#Japan #DEAN & DELUCA #Summer Strawberry #kasiki #Hatagaya

Delving into the Exquisite Summer Strawberry Ice Cake

This summer, get ready to indulge in a special treat from kasiki, a renowned ice cream specialty shop located in Hatagaya, Tokyo. Chef Sumika Fujita, the mastermind behind kasiki, has crafted a limited edition ice cake titled "Summer Strawberry and Salt Vanilla Olive Oil Ice Cake," exclusively available at DEAN & DELUCA's online store starting July 18, 2025.

What makes this ice cake truly unique is its foundation built on the allure of seasonal ingredients. The star of the dessert, the summer strawberry, hails from the breathtaking Tsukayama Village in Gunma Prefecture. Infused into the ice cake, these strawberries are paired with elements like amaretto, mixed jams of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, and the fan-favorite "Salt Vanilla Olive Oil Ice Cream" that kasiki is renowned for. Together, they form a complex palette of flavors meant to entice and satisfy the adult palate.

The ice cake layer features an original concoction of the luscious summer strawberries blended into an ice cream infused with amaretto, enriching the bright tang of the strawberries. A hidden gem, the flavor modulating amaretto, highlights the strawberry scents, making each bite refreshing and distinct.

On the other hand, the widely favored Salt Vanilla Olive Oil Ice Cream combines the rich taste of Sicilian extra virgin olive oil with the delicate sweetness of vanilla, amplifying the depth of flavors presented throughout the ice cake. Hand-in-hand with this, the cake is elegantly decorated with a herb cream composed of mint, lemongrass, and rosemary, providing a finishing touch of fragrant notes. The base of the cake is crafted with a crumble made from Taiwanese Oriental Beauty tea, adding a honey-like sweetness that complements the other elements superbly.

Meet Chef Sumika Fujita

Chef Sumika Fujita, born in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1990, has made waves in the culinary scene since her early beginnings in various restaurants, eventually igniting her passion for ice cream. In 2019, she founded kasiki, initially as a pop-up project, before establishing a permanent shop in Hatagaya in 2022. At kasiki, all products are crafted using seasonal, high-quality ingredients, free from any additives. Fujita's adventurous approach leads to innovative flavors and meticulously curated combinations.

"Kasiki beautifully captures the essence of seasonal fruits by incorporating herbs and spices to enhance the original flavors, exhibiting a level of creativity that goes unmatched," states DEAN & DELUCA, acknowledging the artistic collaboration behind this exclusive ice cake.

A Flavor Experience

As the warmth of summer approaches, this limited-edition ice cake evokes an extraordinary culinary experience for ice cream enthusiasts and casual consumers alike. Fujita encourages a pairing experience with natural wines, as both elements share a dialogue of flavors. This playful fusion of ice cake and wine creates an unparalleled moment, enhanced by the soft hues of the summer evening.

Available for ¥6,500 (tax included ¥7,020), the "Summer Strawberry and Salt Vanilla Olive Oil Ice Cake" embraces layers of summer strawberry ice cream, salt vanilla olive oil ice cream, and rich homemade jams sandwiched seamlessly.

Don't miss this chance to treat yourself to a taste that encapsulates summer. Only available via DEAN & DELUCA's official online store and not at physical locations, this ice cake is more than just a dessert – it's an opportunity to savor the vibrant tastes of summer. Experience the artistry behind kasiki's approach to ice creams and enjoy this memorable seasonal delight, harmonizing freshness, innovation, and expertise.

Conclusion

This collaborative effort transcends the boundaries of traditional cuisine, becoming a testament to shared visions and respect for culinary craft. So, prepare your taste buds and celebrate the flavors of summer with this one-of-a-kind ice cake. Pre-order yours to ensure you don’t miss out on this exquisite experience!