Thursday December 17, 2009
Aoyama, Japan
Cold (Tokyo is exceptionally cold this winter, me thinks)
I'm getting spoiled. Tonight I was introduced to Buca Junta, an Italian trattoria hidden in Aoyama. Wow, what a fabulous meal. It was especially special because of my friends who arranged it. It was the perfect meal. Champagne and wine were flowing, fabulous food in a very cozy setting. Loved, loved the conversation, especially Osawa-san's travel adventures. Can't believe I'm leaving Japan so soon. I'm going to miss evenings like the one tonite.
Another gem of a restaurant in Tokyo. The owner/chef was trained in Tuscany. Sweet guy.
My first course: Shrimps in a light cream sauce over the freshest arugula. The sauce was so good I could have licked the plate.
Everyone else had the antipasto special as a first course
Second course was a rustic Tuscan style soup with beans.
Third course was another rustic dish: pasta with winter vegetables
And the main course was grilled Wagyu beef with garlic french fries. Delicious!
A surprise special dessert was prepared for me as a going away present
Along with a glass of prosecco as a finale.
It was a special night with special friends.