Pascal Le Gac Tokyo is the first overseas branch of internationally-recognised French-based chocolate company Pascal Le Gac which released some breathtaking new desserts to its menu on Wednesday.

Chocolate Parfait Flurry / Phrase Parfait Flurry

The original Parfait Flurry desserts are made in the image of a bloomed flower. When they were released back in April 2019, they instantly garnered attention across social media and news websites for their gorgeous design. Pascal Le Gac Tokyo has brought them back to the menu, this time in the form of cakes.

 

Cakes that are like parfaits

The new desserts take the same concept of the original parfaits, but instead turns them into cakes. But that doesn’t simply mean taking the parfait ingredients as they are and turning them into a cake. Rather, the cakes recreate the taste of the parfaits, so it’s like eating the real thing. The wine glass that the parfaits were served in have been recreated using icing to give that shiny effect, and the chocolate flowers have been cut thin so they are easy to eat.

Chocolate Flurry – ¥864 (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Chocolate Flurry is layered with chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate flavoured almond sponge, chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, cacao flavoured vanilla cream, more chocolate cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate glaçage. Every part of this art piece is made with cacao.

Phrase Flurry (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Phrase Flurry is layered with pistachio cookie pieces, almond sponge, pistachio mousse, strawberry mousse, lychee jelly, strawberry compote, raspberry flavoured fresh cream, strawberry chocolate, and red glaçage. The marriage of strawberry, lychee, and pistachio flavours is nothing short of heavenly.

 

*Please note that opening hours and closures are subject to change depending on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak. Check the cafe’s official website for the latest details.

FTG Company, which operates 74 restaurants inside and outside Japan, is set to open its new restaurant Nikukappou Futago at THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto in Higashiyama, Kyoto on March 27, 2020 where it will serve authentic Japanese wagyu beef and full courses.

 

THE JUNEI HOTEL Kyoto is a small luxury tourist hotel housing eleven rooms in total, including its Bamboo Suite. Bamboo can be found throughout all the rooms as part of the hotel’s concept: “A sojourn embraced by bamboo in a moonlit space.” The rooms, as well as the hotel interior overall, showcases beautiful traditional handiwork using bamboo.

Inside Nikukappou Futago

Nikukappou Futago fuses traditional Japanese elements with modern ones. It features half-size eating areas as well as private areas. Customers can expect their private dining experience to include freshly-cooked full courses with high quality Japanese wagyu and seasonal ingredients.

Menu in Japanese　*Menu will change monthly

Nikukappou Futago’s concept is “A relaxed adult’s Iki.” The word iki here refers to a range of different meanings in Japanese, like “sophistication,” “breath,” “spirit,” and “life.” The restaurant will work to serve a hospitable service that enables each and every person to enjoy that iki that lives inside them.

Foie Gras & Wagyu Filet Mouthful Bowl

Wagyu Loin & Kyoto Vegetable Shabu-shabu

The course is made with seasonal ingredients and vegetables. Plus, in using a range of cooking methods, the original flavour meat of the meat is intensified.

Wagyu Sirloin Sumiyaki

Enjoy a selection of high-quality rare wagyu cuts like sirloin, filet, loin, and more. You can also enjoy a selection of classic Japanese dishes like yakiniku, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki, all in one course.

Like the changing seasons in Kyoto, the menu will be altered every month to bring something new. Discover your iki and enjoy a great meal at Nikukappou Futago.

Akasaka is known as a warzone when it comes to gourmet restaurants, but a new contender has arrived. Akasaka Yuuga opened this month in Akasaka Ni-chome, Tokyo. This restaurant serves Japanese style cuisine featuring carefully selected flavours taken from across the country.

Yuuga gets most of their fish from Choshi Port, which boasts the best fish yield in Japan, as well as other carefully chosen seafood from across Japan in addition to seasonal vegetables. They bring out the full flavour of their ingredients, all of which are matched to the current season. They even serve Japanese black beef.

