Hyperlocal Tokyo

The owner-chef couple, both hunters, serve up game dishes they've hunted themselves. From appetizers to main courses, everything is the day's special game, so it's recommended to go with someone who can eat any kind of meat. They sometimes even have bear meat. The wine selection is also extensive, with a focus on red wines to pair with the meat.

**Savoring the Essence of Wild Game** In recent years, awareness of "gibier" (wild game) has grown, with boar and venison becoming increasingly common in markets. However, since gibier is wild, the process from capture to processing, and the cooking methods, significantly impact its impression. As a result, perceptions of "gibier" can vary greatly. Furthermore, while the deliciousness of the game is a given, the sheer variety of gibier species, numbering in the dozens, makes this world largely unknown to most people, rarely glimpsed. This restaurant is a must-visit for those brimming with intellectual and culinary curiosity. Located in a quiet street, a short climb up a hill, between Roppongi and Roppongi Ichome, the restaurant resembles a vintage boutique. A teal duck greets you at the entrance. The interior evokes a sense of a carved-out cave. The candlelight and dimness create a cozy atmosphere with a touch of tension. Chef Lachaussée, whose wife is also a hunter, is deeply involved in sourcing the ingredients, making him incredibly knowledgeable about gibier. His philosophy centers on savoring the very essence of the game, even the bones, which are used to make a rich stock that forms the base of the dishes. From capture to cooking, the entire story unfolds on your plate. This time, I ordered the chef's five-course tasting menu, plus dessert and a post-meal drink. 1. Peach Soup The peach itself serves as the bowl, and upon opening the lid, a rich peach soup is revealed. It acts like a tablecloth, gently preparing your stomach for the dishes to come. 2. Gibier Pâté This pâté features a mix of different meats, both in terms of species and cuts, offering a variety of textures. The crunchy walnuts, carrot slaw, and seasonal vegetables add further layers of flavor and texture. 3. Roasted Teal Duck We shared a whole duck, which was enough for two people. It was a joy to savor every part of its small body. Despite its size, the duck possessed a wild strength, and even the bony parts, which could be easily devoured in one bite, delivered a powerful umami flavor. 4. Baked Eel Pie The eel is freshly caught that day. You can even see photos of the eel being caught on their social media account. The crispy pie crust, the smooth pâté, and the juicy eel create a symphony of textures that melt in your mouth. The creamy sauce is also delicious for dipping bread! 5. Charcoal-Grilled Brown Bear The main course was brown bear, a three-year-old specimen caught in Hokkaido. The charcoal grilling resulted in a rare meat experience, balancing juiciness and tenderness. While I've had bear meat before, it's often tough in dishes like yakiniku or hot pot. The balance achieved here is unique to this restaurant. As I ate the meat alongside the scattered seasonal vegetables, I imagined the brown bears roaming during their active season in the summer. 6. Dessert The dessert provided a refreshing finish with its pleasant sweetness and acidity. It was also quite filling, leaving me satisfied. I asked many questions about the ingredients and hunting, and the chef answered them all with great care. It was a wonderful evening that satisfied both my stomach and my curiosity. I look forward to returning soon. C’était très bon!

This French restaurant specializes in wild game, with the chef personally hunting and preparing the dishes. They also harvest mushrooms and wild vegetables during their hunts, incorporating them effectively into their game-centric cuisine. Located in a back alley in Roppongi, the restaurant's hidden location adds to its charm. The dimly lit interior creates a unique and intimate atmosphere.

The chefs themselves go hunting to procure duck, deer, bear, and wild boar. The concept is excellent, and the French cuisine is also superb.

I've never encountered such amazing wild game before! This place is absolutely fantastic, including the atmosphere.