Hot Plate: Lady M’s Signature Mille Crepes Cake

The first Boston outpost of Lady M took over its storefront in late November but remained mysteriously unopened, shrouded in brown paper on prime Newbury Street real estate for the better part of the following year. The Japanese bakery known for its delicately stacked crepe cakes — an interpretation of the classic French mille-feuille — could be temporarily found at Chatime Tea House in Chinatown, giving Bostonians a taste of cloud nine before the bakery officially opened late last month.

Lady M’s Signature Mille Crepes Cake features 20 paper-thin handmade crepes and fresh whipped heavy cream; each takes just under an hour for a pastry chef to complete. The Newbury location offers a range of flavors — including citron, green tea and strawberry — but the classic, stacked high with a golden caramelized top, is irresistibly decadent enough for me.

A slice is a reasonable ($8) from the shop, but spring for a full cake ($80) and you’ve got a new best friend. Each bite is richly satisfying and dense, but fluffy enough to resemble a guilt-free summer desert. I like mine eaten the morning after a party, straight from the fridge with a giant fork. Pairs well with mimosas and zero regrets.

304 Newbury St., Boston, 617-329-5555, ladym.com