Their concept centres on how recognised and loved Japanese food is internationally. The restaurant makes full use of Japan’s traditional food culture and prepares food using a variety of cooking methods. Everything in the restaurant is carefully considered to ensure diners enjoy their meal experience with all five senses, from not only the food but the decor and hospitality too. There are also counter seats available for customers who want to watch their food being prepared while they talk, whether to their friends or with the skilled chefs, offering an unforgettable dining experience for Japanese people and foreigners alike. There are also private eating booths for those who want to eat with friends, family, or celebrate a special day.

 

Nijushisekki

Nijushisekki refers to the days that divide the solar year into twenty four equal sections and highlight the longest days of sun in summer, the shortest days in winter, and the days being the same in spring and autumn.

The dishes at the restaurant reflect these regular changes; the dishes are not bound strictly by Japanese cuisine, but make use of various cooking and preparation methods, with thought and consideration put into every dish.

 

Japanese Black Beef

Yuuga prides itself not only on seasonal vegetable and fish-filled menu, which is both a feast for the belly and eyes, but on the beef used in its course meals too.

Yuuga serves Japanese black beef which comes from a rare breed of cow which is difficult to rear. It has a distinct rich flavour and low melting point which gives it a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

 

Courses

There are three courses to choose from that cater to customers desires, costing ¥8,000, ¥12,000, and ¥20,000 respectively. This includes appetisers, and customers can choose from a range of wines from around the world select by sommeliers, as well as champagne, whisky, and of course sake and shochu.

Hills Marche is a market held every Saturday at ARK Hills in Tokyo, and on September 28, it is set to hold the Hills Marche 10th Anniversary “Great Harvest Festival.”

 

Hills Marche began in September 2009 as the first project of Marche Japon which is run by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It has become one of Tokyo’s representative markets, with more than 740,000 people having attended since its establishment.

 

The 10th Anniversary Great Harvest Festival brings together farmers from all across Japan, with fresh fruit and vegetables harvested from that morning. There will also be various events including a grape-picking session. Lots of lunch options will also be served using fresh vegetables used as the market.

 

Farmers Band Together

A total of 44 sellers from both Japan and overseas will set up shop for the Marche. The first 100 people to shop at over 5 stalls and collect the stamps will also receive a festival tote bag.

 

Taste and Compare 10 Varieties Of Grape

From popular varieties such as Shine Muscats to rarer, hard-to-find varieties, choose from 10 different types of grapes to enjoy. You’ll be surprised at how different their sweetness and sourness is!

 

Go Grape Picking

Have even more fun by picking your own grapes at Karayan Square. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this experience. Bring friends and family and relish in the flavours of the autumn harvest.

Time: From 11:00

Price: ¥500
Anyone can join, but the grapes are limited in stock, so it’s first-come, first-served!

 

Bistro Marche with Ark Hills Cafe

The Ark Hills Cafe is also celebrating its 10th anniversary alongside Hills Marche and will collaborate with the market for the occasion. Tuck into a healthy buffet made with ingredients from Hills Marche and enjoy a saxophone performance by Japanese musician Shunosuke Ishikawa. There will also be discount lunches using the ingredients from the market from September 24 to 27.

Price: General – ¥1,000 (Tax Included) / Elementary School Children & Younger – ¥500 (Tax Included)
Time: 10:00-15:00 (Last Entries 14:00)

Jazz Performances: ①11:15 / ②12:15 (subject to change)

There’s plenty more to look forward to as well, including lots for parents and children to enjoy together such as workshops.

Akasaka Palace―a building that has welcomed emperors, presidents and prime ministers across the world into its architectural wonders. While it is mainly used for official purposes, did you know that it also offers a public viewing, one that doesn’t hinder on business affairs?

