タケマシュラン
For decades, the legendary Grand Maison "Chez Matsuo" continued to be fully booked every day. Known as a favorite of the Imperial Family and celebrities, but recently it seems to have disappeared from the spotlight. Upon further investigation, it turns out that they were struggling financially and had to sell the business. Currently, judging from the director's name and headquarters location, it seems to be under the umbrella of Takase Corporation. The restaurant is housed in a Western-style building built in the Taisho era, with a timeless and otherworldly atmosphere. The garden adds to the Paris 16th arrondissement "Le Pré Catelan" vibe. The service is classic and dignified. It seems perfect for important gatherings like engagement parties or business dinners. The founder, Chef Matsuo Kozo, studied hotel management at the Lausanne Hotel School and worked at places like "Troisgros" in Roanne before opening Matsuo. Upon entering, guests are first guided to the bar or terrace for an aperitif, then to the dining area, following a French-style flow. Interestingly, the talented chef at the trendy French restaurant "Élan.MIYAMOTO" in Ebisu was formerly the head chef here. The wine selection is predominantly French. The glass wines start at a minimum of 2,000 yen, while a wine pairing with 3 glasses costs 8,000 yen, making the bottled Champagne relatively affordable starting at 10,000 yen. The first course was white asparagus with its velouté. The taste was not bad, but it felt a bit outdated. Perhaps Matsuo's tradition and prestige, along with the historical significance of the dishes, are emphasized here. Unfortunately, my hunch was correct, as the second dish was in the same vein. They felt like wedding banquet dishes, lacking a sense of originality. However, the three types of bread served were all delicious and authentic. The scallop and firefly squid dish was quite good. It captured the essence of the season, with a sauce reminiscent of ratatouille. It paired exceptionally well with Champagne. The fish course featured Sakura Dai. The tender flesh with a rich sauce was a classic French delight. The oversized clams served as a side were simply delicious. A berry sorbet was served to cleanse the palate. Before the main course, an ice confection was served, a testament to the meticulous execution of French cuisine. The main dish was duck from Brittany. The healthy and clean flavor of the duck, paired with the classic sauce, was a culinary masterpiece. The neatly cut presentation made it easy to enjoy. The dessert was intricate, with steamed meringue and other elements. The staff's explanation was most enthusiastic during this course. The taste lived up to the hype, making it the highlight of the meal. The tea and sweets served after the meal were also delightful. The level of excellence in these classic dishes is truly commendable. Moving to the terrace for post-meal tea was a lovely experience, discovering such a charming space so close to Shibuya in a residential area. However, I must say, the food was rather uninspiring. It lacked creativity and originality, with no trace of the chef's personality. This is not necessarily the current chef's fault, as it seems the preferences of the long-time regulars, owners, and corporate structure have heavily influenced the menu. This may explain the stark contrast in direction between the current chef and the independent chef, Miyamoto Hideya. Perhaps a certain level of restraint has led to the birth of such artistic dishes. Restaurants are truly fascinating places.