恥知らずで迷惑な客
This is a revisit. It had been two and a half years since my last visit, which was in the midst of the pandemic. This time, I took some photos and decided to write a bit about it. If someone asks me, "I'm going to a French restaurant for the first time, any recommendations?" I would first inquire about their preferences and situation, but generally, I recommend the 10,000 yen lunch here. The reasons are threefold: the exterior and interior, as well as the atmosphere, exude a sense of luxury; the dishes are classic, the service is impeccable; the portion size and number of dishes exceed the price, with a well-balanced selection of ingredients (impressive amount of vegetables), providing a fulfilling French dining experience; during the off-season, you can make a weekend lunch reservation within a few months. If you say, "A high-end French restaurant that everyone imagines, yet a place that also welcomes commoners like me," it seems to apply not only to this restaurant but also to establishments run by chefs trained at Robuchon's, sharing a sense of service spirit or philosophy that connects them. For those who can benefit from renowned gourmets or privileged classes, exclusive restaurants that are difficult to enter without an introduction or require years of waiting for a reservation are practically non-existent. For an amount that can be affordable with a bit of stretching, and with a few months of waiting (which many can plan for, unlike a whole year...), managing to secure a weekend lunch reservation and experiencing the kind of luxurious French cuisine that the general public imagines, I still recommend this place. Perfect for a date, I think. Two amuse-bouches, three appetizers (!), fish, meat, two desserts, and a drink. The velvety bisque in the amuse-bouche is incredibly smooth, showcasing meticulous work right from the start. Among the dishes this time, my personal favorite was the three appetizers, especially the cold dish - the sweetness of carrot mousse, the aroma of dashi jelly extracted from seafood, and a hint of bitterness blend remarkably well. Paired with the plump prawn, it fills you with a sense of happiness. There were even two warm appetizers, one featuring tender firefly squid and mountain vegetables tempura, where the unique bitterness of firefly squid innards and mountain vegetables elevates the umami, and the other using shiitake, an iconic ingredient, combining roast beef, soft-boiled egg, cheese, and selva chico (a type of arugula) to create a harmonious medley of aromas. The refreshing bitterness of spring lingered in these appetizers, and I was already thoroughly satisfied at this point. It's common in Japanese cuisine, but encountering this level of finesse in French cuisine is delightful. The meat portion has become smaller compared to a few years ago, but the cooking is flawless, with the side vegetables served separately in such quantity that they can stand out alongside the main, and the sauce, while rich in flavor, feels light due to the incorporation of meat juices. In Western cuisine, it's a common occurrence for sauces to be heavy and sit heavily in the stomach, but this is where the distinction between top-notch and others lies. However, I'm sorry to say that this time, the fish dish, while the ravioli and broth were delicious, had a slight off-putting smell from the white fish, so I've deducted points compared to last time. It must have been just bad luck, as I seem to have been born under such unlucky stars. Another important point? The bread here is delicious. Despite my limited experience, I can confidently say that the bread here is the best among all the French restaurants I've tried. The slightly warm temperature adds to its charm, and it's a shame that many places don't bother with this extra touch. Moreover, it's rare for a restaurant to serve a whole mini baguette like the one shown in the photos. This kind of service spirit that says, "I'll make sure you leave full," also makes me feel that the chef, being from Robuchon's lineage, is behind it. There are no photos, but even the final herbal tea was fragrant and delicious, sourced from the chef's own family. From the amuse-bouche to the final dessert and tea, a total of 10 dishes. No mistake, it's 10 dishes for lunch. Both the kitchen and service staff must work hard. Yet, the dishes come out surprisingly quickly, in perfect condition.