Hyperlocal Tokyo

Tucked away in the basement, a short walk from Roppongi Station towards Nishi-Azabu, lies a hidden gem of a bistro. The interior boasts elegant lighting and a high ceiling, creating a sophisticated and calming ambiance. The carefully arranged glassware and wine bottles add a touch of elegance to the space. Chef Ikejiri has a distinguished background, having worked at renowned establishments like Restaurant Hiramatsu's main branch and Maison Paul Bocuse. On this occasion, I ordered the following: The three-course amuse-bouche was devoured quickly, perfectly paired with sparkling wine. Every bite was a delight. Each dish showcased meticulous attention to ingredients and cooking techniques, leaving me truly impressed. The roasted lotus root was particularly memorable – I've never tasted lotus root prepared so exquisitely. The homemade bacon was crispy and irresistible! The main course, roasted New Zealand Suffolk lamb, was remarkably free of any gamey flavor. The lamb's characteristic aroma and rich taste were exceptional. The meat was roasted to perfection, with no overcooked parts, making it a perfect match for red wine. The lamb tongue pané was also a revelation, with a delicious mustard sauce and a unique fritter texture. The shiitake mushroom ajillo was a perfect accompaniment to the bread, which I couldn't resist ordering multiple times. The mushrooms, known as 'Tenkei-gusa,' are said to have three times the umami of regular shiitake mushrooms. The garlic flavor was divine! From the appetizers to the dessert, every dish was incredibly delicious. The service was friendly and informative, making the experience enjoyable even for a French cuisine novice. I'm eager to bring friends and acquaintances here in the future! ◎ My order - Three-course amuse-bouche - Kintokito pig pizza - Clams escabeche - Rillette - Homemade brioche - Compressed octopus terrine - Roasted Naruto lotus root with homemade bacon - Braised Ezo deer tongue pané - Shiitake mushroom ajillo - Roasted New Zealand Suffolk lamb - Gateau chocolat - Sparkling wine - Red wine

The wine pairing was excellent. We had a fun and delicious time. As we were leaving after paying the bill, we were offered coffee. We thought it was a complimentary service, but there was a separate charge for it! We laughed it off, but it would have been nice to end the evening on a more positive note.

Today, I visited "Ma Cuisine," located just a short walk from Roppongi Station! Since it's a bit of a walk from the station, meeting at the station is a good idea. Or maybe near Wendy's! A foodie friend recommended this place, and it's truly delicious! There are so many dishes to choose from, it's hard to decide... * Ratatouille with a poached egg → It comes out quickly, and you'll be like, "Is ratatouille really this good?" * Fresh shiitake mushroom ajillo → This shiitake is a must-try. Great with bread. The shiitake is so juicy, it'll make you smile. * Roasted Naruto Renkon (lotus root) with homemade bacon → A popular menu item! This is a must-order! * Coarsely ground meat sausage → It's meaty, with vegetables inside, making for a fun texture! * Braised spare ribs with herb breadcrumbs → I ordered this because I wanted spare ribs. The meat around the bone was so tender. * Chocolate soufflé * Crêpe Suzette The amuse-bouche, bread, and butter served as appetizers. They were so delicious from the very beginning, it made me tremble with joy! ♡

The restaurant is located in the basement of a building, but once you step inside, it feels surprisingly bright. And there's even a second floor with seating! My friend and I were seated at the counter. The food was all incredibly delicious and visually appealing. The tiny, almost miniature, cream cheese profiteroles that came out first were a testament to the chef's attention to detail. The homemade bread was also fantastic, and you can get refills, so be careful not to overindulge! It's the perfect accompaniment to the meat dishes. The staff were all very friendly, and they offer wine pairings, which is a great bonus for those who enjoy a drink. It was my first time visiting, so there are still many dishes I want to try, so I'll definitely be back.

I believe all the dishes are meant to be enjoyed with wine. They have a classic selection. The freshly baked bread was also delicious. The lotus root was fried thick and had a wonderful, fluffy texture. The braised beef cheeks in red wine were particularly good - they melted in my mouth. The crêpes Suzette were also delicious.