I visited "Ensemble" for the first time in February 2019. This Michelin-listed restaurant offers lunch options ranging from Les Ailes at ¥2000, Barbizon at ¥3500, to Elbe at ¥5500 (all prices excluding tax). This time, I opted for Barbizon. The appetizers, charcuterie, salmon, eggs, and sauces like balsamic vinegar were all dry and lacking freshness. The potato and leek soup, however, had a rich sweetness and aroma, making it quite delicious. The meat dish, beef stewed in red wine, had a watery sauce and a sloppy presentation, which was quite disappointing. For dessert, the Haskap bavarois with matcha, vanilla ice cream, and candied kumquats had a strange taste with no distinct flavors. I question the taste of the Michelin guide inspectors. What criteria are they using for their listings? Lately, it seems like they are missing the mark.

My wife and I went together. Maybe due to COVID measures, there were only four tables. We had terrine, consommé soup, sautéed fish, roasted lamb, berry ice cream, and tea. It seems like they mainly use ingredients from Hokkaido. In short, it was delicious for the price. When it comes to French cuisine around Chitose City, this place might be the one.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was very nice and the food was delicious. Although there were only us as customers, the partitions for preventing splashes were quite obstructive. I thought it would be better to ask customers if they would like the partitions removed.

Lunch course (3500 yen + tax)

Visited in January 2017 for lunch. I had been curious about this restaurant in Chitose City for a while. This time, I visited by car, but if using public transportation, it is recommended to get off at Minami-Chitose Station one stop before New Chitose Airport and take a taxi for about 10 minutes. On this day, the weather was clear. The vast snowy landscape leading to the restaurant was truly beautiful. The restaurant was surrounded by trees. There is also a cafe and bakery shop on the premises, but it seems they are not open during the winter. Upon opening the door, the chef came out and greeted us warmly with a smile. The large windows offer a view of the beautiful snowy landscape while dining. I chose the Barbizon course for 3,780 yen (tax included) (there is also a course for 2,160 yen (tax included) without appetizers). You can choose between fish or meat for the main dish. I chose the seafood platter, which can be upgraded to include mantis shrimp for an additional 500 yen. The appetizers included hairy crab terrine, pork tongue, smoked egg, and vegetables. The daikon and carrots stewed in broth were very flavorful. The pumpkin potage, made from Chitose-grown pumpkins, was smooth and refreshing, yet rich and flavorful. The seafood platter was delicious, with sweet mantis shrimp and flavorful miso. Dessert included chocolate cake and pudding. You can choose between coffee or tea for drinks. The chef also kindly saw us off when we left. It might be nice to visit during the green season next time. Thank you for the meal.

I visited a restaurant for lunch that I had been curious about for a while. Despite feeling a bit anxious after reading reviews on Tabelog, my worries were unfounded. The moment I took a bite of the appetizer, angels started dancing in my head with joy. The delicate sauce beautifully complemented the ingredients, making them even more delicious. The pumpkin potage with a hint of leeks was gentle and soothing. The main course I had was the beef stewed in red wine, which left me speechless with its incredible taste. The tender beef melted in my mouth, and I felt like I was in heaven. The dessert was both sweet and refreshing, a perfect ending to the meal. I enjoyed the lunch slowly, savoring each bite and having pleasant conversations. I left the restaurant feeling full and happy. I definitely want to try their dinner course next time. Despite the lunch being in the 3000 yen range, I felt it was worth every penny for the quality of the food. I will definitely go back again. Thank you for the wonderful meal! (´∀｀∩)

I revisited in August 2016. I had the Les Ailes course for 2,000 yen + tax (soup/main dish fish or meat/homemade bread/dessert/after-meal coffee or tea). There are 5 courses available, with the most reasonable being 3,500 yen/5,500 yen/7,000 yen/10,000 yen. Taking photos of the menu is prohibited, but they are available on the store's Tabelog page. The previous service at this French restaurant was friendly and appropriately formal, with no issues. However, it seemed a bit different this time, maybe a bit more pretentious. The food is made with local ingredients and tastes great. The location is also excellent, making it easy to enjoy French cuisine. Thank you for the meal.

