#Japan #Shinjuku #Odakyu Department Store #and mélanger #Acid Lachine

Annual Culinary Celebration: 'and mélanger'

The Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku is gearing up for its annual food festival, 'and mélanger,' from September 16 to 22. This year, the event promises an exciting selection of sweets and a special menu of curry, appealing to both cake enthusiasts and curry lovers alike.

The highlight of 'and mélanger' is its collaboration with the Ecuadorian embassy, showcasing exclusive sweets made from bananas sourced from the Tanabe Farm in Ecuador. Attendees can indulge in unique creations by famous pastry chefs, who have crafted these exclusive sweets specifically for the event. With summer’s lingering heat, the festival will also feature an eat-in corner serving delightful desserts such as kakigori (shaved ice) and chef-made curries, available on a rotating daily basis.

Exclusive Sweets with Ecuadorian Bananas

This year's festival will unveil original cakes featuring Ecuadorian bananas, known for their rich sweetness. Several talented pastry chefs will take part, offering creations that highlight the unique flavors of these bananas.

• - Patisserie Yu Sasage will present its limited-edition Chocolate Banana for ¥800, available in a limited quantity each day.
• - Patisserie Rall will offer a seasonal Mille-Feuille featuring caramelized bananas at ¥880, bringing a delightful twist to a classic treat.
• - Kazubake will showcase a Chocolate Banana Shortcake for ¥864, featuring rich chocolate cream made from Brazilian 55% cacao with thick slices of banana.
• - Le Grue - Yu Sasage - will provide a banana cake slice for ¥486, combining Ecuadorian bananas with cocoa husk for a fragrant dessert.

Special Two-Day Appearance by 'Acid Lachine'

Adding to the excitement, the popular Osaka patisserie Acid Lachine will make a special two-day appearance at the festival on September 20 and 21, marking its first venture into the Kanto region. Chef Takashi Hashimoto will be onsite to offer a unique set of three new cakes and baked goods, allowing visitors a rare opportunity to savor some of the most beloved flavors from the Kansai region.

• - Cake Set (3 items) for ¥2,700, limited to 50 sets each day, available from 11 AM.

New and Exciting Eat-In Menu

For the first time, 'and mélanger' will feature a diverse eat-in menu, perfect for the warm September days. Delightful dishes like kakigori, crafted with a refreshing twist, and unique curries by renowned chefs will be available.

• - Sincere’s Americane Curry, priced at ¥1,800, blends French sauce with the rich heat of red curry, available for a limited time on September 16 and 17.
• - Qu’au de Cosson’s Summer Vegetable Curry featuring premium pork from Izu, priced at ¥1,650, will be available on September 18 and 19.
• - Ka ha na’s Butter Coconut Chicken Curry, offered on September 20, uses authentic spices and coconut milk for a creamy finish at ¥1,800.

• - Yu Sasage’s Unique Biryani & Banana Gelato Set will be available on September 21 and 22 for ¥1,800, perfectly paired with Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne for ¥1,800 each.
• - Kazubake’s Taco Corn Shaved Ice, priced at ¥2,200, tops traditional shaved ice with an exciting mix of taco fillings and seasonal veggies, creating a delightful summer fusion.

Over 20 Varieties of Pastries Available Daily

Throughout the festival, more than 20 exclusive pastries will be available daily, allowing visitors to experience new flavors with each visit. From chocolate-banana-infused cakes to traditional delights, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Visit the event at the Odakyu Department Store’s underground food hall from 10 AM to 8:30 PM (with shortened hours on the final days). Don’t miss out on this blend of culinary arts and seasonal delights!

For additional details, visit the official event website and follow the festival's Instagram for exciting updates and sneak peeks of the treats in store.