Amy’s Bakeshop

Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — ²³⁄₁₀₀
Continuing the exploration of the area around JR Nishi Ogikubo station, this spot came up on Unilocal with high ratings, so curiosity led me to this gem.
The speciality of this bakery is American-​style pastries and sweets. However, the key word here is «style,» and that is the BIG and distinguishing difference. Why? Some people will expect the globs of sugar, fat and artery-​hardening things that are passed off as typical American pastries. A huge difference here is that the bakers have been extremely successful in capturing the essence of what makes those pastries great without resorting to excess amounts of suger, butter or other ingredients that detract from pastry as a work of art. Also, Japanese are more picky about desserts that are too heavy with cream, sugar or butter. Local adaptation that makes the originals better, in my opinion!
Highlights:
+ Pastries: Muffins, cakes, scones, cookies — all great! (⁵⁄₅)
+ Beverages: Hand-​dripped coffee, coffee drinks, teas — average ¥350 each (4.5÷5)
+ Features: Take-​out or eat-​in — seating for pairs among about five marble tables in the back beyond the cash register (⁵⁄₅)
+ Atmosphere 1: Antique and retro at the same time — almost more European in feel than American, but that’s OK (⁵⁄₅)
+ Atmosphere 2: Eat-​in: Nicely lit, subdued but comfortable seating in the back with classic music on the BGM
Notes:
+ Muffins sell out early — call in to reserve a flavor if you know what you want
+ Cakes — they do a really good carrot cake! Not too sweet; nice balance of carrot, raisins, walnuts and buttery cake — yum! (oh, and not overly thick butter cream frosting either — perfect balance!)
+ Scones — VERY well done — wholesome, natural, organic ingredients baked to perfection — moist and not too crumbly or burnt/​hard; try eat-​in! Your scone comes with cream cheese and marmalade to balance the natural wholesome flavors (I prefer the scones over the muffins!)
+ Cookies — decadent — nice balance of without being a serious sugar bomb; thick, chewy, much better than those at Starbucks for about the same price