I visited the restaurant Ensemble in the forest of Elb in Higashi-Chitose for lunch on a weekday during my trip to Hokkaido. The restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012 and is a rare French restaurant in this area surrounded by fields and mountains. The restaurant has a unique and tasteful French atmosphere, with many interesting decorations. I ordered the "Le R" course for 2000 yen, which included soup, bread, a choice of meat or fish for the main course, dessert, and a drink. The soup was a cold soup made from potatoes and pumpkins, the bread was homemade and baked in a stone oven, the main course was pan-fried Norwegian salmon with clams, and the dessert was a pudding made with eggs from Chitose. The soup and dessert were delicious. There were also course options for 3500 yen and 5500 yen, so I felt like I needed to spend a bit more for a better French dining experience. Michelin? What?

This area is located on the north side of the Chitose Higashi Interchange, along Route 337, south of Maoinooka Michi-no-Eki. It is very convenient for a drive from Sapporo to Obihiro, whether taking the local roads or the highway. Located in the suburbs and surrounded by trees, this French restaurant is more of a restaurant than a bistro. It is small but has a good atmosphere, with a sommelier and a skilled chef who has trained abroad and knows famous chefs. The dinner is also expected to be good. The 3500 yen course includes appetizers like marinated seafood and roast beef, a cold corn potage soup, and main dishes like assorted seafood with fish broth sauce and red wine-braised beef with local vegetables and shiitake mushrooms. The dessert is delicious with Yubari melon and orange. The homemade bread, coffee, and mini desserts are also good. Overall, the meal for two costs around 9000 yen, which is quite reasonable. Dining in the suburbs is a nice experience. It's a shame that the restaurant has a low rating on Tabelog, as the food is actually quite good. Additionally, Cafe Harmony next door seems to serve dishes made by this restaurant, which speaks to the quality of the food. After dining, we visited the nearby Matsubara Onsen, which is the number one hot spring in Hokkaido in terms of volume. Hot spring enthusiasts should definitely check it out.

I visited a restaurant in Chitose during the remaining snow season. The environment is wonderful and you can feel nature even inside the restaurant. It was quiet as we were the only customers there. Every dish is carefully prepared. The soup in particular left a lasting impression. It has a rich flavor but not too salty, and it feels like the taste of the ingredients is concentrated to the maximum. It was a soup that I had never tasted elsewhere. The portions are small due to the rich flavor. With reasonable prices for the dishes, I would like to continue using this restaurant casually in the future.

In the depths of Chitose City, there is a restaurant called "Restaurant Ensemble" located in Izumi-kyo, in the middle of the forest! I heard good reviews and decided to go for lunch. The interior of the restaurant is not very spacious, with about 20 seats. It has a salon-like atmosphere with antique-style furniture. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by the hostess. This alone gives a sense of luxury that is not often found in Chitose City. The lunch and dinner options are both set courses only, so I ordered the 3500 yen course on this day. The contents included: Appetizers (broccoli and zucchini mousse, jamon serrano, paprika mousse, boiled shrimp with herb sauce, uni and salmon terrine), cold soup of pumpkin and potatoes, beef fillet steak with truffle and port wine sauce, and dessert (matcha pudding with fertile eggs, melon jelly, strawberry mousse). All the dishes were beautifully presented and eating them was a delightful experience. And all this for only 3500 yen... It's incredibly affordable! Dinner courses start from 2100 yen. For those looking for reasonably priced French cuisine, this is definitely recommended!

