Jiyusan (じゆうさん) @ Eharacho, Tokyo

Cuisine: Soba

Map: Jiyusan (じゆうさん) @ Eharacho, Tokyo

Charged Price: JPY2,000 per person without alcohol

Visited: 13 November 2015

Food: 8/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Value for money: 8/10

Services: 8/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Who knows "Soba" can be fabulously nice. Whilst people keep seeking and searching for high end sushi or sukiyaki, this little soba-specialised restaurant just out of Tokyo city centre offers such unforgettable soba: "Jiyusan". Apart from lovely soba, the atmosphere and services of this place are as equally great. Expect the warm welcome from owners, and quiet and peaceful ambient.

As it is out of city centre, arriving at Jiyusan can be a little tedious. What we did is taking a train from Ikebukuro to Higashi-Nagasaki (~ 5 minutes) and then followed by a short walk of around 10 mins. Trust me, it is not that difficult and worth a trip for dinner.

Jiyusan (じゆうさん) @ Eharacho, Tokyo

small but comfy restaurant

counter seats

When flipping through me here, we were not surprised the menu was all in Japanese. However, the owner was kind enough to recommend us to take Dinner Course which was priced at JPY2,000. This came into 3 parts. The first one was Soba on Bamboo for dipping - せいろ (9/10). Classic zaru soba that was well made. If you were Italian, you may say "al dente". Delicious indeed. Love the texture as well as well balanced dipping sauce.

Soba on Bamboo for dipping - せいろ

Then we were presented with a small bowl of Soba with Mackerel in Soup - 小さばにしんそば (8/10). This was mind refreshing. The soup was well made with flavour and a touch of tanginess. The saba (mackerel) was also tasty.

Soba with Mackerel in Soup - 小さばにしんそば

[soba water with remaining dipping sauce]

Lastly, the dessert was red bean jelly (8/10), I suppose. What a perfect way to end the course in classic Japanese style. Sweetness was well balanced. The flavour of red bean exploded deliciously. Soft on the texture. Love it.

Nothing much to say about this place, except "Must Visit".

dessert of red bean jelly

Jiyusan (じゆうさん) @ Eharacho, Tokyo

3-1-4 Eharacho
Nakano
Tokyo 〒165-0023
Japan

Open Hours: Tue-Sun from 11:00am - 03:00pm for lunch and 05:30pm - 09:00pm for dinner

Tel: +81 (0) 3 3951 3397
Web: http://www.bluewesco.co.jp/hp/jiyu-san/index.html

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok @ MahaNakhon CUBE, Bangkok - ลัตเตอลิเย่ เดอ โจเอล โรบูชง กรุงเทพ @ มหานคร คิวบ์ กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: French / Fine Dining

Map: L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok @ MahaNakhon CUBE, Bangkok - ลัตเตอลิเย่ เดอ โจเอล โรบูชง กรุงเทพ @ มหานคร คิวบ์ กรุงเทพฯ

Charged Price: THB2,000 per person without alcohol

Visited: 4 March 2015

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 2/10

Services: 6/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Launched in December 2014 with the huge huge name tag (as well as price tag) of Joel Robuchon, the man with the most Michelin Stars, I was eager to have a chance to visit. Here comes the chance and we did not hesitate to hear our way to MahaNakhon CUBE in Sathon / Silom area. Indeed the location is great with BTS Chong Nonsri Station right at the front. However, the location of city centre can be chaotic for those who drive.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok has retained the same concept as in other places of Joel Robuchon with red theme of decoration such as Joel Robuchon Hong Kong. The dining venue is separated into two parts: 1) the counter station where you sit on stool and dine on the counter bar watching chefs perform their roles and 2) the proper dining hall with more elegant and formal atmosphere.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok

the famous bar seats

more elegant and comfortable dining room

As mentioned, the price tag is definitely high for this high end fine dining venue: THB950 - 1,850 for lunch courses and THB5,000 / 7,500 for tasting menus for both lunch and dinner. Wine pairing is also available. Marked up price in wine list is typically steep as expected: mainly 2 - 4 times of retail price. My expectation was high accordingly, especially with great experience a few years back L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Hong Kong. Bread basket here looked pretty similar to the Hong Kong branch's one but the overall impression was just so-so for these bread and rolls.