 

The palace is considered a national treasure of Japan. I paid a visit to this gorgeous edifice that looks just like a European-style palace. Photography is strictly forbidden when visiting, but I was able to receive special permission to cover the inner secrets of this exclusive wonder.

Akasaka Palace is open throughout the year. There is a daytime reception that lets you enter without having to book a spot in advance (though you’ll have to book if you want to visit the Japanese Style Annex). Visitation is restricted when international state officials are present, so when planning your trip be sure to check the palace’s schedule on the official website. Visitation through the daytime reception begins at the West Gate.

Originally built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince, the building is the only example of neo-Baroque architecture in Japan. It was built by Japanese imperial court architect Katayama Tōkuma. When planning the design for the building, he referenced various palaces across Europe which is why people liken it to Palace of Versailles in France.

 

Hagoromo no Ma – A reception hall for visitation welcomings

The first room you come to on the public viewing is “Hagoromo no Ma.” It was originally called a ball room which is why it houses orchestra boxes. Aperitifs dance around the room for invitees who may be there for send-offs, dinner parties or even musical performances.

Overhead is a gorgeous chandelier which is made up of almost 7,000 separate parts, most of which is crystal. It is the biggest chandelier in the entire palace. The inner part of the mezzanine floor, which looks like a balcony, is used as an orchestra box when the room is used for orchestral concerts.

The intricate design of the chandelier includes masks inspired by a ball while the walls too are littered with relevant motifs such as instruments. The whole room is decorated in all things musical.

 

Asahi no Ma – The most high-class room of the palace

The next room you step into is “Asahi no Ma” which is used for courtesy calls of officials and important people as well as summit meetings. It is the most high-class room in all of Akasaka Palace and is where the state guests say their goodbyes to the Emperor and Empress. The room began reconstruction two years ago and reopened in April this year.

The room gets its name Asahi (“morning sun”) from the painting of Aurora, the Roman Goddess of dawn, that overlooks the room.

It is said that in the Meiji Period, when the palace was built, people painted pictures of helmets to symbolize the army and boats to symbolize the navy as the country declared the political measure known as Fukoku kyōhei, which meant to “Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Armed Forces.”

 

Shoumen Genkan/Large Hall – Welcoming guests of honour

The “Shoumen Genkan,” or front entrance is where international guests of honour are welcomed. When visiting during public opening hours you don’t enter from this entrance but you are allowed inside. The large hall, which is located up the stairs from the hall that continues through the entrance room, has a striking and vivid deep crimson carpet. Together with the eight towering marble pillars, this hall makes for an overwhelming viewing. The room directly opposite down the stairs is Asahi no Ma.

 

Sairan no Ma – Where treaties are signed

The next most high-class room from Asahi no Ma is “Sairan no Ma” which is primarily used for signing ceremonies of treaties. When Asahi no Ma was undergoing renovations, this room was used for informal talks carried out by the emperor and prime minister with foreign rulers.

The entire room takes on the Empire style which was popular during the rule of Napoleon I. Scattered throughout the room are gold leaf designs of armour, helmets, swords and so on.

 

Kacho no Ma – Dinner parties with guests of honour

Kacho no Ma is used for dinner banquets with important official from countries around the world. The room has a more relaxed feeling from the others due to its interior wooden design. It’s also often used for press conferences so those who watch Japanese news may recognise it.

The room, with its mellow deep wooden design, houses 30 oval cloisonné medallions, depicting four seasons’ flowers and birds. The ceiling art, too, depicts images of birds and wildlife killed by hunting.

It also has the heaviest chandelier in the palace inside which is a globular speaker.

 

Yushintei – Japanese-style hospitality in the Japanese Style Annex

The Yushintei is located in the Japanese Style Annex on the west side of Akasaka Palace. It was built in 1974. Akasaka Palace carries out events and receptions in a western style but the Yushintei welcomes international guests of honour with Japanese-style hospitality. Those who wish to enter must book in advance. The booking comes with a tour.

