Minamoto Kitchen

These treats are adorable, but unfortunately this is going to be a post about a slight disappointment.

On our way home from Sausalito this afternoon, we passed by the new Minamoto Kitchen shop on Market Street near Kearny (next door to the Ritz Carlton residences building). Minamoto sells Wagashi, Japanese sweets usually serves as part of a formal tea service. I had to try a few, despite the hefty price tag, so we got a yuzu jelly ($2.50) and a loquat jelly ($4.00, seasonal).

Well, the loquat one was tasty, but not $4.00 tasty. Inside the exquisite Japanese packaging is what is a well-made, very tender, light and flavorful jelly with half a loquat in the center. The fruit tastes bright and sweet despite being preserved and encased in jelly. At a dollar or two, I can see people enjoying these as a rare treat. But at $4, I start to balk. We didn't even dare buy the most expensive creation, an $11 white peach jelly that was somehow wrapped up to look exactly like a fresh peach.

But I shouldn't be so harsh on them. A Godiva truffle costs about the same, and these are definitely more delicious than Godiva's flat, waxy creations. Plus each flavor comes in its own colorful, creative package, and Americans are definitely ready for something to give each other besided boxed chocolates and cookies. Go Minamoto!