For me, I went for 3 courses lunch which was priced at THB1,450++. The starter I chose was Stuffed Small Squids with Piquillos and Black Olives, Chorizo Flavour (6/10). Well, not a very good start of the course for me. The dish was strong in pepper flavour which was nice. However, it was the delicacy touch and perfection of mouth-feel texture that were lacked in my opinion. 

selection of bread and roll

Stuffed Small Squids with Piquillos and Black Olives, Chorizo Flavour

Moving on to main course, it was Roasted Cod and Bouillabaisse, Saffron Rice (6/10). Rather nice and refreshing for the overall sense. Cod was a little over done to my liking. The somewhat creamier than usual stew was pleasant and flavourful. Thanks the idea of matching with saffron rice which went together quite nice. 

Lastly, it was Red Fruits Panna Cotta, Watermelon and Amaou Strawberry, Lime-basil Sorbet (5/10) to end the meal. It was just a typical panna cotta and come on, I had expected more than just this common panna cotta taste and presentation at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. If it was in other places, I would say it was nicely done and forget the presentation. But you better do at higher standard here. Ok, the panna cotta did have nice and creamy texture which was not overly sweetened. The sour and sweetness of fruits and sorbet paired well in general with panna cotta. 

Roasted Cod and Bouillabaisse, Saffron Rice

Red Fruits Panna Cotta, Watermelon and Amaou Strawberry, Lime-basil Sorbet

In order to end the lunch course, you may as well choose to have cheese instead of dessert or fancy choices of dessert from the trolley at the supplementary charge of THB200.

In overall, I was not impressed with the branch of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and won't think of returning at all. Such a hefty price tag and it should have been much better. It is sure not because it was just lunch. What I have experienced, no matter how elegant or classy the restaurant is, either lunch or dinner or tasting menu does represent the calibre of the restaurant well.  By the way, almost forgetting to mention about service. I would say staffs here were really nice and polite. But they seem to lack of professional experience for example requesting for butter the staff just went missing or knowledge of the dish was not quite there.

Cheese Trolley

Dessert Trolley

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok @ MahaNakhon CUBE, Bangkok - ลัตเตอลิเย่ เดอ โจเอล โรบูชง กรุงเทพ @ มหานคร คิวบ์
Floor 5, MahaNakhon CUBE
96 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road
Silom, Bang Rak
Bangkok 10500

Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 11:30am - 02:30pm for lunch and from 06:30pm - 10:30pm for dinner

Tel: +66 (0) 2001 0698
Web: http://robuchon-bangkok.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/atelier.bkk

Osteria Francescana @ Modena, Italy

Cuisine: Italian (modern)

Map: Osteria Francescana @ Modena, Italy

Price: EUR145 per person (what we paid for)

Visited: 15 October 2014

Food: 9/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Value for money: 2/10

Services: 7/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Here is probably the most famous restaurant in the land of Azzurri, Osteria Francescana which is headed by Chef Massimo Bottura. The well-known fine dining destination does of course have price tag of many awards including 3 Michelin Stars and 3rd on The World's 50 Best Restaurants (2014). The place is located in the heart of old town of Modena, meaning if you are driving, do park your car just outside the old town and walk. You won't probably stand a chance to park near Osteria Francescana.

Osteria Francescana is just a small block of building painted in pink. In side, the venue is as well small. The interior is decorated in a more modern era style with some intrinsic (I would say) paints and photos hanging along each wall. I believe there are only 12 tables at this place which are divided into 4 separate rooms. Each room is like a box to me. Curtains are drawn. Light is kept at minimum but with kind of spot light on each table. I personally do not like the feeling of this place. It makes me feel like I am eating in a box.

