わらびーず
Located about a 3-minute walk from Nogizaka Station, this is a long-established Italian restaurant on the 2nd floor of Aoyama Garden West. The female owner, Ms. Yamazaki, who opened this restaurant in 1986, demonstrated her talent by scouting chefs herself, which was a solid reason behind its popularity. The interior is based on white tones, with soft sunlight streaming in through the windows, creating an elegant atmosphere. As it was a holiday lunch, the clientele ranged from couples to groups of women and families.
[Ordered Course]
6-course Chef's Choice Course "il Comodo"… 7,000 yen (appetizer, pasta, risotto, main dish, primo dolce, secondo dolce, coffee)
1. Appetizers:
- "Barch di Dama": A baked pastry with liver pate sandwiched between crispy dough with the flavor of Parmesan.
- Caprese: A unique-looking Caprese with a smooth texture, blending mozzarella, tomato, and basil flavors.
- Onion mousse, jelly, sea urchin: A dessert-like appearance, but it's actually an appetizer with a creamy onion mousse complemented by the richness of sea urchin.
2. Cherry Trout with Pistachio Sauce: A colorful dish evoking the arrival of spring, with a light and refreshing taste despite the rich flavor.
3. Pasta (Whitefish and Rapeseed Blossom Linguine): Handmade pasta with a chewy texture, large whitefish chunks, and a well-balanced tomato seasoning.
4. Risotto (Broad Beans, Clams, Karasumi)
5. Tagliata Salad
6. Primo Dolce (Madeleine, Sorbet)
7. Secondo Dolce: An artistic dessert presented on a glass plate, offering a subtly sweet finish.
Overall, the restaurant left a strong impression of high hospitality, with detailed explanations of each dish and heartfelt interactions, creating a pleasant dining experience. The dishes were beautifully presented, with a harmonious composition that appeals to a wide range of customers, making it understandable why it's popular among people of all ages and genders.