As you step through the entrance and into the inner garden through the passage, you will see moso bamboo. This area has a garden with shirakawa gravel and kibune stone from Kyoto.

In the main Japanese-style room where guests are served Japanese food one can observe the pond from the window. You might recognise it as the place where Prime Minster Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump fed the fish.

The tea room comes with chairs for foreign visitors who are unable to sit in the traditional Japanese seiza position. Tea is prepared on the upper step which is inspired by Noh theatre.

 

Afternoon tea in the extraordinary front garden

20 afternoon tea sets are prepared each day to be enjoyed in the front garden of Akasaka Palace. These cannot be reserved in advance so be sure to arrive early if you’d like to order one. As you enjoy your afternoon tea while gazing around you are filled with a gorgeous feeling you can’t experience anywhere else.

The general public viewing offers a chance to see numerous parts of the palace. We asked Rinko Murata, who’s pictured in the photos on the viewing, for her thoughts.

 

“With the first step you take in a gorgeous space unfolds before you. Its grand design made me feel as if I had been summoned to the palace. It was like visiting a foreign country. When you look closely there are lots of decorations that symbolize Japan. It was a fresh experience where you can feel both the Japanese spirit and culture of another country. I feel moved that Japan has such a place as beautiful as this. You all need to visit too.”

 

There is no requirement to book this viewing in advance, but during busy times (20+ people) those who do book online prior to visiting will be prioritized. Foreign visitors won’t miss out on anything either as they can purchase a voice guide machine for ¥200. These guides come in Japanese, English, Chinese, French and Spanish. A visit to the Japanese Style Annex Yushintei however requires booking prior to your visit. When doing so you can choose between either a Japanese or English-speaking guide. In the case of a sudden official reception, all scheduled public viewings for that day are cancelled, so be sure to check the calendar on the official website before heading there.

 

Model:Rinko Murata

Writer:Sayoko Ishi

Photographer:Kayo Sekiguchi

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Ten restaurants in Omotesando Hills are set to serve up their own individual “ultra meat” dishes from April 26 to May 31. Each meal is aimed at meat lovers and serves to showcase each restaurants’ abilities and appeal.

 

Domestic Wagyu Beef Topped With Uni & Ikura: ¥2,484 (Tax Included)

Tsukiji Tama Sushi Sasashigure (Floor 3F) ― Serving 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
This luxurious sushi is the ultimate fusion of meat and seafood－a combination which has been incredibly popular in recent years. The rich grilled Japanese wagyu beef sits atop a bed of perfectly cooked rice and is topped with sea urchin eggs and salted salmon roe.

 

Japanese Black Hirekatsu Sandwich: ¥4,860 (Tax Included)

GOLDEN BROWN (Floor 3F) ― Serving 14:00-22:00 (From 15:00 on Sundays / Last Orders 21:00)
A sumptuous cutlet sandwich made from A4 grade Japanese black wagyu. The beef comes from cows raised in a lavish natural environment in Kyushu. The sandwich contains 180g thickly-cut meat cooked to a juicy rare, a perfect accompaniment to the fluffy bread and a must-try for any meat lover.

 

Charcuterie Assortment: ¥1,944 (Tax Included)

bar à vin PARTAGER (Floor 3F) ― Serving 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
This assortment of French-farmed meat is coupled with a side dish of the day. The food selection changes each day and is best enjoyed with a glass of wine.

 

Japanese Black Wagyu & Amela Tomato Black Chinese-Style Fried Rice: ¥2,138 (Tax Included)

KAGEYAMAROU (Floor 3F) ― Serving 11:00-15:30 / 17:30-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
A hearty bowl of Chinese-style fried rice packed with Japanese black beef. The rice soaks up the delicious flavour of the meat and is enjoyed together with the fruity sweet Amela tomatoes and a grind of black pepper.