There was traffic on the way to the restaurant, and it felt more like Naguma than Chitose, but despite the reservation time passing, our table was still reserved, which was good. When I called to make a reservation, they asked me to decide on the menu because it was busy, so I ordered the cheapest course without knowing the contents. The restaurant is a house-style Western restaurant with expensive-looking furnishings, but I'm not sure if it's actually nice. The 2100 yen course includes soup, a main dish (meat or fish), dessert, and a drink. The soup was spinach and potato potage, the main dish was pork steak with wasabi sauce, and the dessert was a bit bland. The tea was very weak, so I had to add a lot of sugar and milk to make it taste better. Maybe because I had eaten at a fancy restaurant the day before, I felt that the cost and luxury of this restaurant were lacking. It seems like you have to spend more money to eat something delicious at this place. The difference in presentation and menu content between the 2100 yen and 3500 yen courses is significant, and I regret choosing the cheaper option because it didn't lead to a satisfying experience. The taste was average, without any special punch, just like an old-fashioned Western restaurant. I had high expectations for this place, but unfortunately, it was a disappointment. I hope they learn from high-end restaurants like S○z○ya and prepare luxurious dishes without worrying about losses. It's something you encounter occasionally when exploring different restaurants. I hope to write better reviews in the future...

Located in East Chitose, a hidden French restaurant in a place called "Elb Forest". Access is only by car due to its location. The restaurant stands in the middle of the forest. Well... it's really just a house in the middle of nowhere in the forest. Upon entering at the reserved time, the owner chef greets you. It's a small gesture but nice! The food is prepared in a classic style with gentle seasoning and light finishing. The portions are small, so it may feel somewhat unsatisfying. There are no petit fours, only dessert. The choice between black tea or espresso for a full course meal is questionable. The service is average for Hokkaido. Despite having a team of 3 staff, they struggle to coordinate and serve the dishes simultaneously. The most critical issue is that the explanation of the dishes is barely audible... The lunch experience is average, but the satisfaction level for dinner is below average. The surprise factor of finding a restaurant in such a place is intriguing. It's a good place to stop for lunch during a drive.

Merry Christmas! This year, Christmas falls on a weekend, giving us a 3-day weekend including Christmas Eve. Today, on the 25th, I decided to treat myself to a delicious lunch at a highly rated French restaurant called "Ensemble" nearby. I made a reservation the day before and arrived at 11:30 am. We were the only customers at first, but soon more reserved customers started coming in, and the restaurant was almost full. The clientele seemed to be on the older side. The menu offered a 2,100 yen and a 3,500 yen course, as well as special Christmas evening courses ranging from 7,500 yen to 10,000 yen, which were also available for lunch on that day. I chose the 3,500 yen course this time (a bold choice for a commoner like me, haha). The "appetizer platter" included prosciutto, smoked salmon, clam saffron stew, and my first taste of escargot, which I found satisfying in terms of content and flavor. The balance of seafood and mountain delicacies was also good. The "soup" was carrot-based, simple in flavor, bringing out the natural taste of the ingredients with a touch of sweetness and red berries as an accent. The "bread" included two baguettes made from French wheat and one round loaf. While I couldn't pinpoint any outstanding features, I found them delicious. The butter, as many reviews mentioned, was unique and satisfying. For the main course, I chose the fish dish, which was a classic sautéed flounder and sea bass. The fish had a safe flavor, but the sauce was mild and well-balanced, making it delicious. My companion chose the meat dish, which was a tender sautéed beef with a flavorful sauce that wasn't overpowering, offering a nice contrast. The portion was also generous. For dessert, we had a pudding made with locally sourced eggs, not too sweet, highlighting the quality of the ingredients. The ice cream was creamy and slightly sweet, very delicious. The fruit combination was enjoyable, although I personally prefer more cooked fruits. We had coffee for drinks, which was rich and flavorful. Overall, the French restaurant had a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, making it easy for a French cuisine beginner like me to enjoy the meal. The service was polite and somewhat homely, leaving a good impression. It's a great restaurant for a memorable meal in a casual yet authentic setting, perfect for a leisurely drive. (Note: I recently switched from using a Sharp mobile camera to an iPhone camera, so please bear with the blurry and oddly composed images for a while.)

