Avignon_mats1984
Originally, I liked wine and had some interest in French cuisine. However, I didn't particularly love it, and I had always avoided anything labeled as "luxury". The turning point came with the pandemic. I started cooking seriously at home due to the pandemic and came across Chef Tani's recipe book. As I struggled through cooking using his recipes and pairing them with wine, I began to think, "If I'm going to drink French wine, I should have French cuisine." Eventually, I wanted to taste the "real deal" and started visiting various French restaurants, including Chez Ino. It was all thanks to Chef Tani's recipe book. For me, Chef Tani was a turning point in changing my views on food, and he was a great benefactor in getting me through the pandemic. I wanted to taste Chef Tani's cooking at least once, and I wanted to visit Le Mange-Tout, and through a connection, I was able to do so. I can't give this restaurant anything less than a "5.0" rating. I have a strong bias, so please don't trust me too much. What I'm about to write is not a review, but just a record of my emotions (although there is a tendency for French restaurant reviews to lean this way to some extent). The dishes that made me feel "Can food be this moving?" and the wonderful wine pairings and pleasant service I experienced at Le Mange-Tout were beyond anything I had experienced in my limited food journey. Despite reaching a mature age and career, I still feel Chef Tani's cooking is constantly evolving. There seems to be a "next step" in his creations. Therefore, his dishes not only evoke emotions but also have a sense of awe. I am eternally grateful to the person who introduced me to this restaurant. Chef Tani's cooking is outstanding, but this restaurant also excels in the soft customer service and wine recommendations from Maître Kusumoto, creating a balanced harmony between the kitchen and service. Lastly, Chef Tani's amusing stories during the farewell greeting were inspired by his training in Alsace. Due to copyright issues as Chef Tani has published recipe books, photography of the dishes is not allowed. The bill, including water and wine pairing, exceeded slightly over 50,000 yen, likely influenced by the recent rise in wine and ingredient prices. However, the over three-hour experience at this restaurant was so fulfilling that I was willing to accept even that. Below are notes resembling a memo of the dishes and wines I received on the day of my visit: ① Tomato Consommé... N.V. Daniel Dumont, Champagne, Grande Reserve Brut The dish is called consommé, but it comes out as a loose tomato jelly. It extracts the delicious essence of tomatoes over time. ② Escargot... Comte Lafond, Sancerre, Grand Cuvee Blanc, 2020 Burgundy snails hide among laurel, chili, and other ingredients. A dish with the joy of finding snails hidden in the leaves. The snails, with a grassy aroma, pair well with the Sauvignon Blanc 100% Sancerre, known for its grassy scent. ③ Turnip Blancmange (with summer truffles and truffle sauce)... Cuilleron-Villard-Gaillard, Condrieu, 2020 Eating the fiber-free, smooth turnip gives a unique sensation. The addition of truffles and truffle sauce complements the dish naturally. Paired with the treasure of Southern France, Condrieu, it was initially surprising to pair the delicate dish with a robust wine, but the truffle sauce seemed to work its magic in between. ④ Tuna Zuke, ...