Saturday June 27, 2009
Tokyo, Japan
Hot but Somewhat Tolerable
When I was planning the move to Japan, I only had 4 days to find an apartment. I chose the apartment I am living in now, as I had a good feeling about it albeit it was the smallest apartment I saw. I am so glad I chose the apartment as I have made very special friends which is surprising as I am one of the few single working women in the building and given my schedule I cannot attend many of the social functions that take place in the apartment. You have heard me talk about Eunice who is now one of my BFF and travel buddies who I met in the apartment. Another dear friend is Karyn. Karyn has the "je ne sais quoi" quality that women like Jackie O and Coco Chanel exuded. She always looks sophisticated and classy whether in workout clothes or going out. But she is also down to earth and loves to have fun! So for her birthday I wanted to take her someplace special to celebrate the special day and also to show my appreciation for being a good friend to me in Tokyo.
I chose to take her to Pierre Gagnaire's restaurant in Tokyo called Pierre Gagnaire a Tokyo. Its a Michelin 2 star restaurant but his restaurant in Paris is a 3 star restaurant. He is known for modernizing French cuisine by introducing new techniques and flavors.
So on a warm afternoon, we took off to Pierre Gagnaire a Tokyo in Aoyama. It's located in the Aoyama Square Building which was designed by Sophie Hicks.
The subdues entrance to the restaurant. Many people do not know it exists! We were greeted by the French Maitre d 'who was very attentive during the whole lunch experience.
The restaurant is colored in browns and yellows. The restaurant is circular. The main dining room is a circular room with private rooms and outdoor terraces surrounding the circular dining room.
The table setting was understated but beautiful. The silverware was custom designed by Christofle.
We had 3 lunch courses to chose from. The first course included the Amuses, a Main Dish and 2 desserts. The second course included the Amuses, an Entree, a Main Dish and 3 Desserts. The third course included everything in the second course plus an extra Main Dish. Karyn chose the first course menu and I chose the second course menu. Since both of us did not want to eat meat, our Maitre d' adjusted the menu a bit to accommodate us.
Prior to our Amuses, we were treated to bite size biscuits. On the left is a strawberry flavored biscuit and on the right is a mini rice ball, a cheese biscuit, and a savory biscuit.
We were also treated to a whiskey flavored jelly. It had a Japanese yokan like texture and was savory.
Then came our Amuses which Pierre Gagnaire is famous for. We had watermelon jelly with spanish pepper and lemon, tomato sherbet with black olives and an anchovy fillet, marinated shellfish with a saffron aioli sauce, a fennel and grapefruit jelly and concentrated carrot juice with dijon mustard and tuna paste.
Concentrated carrot juice with dijon mustard; tuna paste and rye bread.
Watermelon jelly with spanish pepper and lemon. The curtain is made from agar agar.
Infusion of fennel and grapefruit jelly "douce-amere"
Since I had the second course menu, I had the entree which was a vichyssoise with crisp toast, pan-fried scampi, red beets and passion fruit mousse.
We both had the same main dish which had two dishes. One of them was tartar of flathead fish flavored in tandoori spices.
And the second dish was a roasted flathead with green vegetables and cheese "tome de savoie"
Then it was time for dessert. And dessert in itself was grand!
Our pre-dessert which included a rose marshmallow that "tasted" like a rose. Hard to explain but it was an amazing experience.
One of the main desserts which was a fabulous mousse topped with a very delicate cookie.
My second dessert which was a passion fruit sherbet and fresh cream.
Our third dessert which was a chocolate based dessert. It was served in style by our stylish waiter!
Karyn had a delicious coffee with her chocolate dessert and I had a perfectly brewed fresh mint tea.
We were the last guest to leave. The service was impeccable and we did not feel rushed. We were treated to a cold verbana, chamomile and lemon grass tea as we left.
Karyn and I enjoying our lunch
Our attentive and kind French Maitre D'
However, before leaving for our next destination, our Maitre D' offered to show us the "Terrace" which is not publicized so very few people know about it. Basically, its an outdoor bar where one can enjoy a drink and a light meal. It was gorgeous.
The Terrace is romantic and understated with a fabulous view of Aoyama.
After lunch, Karyn took me to her favorite place to buy pearls. I was looking for "casual" pearls to wear at work. But OMG, this place Karyn took me to had the most beautiful Tahitian pearls. Karyn graciously did some homework for me prior to our visit where she selected some beautiful pearl necklaces for me to try out. I would have never thought the darker shades will look good on me but after trying them on, I love it! I debated whether to get them as it was over my budget. I decided to think it over for a few days before I make a decision. But even if I decide I don't get them now, I'm definitely going to make it a goal to get them before I leave Japan!
I had a wonderful afternoon with Karyn and will miss her when she leaves Tokyo in July. But I know we will be friends for a long time and look forward to another fabulous afternoon in another city in another country.
Will always remember this very special birthday luncheon! It was exquisite and you are such a dear friend, always. xxx
Posted by: Karyn Allen | January 11, 2012 at 03:26 AM