Grains de vanille

The speed at which the pastries sold themselves kind of gave it away. I arrived on a hazy Thursday afternoon thinking I’d have my choice. No such luck– though that definitely helped with my indecision.
The display case was 90% empty, with some cookies and confections left on the display table. I went with a raspberry tarte and hot caramel tea. I savored them both slowly, in store’s Paris-​esque pastel interior. I loved that they bring you both fork and knife, because, ya know, the tart is beautiful, so you want to keep the eating part pretty too. :P
As I watched people walk in and out, I noticed some who turned away with a sigh from the empty case. And some, smart, smart people, as they gave their name and the shop attendant pulled out an array of cakes from the fridge. The lesson? Order. Ahead. If you have a friend who appreciates a good cake? Bring them here. The owner/​master apparently speaks French, as I watched a French family walk in, perplex the attendant, and was taken care of personally by the pastry chef. :) Kyoto hospitality x French delicacy at its best.