Osteria Francescana @ Modena, Italy

commercial block like entrance

dinning room in a box

Never Trust a Skinny Italian Chef!!!!

an art piece of world map

Indeed, the style of food here is modern Italian. There were 2 choices of tasting menus when we were there: Tradition in Evolution (EUR170) which comprised of 8 courses and Sensations (EUR195) which comprised of 12 menus. Well we are not one big eaters and a la carte would do just fine for us. In addition, the wine list is somewhat extensive but they are at some high marked up. Any choice of wine by glass is priced at EUR15 per glass and the wine pairing with tasting menus is rather expensive which are at EUR110 and EUR140 respectively.

To begin the meal, bread of multi grains sourdough with olive oil from Tuscany was served. It was fluffy and soft. Delicious it was. Amuse Bouche was then followed. It was called Memory of Mozzarella Sandwich (8/10). I was personally satisfy with this amuse bouche. The light pink mozzarella was light and fluffy like it had been beaten. There was parmesan flavour as another dimension. The along side crackers were crunchy bread with parmesan and truffle. This was highly aromatic. After amuse bouche had been served, the bread was then changed to a set of bread stick, white sourdough, and salted brioche (in the shape of croissant). The white sourdough was tougher than the previous multi grains. Salted brioche was also a tough type. The bread stick was delicious with cracking texture and olive oil scent.

bread 1

bread 2

Amuse Bouche of Mozzarella

parmesan with truffle crisps

We began our actual meal with Ravioli of Foie Gras, Leek and Truffle (9/10) and The Rice and The Sea: Risotto Prepared in a Filtered Fish Soup (8/10). The ravioli was very well made. The stuffing of foie gras was splendid with smooth and creamy texture which was in contrast with al dente texture of ravioli. The riesling and veal jus sauce was wonderful too. However, we found that the fragrance and taste overwhelmed other aromas like truffle and leek. As for the risotto, it was well prepared. Below the rice, there was carpaccio of prawn. The smooth foam on top was garlic and herbs. This was one good risotto dish. Nevertheless, in case the smell of sea breeze and fishy scent, I would say, are something you dislike, this won't be the dish for you as they were really strong. To accompany the dish, I had a glass of Glocal Farewell 2011(90/10) which was full and with golden colour. It possesses spring forest aroma, bitter spice, gasoline, and pineapple palate.

Ravioli of Foie Gras, Leek and Truffle (EUR50)

Glocal Farewell 2011

The Rice and The Sea: Risotto Prepared in a filtered Fish Soup (EUR50)

As for the main, the first one was called Beautiful, Psychedelic, Spin-painted Veal, not Flame Grilled (9/10). A brilliant work with so tender pieces of sous vide tenderloin veal wrapped with aromatic herbs (the black ring covered veal). It was decorated artistically with sauces. The beauty part was the aroma perfume with each bite. In addition, the grated horseradish brought the overall picture to balance. To me, this was a delicious dish but somewhat difficult to understand. On the other hand, Suckling Pig with Crispy Skin and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena (10/10) was a tremendously delicious dish. The suckling pig was sous vide as well and almost melt in the mouth tenderness. It came with 50 years aged balsamic (if I was not mistaken) which was thick and flavourful. Fennel cream was supremely smooth and the side spinach was enjoyable. The cracking skins with burnt aroma added the final touch to the dish. Alongside the dish, Valturio Marche Rosso 2008 (91/100), which is a Sangiovese based red wine, did give a good partnership. It was brightly dark in ruby shade. Red cherry and mulberry were the primary scents. Tobacco, leather, spices, oak were then followed. Big body with fine grains of dry tannins.

Though each dish here at Osteria Francescana was presented well and taste wonderfully in artistic style of Massimo Bottura. We felt that the lack of charming and elegant atmosphere did bring the overall picture down a lot. It just did not compliment each other between the taste of mouth feel and sight satisfaction. Pricing wise, it was definitely expensive, both food and wine. We would say it has very poor value for money, especially the wine which was priced at EUR15 per glass for low range wine by glass, though a good recommendation by Andrea, the sommelier. Well, there are many more fabulous restaurants out there in the world that would give impressive satisfaction and we are doubt that Osteria Francescana is a place to return to.

