Well, I think it’s time you knew…

I’m turning Japanese.

Some of my favorite sweet spots here in Paris are Japanese owned and/or inspired, and the newly opened, Mori Yoshida, is no exception.

Mori Yoshida marries the decadence of French traditionalism with clean, artistic Japanese flair. Sweetly situation in the shadow of Napoleon’s tomb, on the east side of Avenue Breteuil, it is the 7th arrondissement’s new secret.

I discovered this little gem as I do most places these days… zipping by on my trottinette. “What was that?” *brakes screeching*

Suddenly, I’m carefully walking my trottinette home with a full box of pâtisseries to try… (gratefully I had roommates to help with the arduous task of eating them all. And by arduous I mean fantastic. )

In a city where gaudy, ancient decor and decoration reigns (and we love it), Mori Yoshida‘s clean and utilitarian shop offers our eyes a stark and zen retreat, and showcases their delicious chocolates, cakes, pastries, and viennoiseries with aplomb. Every confection is an artistic feat.

…Plus they have a silver tray of chocolate truffle samples. La classe !

The mastermind behind this unique and creative bakery is Morihide Yoshida, a young, award-winning Japanese pastry chef in his mid-thirties. After winning the grand prize twice on a Japanese television show, and opening a bakery in Shizuoka, Japan, Morihide decided that Parisians would be the next to benefit from the fruits of his genius. (And we’re happy about that, trust me.)

My favorite of the bunch was the pistachio saint honoré (pictured above.) It was incredibly decadent–the cream puffs were filled with a raspberry-ish custard, and the pistachio cream? Holy cream balls.

Also pictured: passion fruit custard tarte, and hazelnut mille feuille (curiously called a “Napoleon” outside of France), chocolates, and brioche feuilletées.

65 avenue de Breteuil, Paris, 7th.

Arrigato, Japan.