"Don't make assumptions" is one of the agreements in Don Miguel Ruiz's book The Four Agreements. Although I try to live by this agreement, I just couldn't imagine that Japanese cakes could be so delicious. After tasting many samples of their tempting cakes on several occasions, I finally met with Jenny Voight, Satura's special events manager. She told me the following story.

Decades ago, when Japanese engineers and businessmen looked abroad for inspiration, Japanese chefs discovered European desserts. One pastry chef, Masahito Motohashi, spent years in France and England to perfect his skills. After returning to Japan he founded the Anniversary Company bakery. He adjusted the flavors and portion size of the European-style cakes to Japanese taste, using fresh, local produce, and sometimes even rice flower. His celebration and wedding cakes became so famous over the years that three prime ministers were among Masahito's customers.

Hiro Tamaki, a Harvard Business School graduate and successful Japanese businessman, fulfilled his dream of introducing these light and delicious Japanese desserts to our country. Chef and businessman formed a relationship with Masahito Motohashi's cake recipes and Hiro Tamaki's business know-how. Former top pastry chef, Seung Ho Jung, was hired to train new chefs in the US and to ensure that the quality was not compromised.

Prior to the grand opening of the Los Altos cake shop, Jenny Voight came onboard with expertise in trends and fashionable designs. She guides brides through their cake and dessert selection. My all-time favorite is the mango passion fruit delight with raspberry sauce and red currants, which is very light and infused with my beloved fruit flavors. Of course there are other favorites to choose from: cheesecake, chocolate, caramel mocha, hazelnut, their signature shortcake, and a variety of fresh fruit creations.

The Japanese bakery has been in business for over a year and recently opened a second location in Palo Alto. Three more bakeries are planned for Honolulu in the near future.