 

Palma Prosciutto, Jamón Serrano & Jamón Ibérico Plate: ¥2,160 (Tax Included)

WINE SHOP ENOTECA & BAR (Floor 3F) ― Serving 11:00-21:30 (Last Orders 20:30)
A selection of hams to taste and compare that all go well with wine. Enjoy the different flavours of each region the ham was farmed in.

 

Specially Selected Hire & Foie Gras Poêlé in Truffle Sauce: ¥4,298 (Tax Included)

Spätzle CAFE & WINE (Floor B3F) ― Serving 14:30-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)
Only 5 of these 200g dishes of specially selected Rossini-style beef are served per day. They are topped with A-grade foie gras from Hungary and coated in a rich truffle sauce.

 

As Japan draws closer to the beginning of its new Reiwa era, use this special opportunity to treat yourself to a menu of tasty meat delights.

The Akasaka Palace State Guest House is considered one of Japan’s National Treasures in the architecture department. Originally built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince, the building is the only example of neo-Baroque architecture in Japan. To date, it has opened its doors to emperors, presidents and prime minsters, and has even served as a venue for international conferences.

 

An in-depth promotional video was recently released showcasing the outside and inside of the palace, shining light on its beautiful features and architecture.

The video begins at the dazzling and elegant entrance. The door opens to reveal a crimson carpet sprawled across the floor which beckons you into a beautiful world.

We then move into the Sairan no Ma, a hall guarded by golden phoenixes with enormous mirrors set against the wall. The room opens into an overwhelmingly spacious area.

Next is the “Hagoromo no Ma” which houses the palace’s three biggest chandeliers each made up of almost 7,000 separate parts, mostly crystal.

We then arrived at the “Asahi no Ma,” the most elegant room in the entire building. It is currently closed to restore the ceiling tiles and other parts of the room,  but it will re-open to the public on April 2, 2019. Overlooking the room on the ceiling is a painting of Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, chairs made with golden thread, hanging chandeliers, the purple carpet woven with 47 shades of purple, and so on.

 

See the full beauty of the palace’s interior by checking out the video.

 

*The photos shown are of the palace before repairs were carried out.

Kakigori Lounge Akasaka opened in August this year where they have sold fluffy and mouth-watering shaved ice made with a homemade dulce sauce―which is free from additives and colouring agents―and authentic ‘pure’ ice made by ice shops.

Until now the café was open until 9:00PM but from November 29 they will cater to sweet tooth night owls and open from midnight until 2:00AM.

 

The shaved ice served here doesn’t give you bodily chills because it melts the moment it enters your mouth. Shaved ice is gaining popularity as a finisher over something like ramen when someone has had a few too many drinks and needs something sugary or with carbohydrates.

 

As well as shaved ice the café also serves coffee, highball, sake, wine, mead and more. There’s even Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.

If you’ve been out drinking in Tokyo then refresh yourself this winter season with some shaved ice at Kakigori Lounge Akasaka.

Popular smoked curry restaurant Kunkare is set to re-open along Hitotsukidori in Akasaka on November 27.

Kunkare was first established in 2011 in the quaint district of Ningyocho, Akasaka. It was the first curry roux restaurant in Japan to serve smoked curry and acquired a patent for its unique cooking method.

 

In line with the restaurant’s move to Akasaka, they have changed he taste of the curry. It still retains that smokiness but the flavour of the spices has been made more prominent.

All of the other items on the menu have been upgraded too, giving rise to an all-new Kunkare.

 

Tokusei Curry: ¥1,180 (Tax Included)

The Tokusei Curry (literally “specially made curry”) was always the No. 1 most popular dish when the restaurant was based in Ningyocho. This is an upgraded version served on a specially made and original Hasami ware curry plate.

Irodori Yasai x Curry: ¥850 (Tax Included)

This curry dish comes with colourful and seasonal vegetables and an upgraded smoked curry served with turmeric rice.

