and cacao nibs.

Event Details

• - Period: January 10–March 31, 2026
• - Price: ¥7,900 (including a choice of tea or coffee; alcoholic beverages are extra)
• - Location: Minimal The Specialty Azabudai Hills, Toranomon 5-8-1, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
• - Reservation: Reserve Here (starting December 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.)

About Minimal

At Minimal, we celebrate chocolate artistry by sourcing high-quality cacao directly from its origins. Our team of skilled chocolatiers and pastry chefs creates delicious treats, ensuring that every bite resonates with the flavors and stories behind each cacao bean. We prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing practices while crafting unique chocolates that continue to win accolades in international competitions.

Join us at Minimal for an unforgettable chocolate culinary experience this Valentine's and White Day season!