☆マリジェンヌ☆
I was taken to this restaurant because I love wine. The wine selection ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 yen, 8,000 to 10,000 yen, 30,000 to 70,000 yen... It's quite a high-end place. While they have a moderate selection of shochu and sake, they have a great selection of wines and brandies, some of which are quite expensive. I ordered an 8,000 yen wine, Domaine Alain Brumont. It has a rich aroma of ripe dark fruits, black pepper, nutmeg, and coffee. It is very rich and full-bodied, with a smooth and mellow taste that hints at sweetness. The flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice come together beautifully, with fine and rich tannins adding an elegant touch. The taste starts with a good aroma, then a hint of acidity, followed by bitterness and a lingering astringency. It was a great experience to enjoy the taste evolution from the beginning to the end of the bottle. The food menu is a bit on the pricey side, with appetizer platters starting at 1,700 yen, soups over 1,000 yen, and pizzas and pastas around 1,500 yen. The red bean paste from Shodoshima was a bit lacking in juiciness, while the maguro carpaccio had a great flavor. The onion gratin soup was delicious but nothing out of the ordinary. The pizza had a slightly frozen feel to the dough, which was a bit disappointing. The pasta, made with the restaurant's special tomato base, was decent but not outstanding. The grilled vegetables were quite tasty, with excellent freshness and flavors enhanced by olive oil and wasabi mayo. The olive oil here is apparently a rare find and adds a unique taste to the dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant may seem intimidating at first, but the sommeliers are friendly, and as time passes, it becomes a cozy space. As someone with a preference for French cuisine, I had high expectations for the food, which may have caused me to be a bit critical. Overall, this place seems to cater to a niche market of wine enthusiasts who appreciate quality alcohol, good service, and beautiful glassware. I enjoyed the atmosphere and would love to visit again in the future.