Another service to look forward to falls on Saturday every week where Kunkare will serve popular curry dishes from famous restaurants in the local area. The first item on the menu is a keema curry from Kai, a cafe and bar in Fukuoka that has continued to be loved for 19 years and which brings in lines of customers. Limited quantities will be served, so you’d better get in there quick if you want to enjoy some authentic Indian cuisine laced with a Japanese touch – salted rice malt, condiment paste made from yuzu zest and chilli peppers, Japanese pepper and more.

 

Kunkare is a place where you can expect to try curry you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Teppanyaki is a type of cooking consisting in frying meat, vegetables, and seafood on an iron plate.

Outside of Japan, teppanyaki is well known as a category of Japanese food. In Japan, it used to be common to cook on an open fire or use firewood to cook with heat, when you wanted to fry something you wanted to eat. This type of cooking developed even more after World War II.

Everyone would say Sushi if you think of what is the popular food in Tokyo. There are roughly three business categories of sushi restaurants: revolving sushi restaurants, residential district’s sushi restaurants, and high-priced sushi restaurants. Revolving sushi restaurants are a cheap and entertaining place which everyone can enjoy. At residential districts restaurants, you can enjoy sushi for about five thousand yen, but there are a lot of exclusive customers, and they are kind of not a friendly place for first-timers. Some high priced sushi restaurants such as the ones in Ginza which has been called the “Sushi Mecca” recently cost twenty to thirty thousand yen for only course menus, and yet those restaurants are most likely to have full reservations for next few months. There is not so much chance to visit those places.

Meanwhile, the new restaurant in Akasaka-mitsuke called “Itamae Sushi Edo” draws many people’s attention.  This restaurant is a very entertaining place known as “theater type restaurant where you can feel like you’re traveling back in Edo period.” Inside of this restaurant is amazing. You sit on the table facing down to the kitchen on stage.

 

Counter table around the stage is unusual for normal Sushi restaurants that you can look up and see sushi chefs cooking and handling knives. The interior looks exactly like the image of EDO which most foreigners would picture in their mind. This is because this place is Hong-Kong capital sushi restaurant. There are also varieties of food menus such as “Kobo rainbow sushi” as one of the specialty foods. If you want the chef’s recommendation, the cost starts from seven thousand yen. There are services which you can take pictures wearing kimono in the entrance, and can buy sushi figures for souvenirs as well.

 

It is also getting popular among Japanese customers that are filled with fun, hospitality and interiors taking a ‘so-what’ attitude toward Japanese authentic cultures. They were expecting to have almost all foreigner customers at first, but it is getting half and half ratio recently.  I bet you will love to share this experience with somebody after visiting this restaurant.

 

■Information

 

Itamae Sushi Edo

Address: No. R Akasakamitsuke 1F, 3-9-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

 

Atsuo Ohki（”Tokyo the Best Restaurant” Editor in Chief）

 

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A kotatsu seating area has been added to the terrace of Bane BAGUS in Akasaka-mitsuke this month where you can sit outside and enjoy nabe (hot pot) while keeping warm. Enjoy your hot food under a Japanese winter sky.

The terrace is linked to the rooftop and there is heating set up to keep you warm, meaning you don’t have to worry about the bitter chill of winter. And of course there’s plenty of food to enjoy, such as motsunabe, as well as a host of other types of nabe containing seafood and pork. One dish to try is the an original recipe, the “Buta Shabu Shabu”, which contains pork and uses a fish extract dashi. And for dessert, what else than “mikan”, a type of orange often eaten while under the kotatsu. Head on over to the restaurant and enjoy yourself a Japanese winter!

 

■Information
Bane BAGUS Akasaka-mitsuke
Address: 3 Chome-10-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Gessekai Building 4F東京都港区赤坂3-10-4 月世界ビル4F
Closest station: 5 minutes walk from Akasaka Station via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, or a 1 minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station
Telephone Number: 03-5561-6006
Website: http://www.bagus-99.com/shops/bb_akasakamitsuke/

 

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