Cha-An

Sculptural Japanese Parfaits Are Stacking Dessert Menus in NYC | Eater NY

"I trace the rise of Japanese parfaits in New York back to Cha-An, where owner Tomoko Yagi has been serving classic Japanese parfaits for nearly 20 years; her rule is to incorporate “wa” (Japanese) elements, so each parfait includes mandatory kanten jelly lining the bottom and a stamped wafer on top. The cafe’s parfaits change seasonally — currently a sakura parfait ($22) features strawberry ice cream, pink shiratama dango, cornflakes, and a pink sakura-shaped cookie — and Yagi also offers a hojicha soft-serve–based version ($14) at the counter-service Bon Bon next door." - Chihiro Tomioka