Jan 9, 2012

The French Kitchen

Catching up on some updates...
Champagne Brunch at The French Kitchen inside of Grand Hyatt Tokyo last month.
Entrance.
Interior/Buffet Station.
The absolute BEST part of the buffet part was the Fruit Station. They have a selection of fresh fruit and will freshly cut anything you want. Felt like I got my money's worth with the fruit alone (fruit is extremely expensive in Japan).
Freshly made Egg's Benedict.
Buttery & sugary French Toast.
Buffet.
You choose one main dish. This is my boyfriend's duck dish.
It was the better dish out of our table (I ordered fish, our friend ordered Chicken) but it was unimpressing to say the least...
Dessert is also buffet style.

Personally, I am not a fan of buffets. I hate that overly-full feeling that lingers. But this was a rare case, I really enjoyed the dishes offered for the buffet but didn't enjoy the main dish that came with it. Especially at 6,500 yen (main, buffet & a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne). I wish they would offer a buffet only option for about 4,500 yen.
Oh, and a heads up, I ordered an extra glass of Champagne which cost a third of the price of the entire meal! Obviously, should have asked before I ordered... but it would probably be a better option to hold off on that second drink and instead, enjoy one afterwards on the balcony of The Oak Door upstairs.

Jan 5, 2012

vs Winter


These are my friends to help me battle the cold weather!

Jan 2, 2012

Le Berkeley

Our last dinner date of 2011 was at Le Berkeley. I saw Le Berkeley in a magazine I had bought of good restaurants in Tokyo. It opened earlier this year and the reason I wanted to go there was because the owner/chef lived in Berkeley, CA.
It's a cozy bistro in an upscale neighborhood and I loved the homey vibe. The restaurant is run by the husband (chef) and wife (server). They have three dinner courses and a nice selection of reasonably priced French wines. We ordered a bottle of champagne and a red wine from Rhone. Because I don't know anything about French wines, I asked the server for a few of her recommendations. The food was very hearty and simple but carefully prepared.










First Outing of 2012

Walked through a deserted Omotesando station...
and waited for the train on an empty platform.
Walked to Meijijingu for Hatsumode.
2012 is the year of the Dragon.
Omikuji.
I love Meijijingu.
Walked around Harajuku afterwards.
Browsed through racks of colorful vintage clothing.

Dec 31, 2011

2012!!

For all my friends back home, hope everyone has a fun and safe time ringing in the new year!
I had a great time with friends and free flow rosé champagne ;)
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!!
xo

Dec 22, 2011

Japanese Christmas

Starting in November, Japan's streets have been decked out with Christmas decorations. Some pictures I've snapped with  my phone:




I can't believe Christmas is in 2 days!!

Dec 14, 2011

Cafe Mamehico

One of our new favorite cafes to go to, to get away from the noise of Shibuya is Cafe Mamehico.
すごくこだわりが多くて、季節によってメニューもコーヒーの豆も変わるの。
Love the long communal table in the middle.
They always have a different tree/flower arrangement too.
Ice Coffee comes in these retro tin cups.
They always have a few selections for hot coffee.
My brother told us about this cafe and he recommended this.
煮豆が入った食パンで、手前のクリームをつけて食べるの。シンプルで美味!

These two were seasonal menus for the fall:
Baked Apple with homemade Ice Cream.
HEAVEN! 
Grape Muffins.
葡萄も皮を一粒一粒むいて、すごく手がかかってるんだよ!(リンク)

Dec 12, 2011

Les enfants gâtés (レザンファン ギャテ)

On my mom's last visit, we went out for a fancy dinner at Les enfants gâtés in Daikanyama. They specialize in Terrine and Pâté. I knew it would be good, but it far exceeded my expectations, everything was SO delicious and elegant. I just saw their website and found out that they have a Michelin star. Regardless, it was a very pleasant dining experience.
Exterior.
I really like the lighting of the bar area at the entrance.
Fancy setting.
We each ordered the Terrine course (choice of 2) and shared everything:






Even the dessert is Terrine!
They served this platter of cream puffs (eclairs) along with our coffee.
The cream from top: cream with herb liqueur, passion fruit and green tea.
Isn't this a great idea?! The pastry was buttery and the cream was light.
Will definitely be going back here!