This is my 200th review milestone, achieved thanks to the support of senior reviewers who have taught me a lot and readers who have accompanied me through some silly reviews. I want to express my gratitude once again. For this special occasion, I chose to write about classic French cuisine, even though it's not my favorite. Today, I dined at a French restaurant with Jirocho-san (refer to my trip to Obihiro). It hasn't been a month since then, but before catching the last flight from Chitose, we decided to have a meal at this restaurant. I have a weakness for fine dining and have indulged in luxury in the past. I once splurged at Michelin-starred Windsor for lunch and ended up spending 30,000 yen per person. While the food was undeniably delicious, it left me on a tight budget until payday. Jirocho-san must have felt the pinch too. However, you don't need to spend that much to enjoy classic French cuisine. In Sapporo, places like Kazama and here, Ensemble, offer a great French dining experience without breaking the bank. Located deep in Chitose, a 15-minute drive from the airport, Restaurant Catherine (My CAR) in the woods provides a unique setting. The contrast between the outdoor atmosphere and the elegant French restaurant inside is intriguing. The classical interior offers a picturesque view of Chitose's forest. It would be perfect with a lovely lady (I have a weakness for lovely ladies, but it's just a fantasy). I ordered a course with meat as the main dish, and I was surprised by the amount of food. The price seemed too good to be true. I opted for a main dish featuring pheasant. The appetizers were beautifully presented with a variety of flavors. The classic prosciutto and melon were delicious. I wished I could enjoy a light white wine with it, even a cheap Chardonnay would do. Jirocho-san let me sniff his wine, and I felt content. The soup made with local vegetables was gentle and flavorful. Moving on to the meat dish, the pheasant was minced and expertly prepared. The subtle taste of the meat paired perfectly with the rich bacon and tangy sauce. The vegetables served alongside danced on the plate. It was so delicious that I wiped the plate clean with bread. For dessert, I had a delicious baked pudding with fruit and sauce. In conclusion, this French restaurant stayed true to its principles and offered a delightful dining experience at a reasonable price.

The drive to Chitose area is perfect for visiting outlets. I stopped by this restaurant that I had been curious about for a while. I made a reservation before going and headed there. The location seemed a bit off the beaten path, but surprisingly it was quite crowded. The premises had a bakery as well. There were sheep around, which was cute. The interior of the restaurant was not very spacious. The lunch options were around 2,100 yen and 3,500 yen. I chose the 2,100 yen course. The appetizer was simple. The bread was average, but the butter was surprisingly delicious! These days, many places use margarine, so the homemade butter here was rich and tasty. The salmon with lemon butter sauce was accompanied by tasty vegetables, and overall it was a satisfying dish. The pork sauté was also generous in portion. It was crispy and fragrant, making me crave a bit of rice to go with it. The desserts included a gâteau au chocolat and a pumpkin tart, each in small portions. They were not particularly outstanding, but they were delicious.

I visited the restaurant "Ensemble" in the forest of Erub in Chitose. The location is along Route 337, heading towards Chitose City from the Maio Hill Park roadside station on Route 274. The restaurant has a bright interior with white tones, and you can enjoy beautiful views of Shinsenkyo's four seasons through large windows while dining. There were two lunch courses available, priced at 2100 yen and 3500 yen. I ordered the 3500 yen course, which included appetizers like mini tomatoes stuffed with flying fish roe and cucumbers topped with salmon roe, boiled egg stuffing, foie gras terrine with endive salad, and homemade bread. The soup was a creamy lobster soup with scallops, and the main course was a beef sirloin steak. The dessert was the most visually appealing part of the course. Overall, the meal was decent but lacked a standout dish, and the steak was a bit disappointing in terms of flavor and tenderness. The dessert was the highlight, with well-balanced flavors and textures. The price of 3500 yen was a bit high for the overall dining experience.

