Grill Ukai グリルうかい 丸の内店 @ Marunouchi, Tokyo

Akaushi Beef, Kuroge Wagyu and US beef

 Now this is an interesting place which may be for interest to you. My family and I came across this restaurant while we were checking out the building and we noticed the brand name, Ukai, which is a very reputable and somewhat powerful name in the Tokyo restaurant scene. We looked at the prices and the items that we would get and figured "ok, why not, this seems reasonably priced and we'll get a good meal". We made a reservation and this dinner turned out to be a great change of pace from the number of sushi meals we've been having and not to mention, a rather satisfying one too. This is the first time we patronized a Japanese grill restaurant (not to be mistaken as Teppanyaki) so we went in with our eyes wide open.

Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai とうふ屋うかい @ Akabanebashi (near Tokyo Tower), Tokyo

Let's be honest here, why oh why would I travel hours to Tokyo and eat tofu as one of my meals when there are so many other more appetizing cuisines out there? That was my initial reaction when my father told me that he and my mum really wanted to try this restaurant. It was quite a miracle that I managed to make a lunch reservation just a day before our chosen date because the concierge told me that Tofuya Ukai is very popular restaurant. Immediately, my eyes widened and I figured "all right, I suppose there's more to tofu cuisine in Japan than my narrow minded view". We took a taxi to the restaurant and to our amazement, the restaurant was located inside a huge garden. We had to walk through a path to reach the restaurant. I have to admit, that short walk was extremely peaceful and really set our mind at ease for a delicious meal ahead. We were given a private room with a great view of the garden which really made us feel relaxed and yet excited for what's to come. Low and behold, the meal started:

Sushi Sho Masa すし匠まさ @ Roppongi, Tokyo (2nd Visit)

Ever wanted to go to a fun sushi restaurant where you get to try a wide variety of small dishes, sushi and get fed A LOT? This is the place for you! I ate 59 items in Sushi Sho Masa and boy was it one of the most satisfying dinners any sushi lover can ever want. This is my second visit here and while there were items which I recognized from my first visit, there were quite a few new surprises, some of which were mind blowing good.  Now you must be wondering how on earth did I manage to stomach 59 items? I'll show you:

Sushi Ya すし家 @ Ginza, Tokyo [Before Chef Ishiyama left]

For those of you who know about Sushi Ya or have at least read up about him, you'd probably know by now that he has closed his restaurant in that small narrow lane in Ginza. However, don't be saddened, he will be back! During my second visit to Sushi Ya back in February 2018, he told me that he will not only be relocating but will be changing his restaurant name as well. It was not confirmed at that time but he did say that chances are it'll be along the lines of Sushi Ishiyama (since that's his name). Anyway, I came here with my parents during lunch time and to our pleasant surprise, he recognized us and recommended the dinner course to us because he remembered that we remarked how good his small dishes looked during our first visit there. Here are the pictures of our dinner course served to us during lunch time:

Dominique Ansel Bakery @ Omotesanda / Harajuku, Tokyo

This review is regarding the 2nd floor cafe in Dominique Ansel Bakery located at the street directly behind Tokyo Union Church in Omotesando / Harajuku. If you're a sweets person, I'd highly recommend the 1st floor dining area where you can eat a variety of cakes, smores and pastries. If you're a savory person, then head up to the 2nd floor and try the Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the Lobster Roll which I personally feel is much better than those in Luke's Lobster (also located nearby). Lets have a look at the pictures shall we:

Rigoletto Bar & Grill @ Roppongi Hills Building, Tokyo (3rd visit)

Ever walked around Roppongi Hills not knowing what to eat and at the same time not exactly craving any Japanese food? You may want to consider Rigoletto Bar & Grill. Located on the 5th floor of Roppongi Hills Building itself, this restaurant has a wide variety of the things available on the menu, ranging from Tapas to Pasta and even burgers. What I love about this restaurant is that even though restaurants in Japan generally only serve a limited set lunch menu, Rigoletto's lunch menu variety is still quite a lot as compared to many places that I know of. Anyway, this is my third visit here and for whatever reason, I really love the burgers here.

Sushi Taro すし 太郎 @ Takamiya, Fukuoka

Sushi Taro is a 1 Michelin starred sushi ya located right smack between Gion and Gofukumachi train stations.  Priced reasonably, the chef serves quite mixture of small dishes and nigiri sushi. It is known that Hakata sushi is extremely different from Edomae sushi. Instead of merely using shoyu, Hakata sushi tends to deviate by using a mix of sauces, marinades and toppings, and just like the other Sushi Yas that I blogged about in Fukuoka, Sushi Taro did just that when I dined here in September 2017, although in a more discrete manner (like putting spices between the fish and rice so that it can't be seen).

Café Aaliya @ Shinjuku Sanchome, Tokyo

Cafe Aaliya is a small restaurant that serves only french toast. It is located next to a relatively big JTB Travel shop somewhere across the road from Isetan Department shop. Now before I receive heat from people, the french toast that you find in Japan is very different from the french toast that you get from say France. Frankly, I don't really care as long as it tastes good to me.

Quintessence カンテサンス @ Shinagawa, Tokyo

This restaurant needs no introduction. This is my first visit to Quintessence during my recent holiday in Tokyo and wow, just simply wow, it was a big eye opener for me in Japanese-French cuisine. I have to admit that I seldom eat french food and was somewhat worried that I wouldn't be able to appreciate the creativity and mix of ingredients served at Quintessence. But I figured, what the heck, this is one of those restaurants where "you must go" according to so many people. And yes I have to say, this was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had.