Kyotofu: Japanese Sweets Treats Opens in Hell s Kitchen, NYC September 2006
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Kyotofu: Japanese Sweets & Treats Opens in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC September 2006
Kyotofu: Japanese Sweets & Treats Opens in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC September 2006
NEW YORK — Located at 705 Ninth Avenue in New York’s own Hell’s Kitchen, Kyotofu will feature Japanese sweets and treats that incorporate the chic style, bold flavors and rich culture of Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Kyotofu differentiates itself by offering a range of new product experiences that fuse Japanese atmospheric and flavor elements geared specifically for the discerning palate. Designed by Japanese architect, Hiro Tsuruta (Jewel Bako, Chikalicious, Momofuku), who blends traditional Japanese design with a mod-organic twist, Kyotofu reflects the sleek and high-energy dynamic prevalent in modern Japan. To schedule a walkthrough of the space or to interview partners Nicole Bermensolo, Michael Berl or Aiko Fujino, interested media please contact Workhouse Publicity, Anna De Souza directly by telephone 212. 645. 8006 or via email.
Kyotofu began breaking convention in the mid-1990’s, taking the lead as the forerunner on the dessert trend and expanding across Japan. By taking typical Western desserts and reinventing them with Japanese panache, Kyotofu cafés became a destination for urban aficionados with a modern Japanese flair. The New York City venue was conceived by partners Nicole Bermensolo, Michael Berl and Aiko Fujino (granddaughter of Kyotofu founder) while on a trip to Japan. Immediately enamored with the Japanese people and culture and impressed with the high quality and deliciously adventurous taste of Aiko’s family’s products, they longed for Kyotofu sweets and treats to be available in the U.S. While Kyotofu enjoys status as a household name in Japan, it was the dream of Aiko’s father and current CEO, Seiji Fujino, to bring his family’s business to the United States. The Fujinos and the young New Yorkers discussed establishing a small retail location and café in Manhattan. Partners and friends, Bermensolo, Berl and Fujino soon entered a joint venture with Kyotofu Fujino Co., Ltd.
This September 2006, Kyotofu travels across the world and unveils its hip New York City dessert destination featuring signature items such as Kuromame Black Bean Coffee, Saffron Sake Poached Pear Tartlets, Green Tea Chocolate Dipped Okara (soybean) Cookies, Tahitian Vanilla Infused Sticky Rice Pudding, Yuzu Citrus Tofu Cheesecake and other treats in innovative flavors including matcha green tea , satsumaimo, “Japanese sweet potato,” black sesame, lychee, kabocha “Japanese pumpkin,” azuki and red bean. Other unique products include Soymilk Soft Ice Cream, Sweet Tofu and an assortment of imported and fresh house-baked Japanese cookies and candies in addition to unique hot and iced drinks. Also available is more traditional fare such as homemade truffles, mousses, parfaits and a variety of smoothies and coffee mixers. Kyotofu will offer catering as well as venue rentals for private and corporate events, gift baskets and tins and will wholesale nationally via its website. Additionally, branded items such as t-shirts, mugs and sake and tea sets will be available both in-store and on the web.
Additionally, Kyotofu will offer an extensive specialty drink menu that includes imported Umeshu (Japanese plum wine), Aged Sake, Black Sesame Shochu, Tonyu Kahlua (Kahlua with freshly made hot soy milk), The Sakura (Cherry blossom liqueur, mint, soy milk and soda water), Matcha Key Lime Pie (Green tea dessert liqueur with Stoli Citros and a splash of lime juice) and the Zen Saketini (Green tea dessert liqueur with sake).
Kyotofu will be open seven days a week from 11AM to 12AM. For more information please visit www.kyotofu-nyc.com.
Location: 705 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY
Size: 800 square feet
Opening Date: September 2006
ABOUT KYOTO, JAPAN: HEADQUARTERS OF KYOTOFU
Breathtaking natural beauty surrounds this one-time imperial city where over 2,000 temples and shrines intermingle with the height of Japanese modern architecture. Cruise the thousand year old Path of Enlightenment while cherry blossoms cascade from above; head to the old town of Gion to ogle over the mind-blowing beauty of Geisha, or take-in a local tea ceremony to grab a swig of the finest matcha green tea that Japan has to offer. Kyoto is built upon rich traditions of strength, beauty, innovation, and international exchange. Kyoto style (“Kyoto-fu”) fuses a poignant past with an avant-garde revolutionary spirit.