I came back to Japan last Friday. It was my first trip back since 3.11 earthquake.
The next day, my family went to our regular local spot, RPR in Urawa, for dinner. Their sous-chef (yes, the sous-chef!) recently won the Auguste Escoffier Competition grand prix (held in Brussels, Belgium in last February), we went to try his special dinner course, including the award-winning dishes.
Amuse-bouche
Marine de Isaki et rillettes de Ayu
Creme d'asperge blanche aux orange et franc de consome
Tunnel de sole farci aux crevettes en croute de feuilletage compagnement sa sauce
Entoure de coeur de veau avec la de volaille aux truffles
Beautifully done. These dishes were quite classic style (old school) fine French, while the chef used some Japanese ingredients.
Wines tasted special, too. 1995 Christophe Mignon, Champagne Brut Nature...only 2000 cases are made. Single vineyard biodinamic. Mostly Pinot Meunier. Honey, minerals, apple in the nose. Smooth mousse. Long finish. 2004 Chateau Sociando-Mallet (Saint-Julien). Tannins were soft with dark berries and earthy characters.
Great time.
