Tokyo, September 2017 – This year, I chose to celebrate my birthday at L’Effervescence (#12 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, 2 Michelin stars) with Chef du Cuisine, Shinobu Namae at the helm. This discrete establishment is located off the side streets near Roppongi. The menu’s theme was “Terroir – Where the ocean meets the land” –…
Category: Japan
SteakHouse Hama
Tokyo, June 2016 – Our trip to Tokyo would be incomplete without a meal at a Japanese steak house. Instead of our usual haunts (Morimoto XEX or Seryna), Mr. King and I decided to take our hotel concierge’s suggestion to try the 40-year old Steakhouse Hama in Roppongi. This was one of our great finds…
Imahan Sukiyaki
Tokyo, June 2016 – Ningyocho Imahan Ginza (“Imahan”) is my all-time-favorite sukiyaki restaurant in Tokyo. Over the past decade or so, Mr. King and I have visited Imahan on every trip. Imahan specializes in wagyu beef, and is traditional, rustic and decadent, all in one. The branch I like most is located on the fifth…
Ume No Hana
Tokyo, June 2016 – Mr. King and I made it a point to squeeze in an omakase dinner featuring yuba (湯葉) or tofu/bean curd skin. Yuba is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, but a yuba course meal is only found in traditional Japanese restaurants or temples. Ume no Hana is one of the most famous yuba…
Narisawa‘s Satoyama Cuisine
Tokyo, June 2016 – The culinary philosophy of 2-Michelin star Narisawa (#8 -World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016 & #2 – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016) is based on the lifestyle known as Satoyama. “Responding to the four seasons, the severe changes between them, understanding this environment, and living our lives taking only the most necessary…
Tempura Kondo
Tokyo, June 2016 – “If Tempura Kondo is good enough for Prime Minister Abe, it is good enough me!” – joked Mr. King. It was rumored the 2-Michelin star Tempura Kondo was in fact, Abe’s first choice restaurant for hosting American President Obama on his visit to Tokyo. We were curious and luckily got a…
Mrs. King Dreams of Jiro Sushi
Tokyo, June 2016 – I finally made it to the most famous sushi restaurant in the world – Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza. It was an experience of a lifetime: 1) Jiro’s omakase was exquisite, 2) Watching the masterful Chef Jiro Ono craft each sushi was a graceful performance in itself, 3) A privilege to eat sushi…
Nihonyori RyuGin
Tokyo, June 2010 – By chance and perseverance, we were able to get a last minute reservation at Nihonyori RyuGin. We felt extremely fortunate – since it was one of the most unforgettable meals in Tokyo for us. When we visited RyuGin, it was ranked #48 in World’s Best Restaurants list 2010 – no small feat. Opened…
Mrs. King LIFESTYLE 