Belle’s Bread
Bacon & Corn Roll
Pistachio Madeline
Melon Roll
Strawberry Buttercream Bread
Koshi An Roll
Part of Upper Arlington’s “Japanese Marketplace” since 2011 Belle’s Bread is described as a French-inspired Japanese Bakery, owner Takashi Takenaka of Akai Hana completing his collection of six eateries with a space Food & Wine has called one of America’s 100 best Bakeries and a “hidden gem.”
Definitely hidden, 1168 Kenny Centre Mall not exactly near anything of relevance and the eatery itself tucked away inside the shopping complex, guests entering will discover everything from Rolls and Buns to Crepes, Sandwiches and import Beverages sold at prices that run the gamut of affordable to excessive.
A novelty in Central Ohio, some twenty bakers assisting Takenaka’s daughter who manages Belle’s, all Breads come wrapped in plastic with “Sell By” dates, the $2.50 Bacon & Corn Roll soft and complex while a $2.95 Melon Roll underwhelms at twice the price of those offered outside Los Angeles.
Passing on Crepes, Cakes and Cream Puffs and instead investing in Madelines set to expire in six days, a far cry from made-to-order versions and flavored with “Pistachio Extract,” Belle’s Strawberry Buttercream Bread looks cute and eats less sweet than American Desserts while the Koshi An Roll puts the focus on Red Beans with a bit of Sesame and outpaces everything else by quite a bit.
www.bellesbread.japanmarketplace.com