Friday May 29, 2009
Ginza, Tokyo
L'Osier
I had the opportunity to attend a lunch at L'Osier one of the best French Restaurants in the world and Michelin 3 star restaurant. And i jumped at it! The history of the restaurant is pretty fascinating. You can learn about it by visiting the website but here's a cliff notes version. Its located at the original Shiseido Parlour site and is a Shiseido restaurant. Shiseido parlour is a pioneer in Youshoku – Japanese style Western food and was established in 1902. In the late 70's Shiseido launched L'Osier with the goal as becoming a premier French Restaurant. Bruno Menard is the current chef who is responsible for the Michelin 3 stars. The restaurant serves neo-classic French food using the freshest ingredients from Japan.
The restaurant is very fancy with artwork from various French artists. Its elegant and grand. The service was impeccable but not as down to earth as Joel Robuchon. The food was excellent though but I still liked Joel Robuchon better and believe Joel Robuchon is the best chef in the world!
They had some unusual breads. I had the soba bread (left) and nori bread (right).
My amuse bouche. White truffle in a green onion sauce. LOVED IT! Could have just this and be very happy.
A friend had the fois gras amuse bouche. Basically its fois gras in a berry sauce. I don't eat fois gras so they made me a special amuse bouche.
Carrot Flan appetizer served with a goat cheese flan. It was very light and delicate.
Goat Cheese flan that came with the appetizer. This too was delicate and not overpowering. It was served with a rye bread.
The second course was a grean pea soup with bonito flake foam and plum flakes. It tasted like spring!
The main course was a white fish called ainome which is a local Japanese fish in season. It was served in a light curry sauce with a potato gnocchi flavored with lemon. Very unusual but yummy.
Before dessert we were served a palate cleanser of cinnamon ice cream with a creme fraiche and berry sauce. My friend Dima would have loved this!
They also served creme brulee which was the best I ever had, rice crackers french style, a tiny berry tart, macaroons and an almond and lemon jelly. All before dessert!
My dessert was a chocolate mousse cake with cherry topping. I was so full by the time it arrived but it was so good that I ate it all!
My friend had a coffee flavored light mousse. It too was very good.
Just when we thought we were done, it was time for the petits four! And boy what a selection! If I go again, I'm going easy on the bread even though it was so good so I can enjoy more of the petits four.
All of this was served with a champagne aperitif, sauvignon blanc from New Zealand and coffee or tea. It would have been nice if they gave us a care package like Joel Robuchon but I still will go back there again!