Located in the area of Izumi-kyo, around the border between Chitose and Yuni towns, is a authentic French restaurant. With a vast 4,000 tsubo (13,200 square meters) property, they offer homegrown vegetables in their dishes. Despite being in a somewhat rural area, enjoying French cuisine while gazing at the forest trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves, squirrels, and birds is quite a special experience. [Todays Order] - Le R Course (2,100 yen) - Appetizers such as "Iberico pork smoked" and "Smoked salmon and white fish paste" - Garlic toast and baguette - Main Course 1: "Long shrimp and Norwegian salmon meuniere with Blanc-tan style vegetables" - Main Course 2: "Assorted young chicken thigh meat and pork sausage with French mustard flavor" - Dessert & Coffee [Recommended Dish] "Long shrimp and Norwegian salmon meuniere with Blanc-tan style vegetables" Both main courses are delicious and I want to introduce both... actually, all the dishes are delicious! Good value, skillful cooking, quality ingredients, it's a triple threat. Among them, if I had to choose, this dish stands out. The richness of the shrimp and the grilled flavor, combined with the gentle cream sauce, create an exquisite taste. The freshness and fatty richness of the salmon in the meuniere is evident, showcasing the high quality of the ingredients. Additionally, the accompanying vegetables are fresh and tasty, being locally sourced, the freshness is outstanding, and they are delicious even when eaten raw. I'm glad I was born in Hokkaido!

We visited this restaurant with our family for Christmas in December 2008. The atmosphere was always calming and soothing. The food was delicious, but there was something about it that was very healing. There were different types of customers, including groups and people dressed casually. The menu for this visit was all about joy and new experiences. For appetizers, we had abalone and scallops. The main fish dishes included lobster, sea bream, and mussels. The main meat dish was pheasant, which was surprisingly tasty. For my mother who doesn't like meat dishes, the double hair crab gratin was also delicious. We usually ask for wine recommendations based on our preferences and budget, and this time we were not disappointed. The experience was more than just delicious food, it was truly healing. Thank you for the wonderful meal! In July 2008, we visited Ensemble and loved it! It's a French restaurant that is not too formal and welcomes everyone. The owner is warm and welcoming, and we always enjoy the delicious food. It feels like a cozy restaurant in a European countryside. You can enjoy the harmony of the forest, earth, and food to your heart's content. This time, I didn't drink alcohol, but I always enjoy the delicious wines they recommend. They also have great food that pairs well with the wines. The staff are friendly and provide excellent service. The only downside is that the restaurant is a bit small, so if you have noisy neighbors, it can be a bit distracting. Overall, I highly recommend this place for a special date or occasion. The food is a surprise, but I can tell you that the beef was so tender that you didn't even need a knife. If you want to impress someone on a drive date, this is the place to go!

※I revisited the scores in October 2011. Last month, I visited without a reservation and was told it was full, so this time I made a reservation in advance. I had reserved from 11:00, but I mentioned at the time of reservation that I might be a little late due to my unfamiliar driving, and they kindly said it was okay to be late, so please come slowly. On the day, as expected, it was snowing and I arrived about 15 minutes late, and it seemed that I was the first customer of the day, so I was seated at the table in the far corner. The interior of the restaurant had 7 tables, but if they were for two people, it would be about 10 tables. Sunlight was shining in from the window, and it felt very bright. The meal was a 3500 yen course that I had reserved in advance. There was also a 1300 yen one-plate lunch, and courses for 2000 yen and 5000 yen (prices may vary slightly). First, there was a potage with minced lobster (?) shrimp. It had a slight shrimp aroma and was delicious. The fish dish was a sautéed snapper with mussels and oysters in tomato sauce. The snapper was tender and delicious. The mussels and oysters were average. For the meat dish, I chose between beef tenderloin and lamb, so I chose the beef tenderloin. The sauce used cheese, and they said they used vegetables from Chitose. It was decent. Finally, dessert. The stick-like item was finely chopped and mixed with a sauce made from eggs from a ranch in Chitose. It had ice cream and pears. The dishes may not have been something you can only eat here, but I thought it was a place where you can enjoy the location and atmosphere along with the food.