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 11:00Price: ¥500Anyone 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 MurataWriter:Sayoko IshiPhotographer:Kayo SekiguchiTranslation: 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.