L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Tokyo, Japan.
For a restaurant rated 2 Michelin stars, my experience dining at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Tokyo was not what I had expected. Instead of the image formed in my mind of what I prepare myself for: pompous service and atmosphere, mind-numbingly spectacular food that induced involuntary spasms of grinning and an experience that would be more than brilliant; I found myself on the night looked after by the most friendliest staff I’d ever encountered, a contagiously lively and lounge-like atmosphere, food that was simple in appearance but wafted smells and flavours that I’m unable to describe to my satisfaction and finally, an experience that trumped brilliance.
Henri Charpentier – Ginza, Tokyo.
My first impression is that this café outright trumps the interior appeal of every café that I’ve visited. It is posh but at the same time very comfortable and a place where you can easily relax those tired feet from walking around the whole day. When I went, there was a queue but we opted to be seated earlier by choosing the smoking area, which we regretted later as the patrons around us were chain-puffing like the world was about to end (though this didn’t spoil the experience).
As you enter Henri Charpentier, this level is where they display their infamous macarons and patisseries for your viewing delight. Downstairs is the café area, which is lead down by a spiralling staircase. The lighting is dim and sets a chill atmosphere. When I went the patrons were all female, myself and my brothers were the only males there – quite an odd moment.
Midori Sushi and Patisserie Viron – Shibuya, Japan.
Eating sushi in Japan should be at the bottom of the list of ‘things to do’, just below ramen and every other dish iconic to Japanese food. Why? Once you go back to Sydney or wherever you reside, nothing even comes close in my books. From that moment your first sushi platter in Japan is laid before you, you know that this will be something extra-ordinary, amazing and an experience that will blow your minds pretences to smithereens. Put the piece of sushi in your mouth and you will taste the perfectly vinegared rice complementing the slice of fish it beholds.
Sushi Midori is located on top of Mark City in Shibuya, which is 1 minute from the famous crossing. Just go up the big escalator and keep walking forward and you’ll find it in about 5 minutes. Be warned that during peak times, you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes with a group of people. In my opinion, this is the best place in Shibuya for sushi.