Beautiful, Psychedelic, Spin-painted veal, not Flame Grilled (EUR80)

Suckling Pig with Crispy Skin and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena (EUR60)

Valturio Marche Rosso 2008

Osteria Francescana @ Modena, Italy
22 Via Stella
Modena 41121
Italy

Open Hours: daily for lunch (from 12:30pm) and dinner (from 08:00pm) except Saturday lunch and Sunday all day

Tel: +39 059 223 912
Web: http://www.osteriafrancescana.it/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MassimoBotturaOsteriaFrancescana

Tempura Fukumachi @ Kyobashi, Tokyo - てんぷら深町 @ 日本東京都中央区京橋

Cuisine: Japanese (Tempura)

Map: Tempura Fukumachi @ Kyobashi, Tokyo - てんぷら深町 @ 日本東京都中央区京橋

Price: JPY7,000 per person without alcohol (what we paid for)

Visited: 9 July 2014

Food: 10/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 10/10

Services: 9/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Deadly Bunny mentioned that the most fantastic meal during her trip to Tokyo in July 2014 was a lunch with delicious tempura at Tempura Fukumachi. It is located pretty close to Kyobashi station (100 meters perhaps). The place is again very small: just a block of commercial building with around 15 seats (cc. 10 seats at L-shaped counter and a few other tables). Make sure you do give an advance reservation to avoid disappointment when visiting this 1-Michelin Starred tempura place.

She happened to be there during lunch time and noticed that a few of local would order a bowl with mixed tempura (Kakiage Tendon) for their quick lunch meal. For course meal, there are 2 choices during lunch time: 7,000 yen and 9,000 yen, and it happened to be the 7,000 yen course for this visit. The 7,000 yen course comprised of 5 kind of vegetable, 3 kind of seafood, and a mini anago rice bowl, miso soup, and dessert to finish.

Tempura Fukumachi @ Kyobashi, Tokyo

てんぷら深町 @ 日本東京都中央区京橋

menu choices

dishware setting

The magic of this unrivaled (if I am not exaggerated) is not just the perfect ingredients and care. There are techniques and experiences putting in as well. Each piece is battered only thinly and then fried lightly in order to preserve as much as possible on the natural flavour. You may also noticed that Tempura Fukumachi uses 2 woks to perform the operation: one with lower temperature dedicated for delicate ingredients like vegetables and one with higher temperature for seafood in which crispiness is seeked.

The beauty of tempura at Tempura Fukumachi is truly the crispiness and not oily. The course started with prawn in which prawn head was served first and separately. The prawn head was so crisp and tasty. It was then followed by sweetcorn and luffa. Sweetcorn was of high quality. It was really sweet as it is called. Then a white fish, which she believes it was kisu, was served. Another two light vegetables of aubergine and lotus root were given in between before squid with excellent taste and batter was brought out. Last but not least, it was asparagus (it was summer time perhaps). The last dish before miso soup and dessert were served was anago rice bowl. This was extremely delicious and really filled up. The tempura sauce also sang tunefully.

In brief, this is a destination to be jotted down into a must visit list for Tokyo. Tempura at Fukumachi is indeed a 10 stars performance.

prawn head

another prawn head

prawn

sweetcorn

luffa (not 100% sure)

fish (kisu????)

aubergine

lotus root

squid

asparagus

pickles

anago on rice

miso soup

green tea ice-cream

Tempura Fukumachi @ Kyobashi, Tokyo - てんぷら深町 @ 日本東京都中央区京橋
2-5-2 Kyobashi
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Japan

Open Hours: For lunch 11:30am - 02:00pm and for dinner 05:00pm - 10:00pm daily except Monday

Tel: +81 3 5250 8777