Fugetsu-Do Sweet Shop

The intrinsic beauty that can enhance a truly pleasurable dessert experience has not gone lost at this long-time sweet shop in Little Tokyo. Rather than the overdone American candy in their tacky wraps or boringly common cookies and desserts that make us reminisce of the predictable flavors, these Japanese treats are a beautiful and refreshing twist to the ordinary. The usage of bright and vibrant but soft colors put you in a whimsical mood. I grew up eating mochi, but I didn't appreciate its aesthetics until later in life. For one thing, they're weren't as lovely as these, but even people who are weirded out by new things become curious and entranced by its simplicity and attraction. Something about how it's presentation is undeniably appealing that people gravitate towards it.

Fugetsu-Do's signature desserts are mochi. They're Japanese sweet sticky rice cakes, chewy and decadent. They're soft and often times filled with sweetened beans, also known as adzuki beans. People who don't like tapioca pearls because of their soft texture may not appreciate mochi, but they're so beautiful. I think they're such a great treat especially to give as gifts. It's beautiful, affordable, and an ideal gift for someone you don't know very well and prefer not to spend a lot of money on who's curious and open to new things. It's also a great non-committal gift, so giving it to someone you just meant is a thoughtful and considerate gesture. On the other hand, it's also appropriate for a friend who has everything. This isn't high school anymore. It's not about how much money is spent. It's about what you can afford, what you can offer, and being a gracious gift receiver. I love grabbing these before meeting up with a group of friends I haven't seen in a while. These are also great "I'm thinking of you," or "feel better" gifts. The store also carries a generous selection of authentic packaged Japanese candies. They're not the run-of-the-mill Pocky sticks found at your local Von's or Ralphs. Then again, you can probably find quite a bit of these candies at an Asian grocery store. Nonetheless, the selection is suitable for this kind of shop and abundant. I highly recommend anyone in the area to check this store out. You can choose between a six, eight, ten, or twelve pack selection of mochi. You pick the flavors, and they're beautifully packaged and wrapped, free gift of charge. Stop by a tea shop, pick up some green tea, invite some friends other, present the treats, and you now have an affordable but unique tea time or late night snacks.

315 E. First St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-8585
www.fugetsu-do.com

Frederico's Bakery

I imagine this is a family-operated business. This is a delicious bakery that serves an array of cookies and other edible delights. Their bakery's signature flavor is SUPER SWEET! I'm a fan, but if you're looking for something with subtler flavor dimensions, I would say seek elsewhere. Their cakes are well-priced, to the best of my knowledge, for the features offered. Then again, I'm not an expert with bakery prices. You be the judge. For $29.99, you get a round or rectangular cake of average size. Your flavor choices are: lemon, chocolate, or marble. Some designs are included with the price, as well. Such is the case with the flowers in the photo. A maximum of five words are complimentary. The first time I went there, I bought an outrageous amount of 9 8 x 8 x 2 inch square cakes. It was worth over $100, so I was given a 10% discount. The woman taking my order wasn't sure if she had an 8 x 8 cake pan and made a phone call to make sure before placing my order. I was also offered complimentary desserts. When I came to pick the cake up, they were exactly as I asked: plain, chocolate cake. The bakery opens early, takes my order efficiently, charges me as I should, has my cake ready when they specify, and it looks exactly as it should. I've read many negative reviews about their wedding cakes, that their skills can't master the more advanced desserts. I've never purchased anything elaborate, but it doesn't surprise me. If you walk into the bakery, you'll notice how standard this bakery is. Their photos don't suggest that they can master anything beyond birthday and corporate cakes. To me, I associated the outdated look with the heavy sugary flavor. I'm actually rather surprised that people were shocked by the typical heavy flavor that a lot of traditional bakeries offer. As much as I like this bakery, I want people to get the kind of desserts they want. So, let me warn you that this bakery is sweet and basic. If you're looking for something lighter, more modern, or advanced, seek elsewhere. Now, on the other hand, if you're seeking a basic bakery with the traditional sweets, check this place out. The desserts displayed give an accurate intensity in sweetness, so I would recommend taste testing it before spending money on a customized cake. If you find the dessert too sweet, the same reaction will probably apply to the cake. I love the German cake!

Frederico's Bakery
1810 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 795-5651