Tuesday July 28, 2009
The Canadian Residence, Tokyo
When I took the IBM assignment to move to Japan, I did not have much time to look for an apartment. I basically only had 3 full days! Although the real estate agents were extremely helpful, inventory was limited as this was 3 years ago when the economy was strong. Compounding things were that I was planning on bringing Skipper, my Westie child and Professor, the psycho but adorable cat. As many of you know, I ended up deciding not to bring Professor because of his love for the outdoor (I was terrified he will jump out of a high rise window or get run over by a car!)
To make a long story short, the dream loft apartment in Ometesando was not available, so I hastily decided to move into Homat Viscount which is located right next to the US Embassy and behind the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Akasaka. I've been blessed to have been able to become friends with very kind and special people. In turns out moving to Homat Viscount was one of the best things I could have done in my life as I have met some very special people in the building. One of them is Eunice who you have read about in past blogs and the other special friend I made is Karyn.
I first met Karyn while working out in the gym which is located at the top floor of my building. I remember it clearly because we just experienced an earthquake. It was one of those slow moving quakes so we both thought we were getting dizzy. By the time we realized it was a quake, it was over and we started chatting and became friends since. Because of my schedule, we have not been able to spend a lot of time together until the past year where I even got to know her lovely husband Peter.
Unfortunately, their stay in Japan was to end in July and on Tuesday July 28, 2009, the Ambassador of Canada in Tokyo and his wife hosted a farewell party for Peter and Karyn at the Canadian residence to which I had the privilege to attend.
It was a very elegant dinner for the always elegant couple – Peter and Karyn. Unfortunately, I forgot to recharge my camera so could not take many photos! But the memory will always stay with me. The Ambassador gave a moving speech and Peter gave a very eloquent speech. Karyn's made me cry as it was emotional, kind and very touching. The dinner was fabulous in that the food and the setting celebrated both Canada and Japan.
Below are the few photos I was able to take. If I had known my battery was running low, I would have not taken as many photos of the wonderful food but of the gorgeous residence!
The residence of the Canadian Ambassador in Tokyo has a very interesting history. It was built on a property formerly belonging to Viscount Tadatoshi Aoyama and was completed in 1933 and named after Canada's first representative to Japan, Sir Herbert Marler. It is designed in the grand neo-classical style that was popular in the US and Europe and was designed by architect Antonin Raymond who also worked with Frank Lloyd Wright in designing the Imperial Hotel of Tokyo. It is also home to a very special collection of art work and photographs from Canada.
Here's the Dining Room where the original dining table is still being used and it can seat up to 34 guests. It is here where we had Karyn and Peter's farewell dinner. The table was decorated with Inuit sculptures blended with Japanese accents.
I loved this artwork. It is called Persian Persuasion and was done by a self taught artist from Toronto named Gordon Rayner. I loved the colors and will be looking for more of his artwork.
A close-up of the table setting. Beautiful…
The dinner was very special as Canadian ingredients were used and served with Canadian wines: Hillebrand Trius Chardonnay 2004, Jackson Triggs Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 and Peller Estate Sparkling Cristalle.
Our first course: Chilled Pea Soup with Niagara Ice Wine Cream
The Second Course – Ocean Voyage: Broiled Chiba Sea Bass, Black Olive Fondue, Vegetable Brunoise and Lentils
The Palate Cleanser: Orange and Rosemary Granite
The Third Course- Land Bounty: Grilled Alberta Striploin Steak with Mustard Braised Brussel Sprouts, Spun Potatoes with Pine Nuts and Blackberry Demi Glace
The Fifth Course – Field Greens with Cherry Tomatoes and Torn Basil, Aged Balsamic and Cold Pressed Virgi Olive Oil
And the Finale, So Pretty and Sad – Farewell: Raspberry Tears for a Blueberry Tart with Pistachio Powder and Lemon Sabayon
The very cute chef!
The lovely and always elegant Karyn.
The whole night was very special. I will miss them both very much and Tokyo and Homat Viscount are not the same, now that they have left. However, I am looking forward to some fun outings with them whether in Australia, somewhere in Asia, Latin America, Europe or even North America!