ハラピンR
French restaurant with two Michelin stars inside the ANA InterContinental Hotel. It's located near Tameike-Sanno Station, but it's about a less than 10-minute walk from the ticket gate. You wear a jacket in the hotel lobby and take the elevator to the 36th floor for reception. The interior is primarily purple but surprisingly unpretentious. While the pocket concierge suggests wearing a jacket for men, I didn't see anyone else wearing one besides me. There was even a guy in sneakers, so I guess a casual outfit is fine, at least for lunch. There are many foreign guests, and even the chief sommelier seems European or American, giving it a bit of an overseas trip vibe. I ordered the "Petit Esquisse" (including tax, ¥11,187). It's nice that the prices on the website include 10% tax and a 13% service charge. Other restaurants should follow suit. Champagne by the glass is quite pricey, starting from ¥3,800, but the pairing offers four glasses with champagne for ¥8,000, relatively cheaper. However, since getting drunk during lunch wasn't an option, I opted for non-alcoholic beverages this time. Just mineral water felt bland, so I had Alan Milia's grape juice before the meal, which was wonderfully rich. One of the amuse-bouches was hot fries, served piping hot, which was a nice touch, showing they're not pre-made. The tomato mousse in the back right vanished into foam once in the mouth. It was intriguing how it left only the flavor without any heaviness. The three types of bread had different textures and flavors, keeping it interesting. I especially liked the round one on top for its gentle sweetness and fluffy texture; I thought about keeping it at home. The appetizer was a cocktail de poisson, consisting of five dishes served all at once, making the table look lavish. All dishes were delicious, but the chilled zucchini soup stood out the most. The refreshing mint flavor and the cheese's saltiness paired exquisitely, surprising me. It made me realize the true prowess of a two Michelin-starred establishment; it wouldn't be delicious if done normally, but it was surprisingly tasty. For the main, I chose between duck and sea bass and ended up choosing duck. The basil sauce's refreshing aroma and the rich flavor of the shrimp bisque complemented the duck perfectly. The cooking was superb, maintaining a bounce while being tender. It was a sizable portion, providing substantial satisfaction and befitting a main dish. It was incredibly delicious. I was already quite full before dessert. Opting for the cheapest course was a good decision as I probably wouldn't have been able to finish a course with both meat and fish. As for dessert, there were three options, and I forgot their names: champagne sorbet with melon and lemongrass, pistachio ice cream with berry sauce, and a reconstructed chocolate cake. The champagne sorbet's crisp acidity and slight bitterness made the mouth feel refreshed. Pistachio and berry are classic, and the chocolate dessert had a foamy texture that disappeared in the mouth, maintaining a robust flavor without feeling heavy. All three were of high quality, and even the mignardises were impeccable, both in taste and appearance, elegantly incorporating cheese. While the absolute amount paid for lunch may seem high, considering the dishes crafted with exceptional skill enjoyed with impeccable service, it even feels cheap. However, as mentioned earlier, the champagne by the glass is extremely expensive, so it's better to opt for the pairing when drinking wine. Alternatively, like us, going alcohol-free is also an option. Definitely worth a visit for a special occasion! I wholeheartedly recommend it!