Celebrate with us our new partnership with Janté Cheesecakes, Los Angeles, as our CEO Christine shares the heartfelt connection between Basque Cheesecakes and her father, Hideo Kawamura.
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“.. This idea was born from a memory that’s close to my heart. Years ago, I would make Basque cheesecake for my dad. He had an adventurous palate and a deep love for Uni, always coming up with unexpected pairings. One day, he topped my cheesecake with uni and, with the biggest smile, said, “This is the best cheesecake I’ve ever had!” It was the one and only dish I ever made that he truly loved.
When Basque cheesecakes started trending, it immediately brought me back to those moments with him. I knew I had to find a way to share this unique combination at Maruhide—not just as a dish, but as a tribute to him. But I’m no professional baker, so I needed someone truly exceptional to bring this to life. That’s when we found Janet. The first time we tasted her cheesecake, it all just “clicked”— Light, creamy, not too sweet— The perfect match for our Uni. It was an umami explosion, just like my dad had discovered all those years ago.
Bringing this cheesecake to Maruhide means more to me than just sharing a dessert. It’s a way of honoring my father, his adventurous spirit, and the special memories we shared. If Uni cheesecake isn’t for you, try it with Caviar—or simply enjoy it on its own. However you choose to experience it, I hope it brings you the same kind of joy and discovery that my dad felt.