超高額『バン・ド・カンパーニュ（ハーフ）』432円。？世界が愛した？『フランスパン（ハーフ）』270円 : French Bakery

If they haven't been disposed of, I have a complete collection of Beatles LPs, including imported editions that were never released in Japan.
I may not belong to the generation that experienced them live, but I certainly listened to the Beatles.
I think I even have the sheet music. Did I throw it away?
Since Yoko, whom I absolutely dislike, has been appearing all over Japan, there are many places featuring "John Lennon’s Favorite 〇〇" everywhere.
I came to buy the "Baguette Loved by John Lennon".
Karuizawa French Bakery at Old Karuizawa Ginza
This is a long-established bakery in the area.
Its style and appearance evoke a nostalgic "Showa-era chic."
Across the street is Asanoya Main Store, a subsidiary of the Manpei Hotel, part of the Mori Building group, which has locations throughout the Kanto region,
so two long-standing bakeries are facing each other.
When I entered the shop, it was just before 3 PM, so not much bread was left.
Is there a café attached? Or is it already closed? Or is it just that no one is around?
Upon entering the store, I found this bread displayed right in front.
★ "French Bread (Half Size)" JPY 270
Length: 26 cm
Width: 6 cm
Height: 4.5 cm
Weight: 136 g
【Aroma】
The scent of wheat.
The toasted aroma is lacking.
There is no sour aroma from fermentation.
【Crust】
The crust is thick and substantial but not hard. It’s soft.
It’s not flimsy, but it’s far from being crunchy.
【Crumb】
The crumb shows no bubbles, which would indicate proper fermentation of French bread.
It has a uniform fine crumb.
There is absolutely no dryness typical of French bread.
This is not French bread but rather a Japanese bread shaped like a baguette.
It should be described as a thinly salted bread with no buttery flavor.
【Taste】
The saltiness is just right, with a nice wheat flavor.
Even if John Lennon were to eat this, it wouldn’t be considered "French bread" but rather "Japanese bread."
I was a bit hopeful, so I was thoroughly disappointed.
★ "Pain de Campagne (Half Size)" JPY 432
Length: 25 cm
Width: 6 cm
Height: 5 cm
Weight: 156 g
The standard size for a baguette is about 60 cm.
At 25 cm, it’s technically a ficelle, but it’s a bit thick.
I understand that the effort is the same regardless of size, and even though wheat prices have risen recently,
charging over JPY 500 for a standard 60 cm baguette is too expensive,
but a half size priced at JPY 432 is an outrageous price.
【Aroma】
The aroma of fermentation is strong, and combined with the toasted scent, it’s a nice aroma.
【Crust】
The crust is hard, with both thickness and firmness.
A single cut is made crisply, and it’s nicely browned.
【Crumb】
There are no random bubbles, which are a sign of proper fermentation.
The crumb is chewy and moist, a disappointing Japanese bread.
Why does it turn out this way???
The lack of the necessary dryness for French bread is a major letdown.
【Taste】
The saltiness is pronounced.
The flavor of rye is also prominent, yet why is it made to be moist and chewy???
Why is it made this way???
I have serious doubts.
In fact, as I chew, the flavor of wheat increases, making it a delicious bread, but... what a shame.
Japanese bread started with German bread, so
40 or 50 years ago, this might have been acceptable as French bread, but modern Japanese French bread is much better than it was 40 years ago.
It’s like the reverse of the common misunderstanding of Japanese food abroad, just a French-style bread that resembles the shape.
Unfortunately, there are still many bakeries in Japan that offer only this shape of French bread.
While I don’t care much about the "world loved" aspect,
the taste of this country bread is good, so I hope they make it properly.
Please create delicious bread that the shop across the street can’t replicate.
Third generation! I’m counting on you~
It was a great meal.