Every year, when I look at the confectionery corner for Valentine's Day, I think how fun it would be to make homemade sweets. Well, I am a clumsy person, so it doesn't really matter.

Just when I was feeling down, I heard a rumor that an event where anyone can easily make original macarons is being held at "FabCafe" in Shibuya, Tokyo, until February 14! What's that? I remember that macarons are difficult to make.... I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle it, given my lack of experience in making things by hand, but Valentine's Day doesn't wait for me. Anyway, I decided to go there. Life is short, as long as you love!


To "FabCafe" in Dogenzaka, Shibuya

FabCafe is located just to the left of Dogenzaka in Shibuya. It is recommended to go through Mark City as it is tough going up all the way up the hill.




Enter the store and tell them that you would like to make macarons. Incidentally, the "Macaron Fab" event does not require advance reservations and can be experienced at any time during the store's business hours (10:00 to 21:00 on weekdays, open at 11:00 on Saturdays and Sundays). Depending on how crowded the shop is, it takes about 10 to 30 minutes to complete the process.


There is no way they can bake macarons that quickly...right? Actually, "Macaron Fab" is a hands-on event where you can engrave your favorite design on macarons using a laser cutter. This way, you can be sure not to make a mistake!

First, decide on a design.

The experience menu is 500 yen for one macaron or 1,500 yen for three. Both include the box and processing fee. There are three flavors: lemon, green tea, and raspberry. The author makes three.

First, decide on a design. Use the iPad drawing app provided by the clerk to draw your favorite illustration or message with a stylus.


If you would like to have your original data engraved, save it in AI (Adobe Illustrator CS4 or lower) file format on a USB memory stick or the like and bring it with you. This time, I also asked for the "En-Eat" logo.

Once you have decided on a design, hand it over to the clerk and wait for the rest. The engraving process takes about 5 minutes, but since we are here, we will watch the process as well.

The laser cutter starts engraving.


Macarons are placed on the laser cutter, which was specially prepared for this event. Oh my goodness, did you just put a whole box of macaroons in the laser cutter?


According to the clerk, the laser cutter is linked to a computer, which precisely recognizes the position of the macarons according to the box. When did the world become so high-tech!


Now, the engraving begins. The laser head starts moving left and right at high speed. Just like an inkjet printer, the illustration appears on the macaron in no time.



The picture I just drew is beautifully baked directly onto the macaron! The precision of the laser cutter is amazing. The macarons are cute to begin with, but they have already reached the level of cuteness of LV 100!


At FabCafe, you can enjoy "making things" anytime!

Although this event is limited to Valentine's Day, FabCafe is a café where you can enjoy "digital manufacturing " using cutting-edge machines such as laser cutters and 3D printers. In addition to eating and drinking, each machine can be used freely (reservations required).



While observing the store, I took a break with a "marshmallow latte" (500 yen), a popular menu item. The marshmallow ghosts that peek out of the rich café latte are cute.


The macarons are only good for about three days, so I decided to give up on Valentine's Day and use them as a treat for myself (ugh). The macarons are also exquisite. The surface is crispy, but the inside sinks into your teeth, and you may have never had such a moist and sticky texture. The smooth cream has a strong flavor. The taste is so good that you will want to recommend them to someone, and they make a perfect gift!

The Macaron Fab Experience is crowded on weekends, so the best time to visit is right after the store opens on a weekday. Surprisingly, there were many male customers that day. Please take this opportunity to try your hand at making macarons with your heart and soul!