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Olrik
Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:42 am

Re: Roppongi restaurants - European food
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L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon - French Gastronomic

Adress: Roppongi Hills Hillside 2F 6-10-1 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Opening hours: 11:30a-2:30p, 6p-10p
TEL: 03-5772-7500
Dress code: Smart casual

Michelin Guide 2008 - 2 *

http://www.robuchon.com/concept/concept.html

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/5364/p1130460sf9.jpg

It was also my turn to try this "deluxe snack" after the review of Sanji here, and a good opportunity to try to figure out why this "chain" restaurant was awarded by two stars in the Michelin guide.

First, Thanks to the Grand Hyatt Concierge, who made a reservation for two (after a strong negociation), one day before a saturday lunch. 

Indeed, the restaurant was very crowded, but no way to pass out a review for secret-japan, and miss a french restaurant. 

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/5877/p1130480vy2.jpghttp://img395.imageshack.us/img395/1315/p1130466jo4.jpghttp://img73.imageshack.us/img73/3369/p1130493el0.jpg
Like at Mc Donald's (forgive the comparison), the deco is stricly the same than Paris, Las Vegas, Hong Kong and so on... Anyway, i'm fine with the uniformisation, when the cuisine seems to follow a true inspiration.

I've tried the first menu at 2950 Yens, and my wife, the B menu at 5400 Yens. Unless the point of the supplement for somes dishes (Foie Gras, Bavette de boeuf), no way to say: it's expensive. 

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/3094/p1130470ur3.jpghttp://img390.imageshack.us/img390/8951/p1130484oi9.jpg
After the "aperitif", time to eat. I've ordered the "Oeuf Mollet" with the "Bavette", and my wife after a green peas amuse bouche, had a "Langoustines ravioli" followed by a "Foie gras on a risotto parmigiano". The dishes all cames in very good proportions, and nice presentation. The Oeuf mollet was truly interesting for a so "simple" preparation, and believe me, the langoustine was delicious, well prepared and superbly assorted with the vegetables. My bavette was a little bit (a lot ?) deceptive, far away from the taste in Paris (they use japanese beef and god damn it, but where are my french fries !), but the Foie Gras and the risotto was onctuous and perfectly served. The dessert was also on high standard. The mango variations and the chocolate sensation were to damn the saints. 

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/2432/p1130495kh0.jpghttp://img361.imageshack.us/img361/711/p1130498yr5.jpg
http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/1950/p1130509qa9.jpghttp://img389.imageshack.us/img389/4700/p1130511gu6.jpghttp://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3585/p1130508oz2.jpg

The Atelier is truly a "deluxe snack", with high expectations and a very handy team. So, why two stars from Michelin ?

Is that this staff, who explain everything with a beautiful smile, or the relative quickness and efficacity of the service ? The good choice of wine, from France to Spain, New Zealand or Chili ? Or maybe this attractive ranges of prices for a two stars restaurant ? So much questions for a good equation: Your pleasure. But Joël Robuchon (and most of all, his japanese team), with the Atelier, seems capable to respond.

"Et bon appétit bien sûr !"
