タケマシュラン
Located near the center of Shin-Tomi-cho, Takara-cho, and Hatchobori stations is "Plenitude." Chef Kazuyuki Imada is originally from Okayama Prefecture. He honed his skills in Lyon, France, and upon returning to Japan, he became the head chef at "Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais" in Kagurazaka, earning a Michelin 1-star rating. The restaurant opened in December 2016 and was also featured in the Gault et Millau guide. The interior of the restaurant has several table seats and two private rooms, totaling around 20 seats, creating a cozy atmosphere. The walls are adorned with Chagall paintings collected by the chef's in-laws, adding a generous touch to the decor. The presentation plates also feature Chagall designs. The wine selection mostly consists of bottles priced around 10,000 yen, primarily French wines. Glass wines are reasonably priced starting at around 1,500 yen, and they also offer a variety of beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
The meal starts with a vegetable terrine, visually appealing and made with pesticide-free vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious appetizer. The homemade beet mayonnaise adds a tangy flavor, complemented by the umami and bitterness of the firefly squid. The bread, made by the chef's friend from Éclat des Jours, is rich in wheat flavor, rustic, and has a distinct presence, reminiscent of French bread. The fish dish is sea bream, with a crispy and fragrant skin contrasting with the mild and flavorful flesh, served with a delicious risotto cooked in the fish broth. The meat dish is roast beef, with a light and delicate flavor that pairs well with sparkling wine or white wine. The thinly sliced pieces are presented in three servings, and while the presentation is reminiscent of ham, some may prefer a more substantial chunk of meat.
The dessert is themed around cherry blossoms, with a delightful combination of white chocolate and cherry blossom blancmange. The sweetness is subtle and approachable, making it easy to enjoy, and one might even want to eat a bucketful with a spoon. The meal concludes with small sweets and tea. The canelé is exceptionally well-made, of such quality that one could open a specialty store dedicated to it. With the course priced at 4,300 yen and enjoying some wine, the total bill per person is around 7,000-8,000 yen. Considering the number of dishes and the quality, this is a great value. It is undoubtedly authentic French cuisine, and I look forward to returning for dinner to try their most indulgent course.