Bills (Again): Yokohama

What better way to celebrate Culture Day in Japan than to visit one of my most loved Sydney chef's restaurant, Bills. This time in Yokohama. Surprisingly, many other people in Yokohama seemed to have the same idea! After a 45 minute wait we were taken to our seat amongst the young couples, puppies, and families on the terrace of the Red Brick Warehouse.

This is now my third visit to Bills in Japan (the first two were to his original restaurant in Shichirigahama) and whilst the food was still delicious, the surroundings lacked some of the charm of sitting on the balcony above the Japanese sea side. I resisted ordering the same things as before, and opted for the potato and feta fritters with cucumber and dill which was crunchy, fresh and delicious. The wagyu burger, although on the small side (I swear this was bigger two years ago?), was juicy and nicely finished with home-made zucchini pickles. And of course, I couldn't leave without the classic Bills ricotta hotcakes. Caramel, banana, ricotta, yum.   

A definite positive of Bills in Yokohama is it's easy access from Tokyo. You can take the Tokyu Toyoko line directly from Shibuya to Minato Mirai, which is a five minute walk form the Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga). Whilst in Minato Mirai, why not check out the art gallery and take a stroll along the water. It's without doubt a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

What's in a French Name? Hong Kong Dim Sum: Le Parc Ebisu

Whilst the French name and kitsch French decor may remind you of a bad bistro, don't be fooled by this restaurant's exterior. Le Parc does some of the best dim sum (or yum cha for my Australian friends) in Tokyo. Personally, I am a huge fan of Din Tai Fung but have been disappointed by it's offerings here in Shinjuku, thus I continue on my hunt for weekend dim sum.

Le Parc isn't anything to scream about, but the prawn dumplings, crispy spring rolls, xaio long bao and spinach with garlic were all very satisfying, and being an easy five minute walk from Ebisu station, there is nothing to stop you enjoying some dim sum delights.

Next stop is the Grand Hyatt's all you can eat China Room dumplings. Will report back shortly.

Map!

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Ahiru Store - A Cosy Wine Bar in Shibuya

On entering this mini wine bar on a street behind Kamiyamacho, you are met with patrons standing at wine barrels, chatting happily whilst sipping wine, and waiting for a counter seat to open.

Luckily enough it only took one glass of wine before we could get a seat overlooking the kitchen complete with large bread oven, pate's cooling on the stove top, and our host carving up cured meats and cheese in front of us.

Don't bother asking for a wine menu; the selection of wine's are lined up along the back window of the store. If you are unsure what to choose, the friendly store owner will happily assist you in selecting the right wine for your taste. And despite initially picking a wine a little too sweet for my liking, he was quick to offer up a dryer option. Whilst the wine and setting are lovely, the home-made French-esque food is tres delicious. Our pork rillette came with a selection of breads made in house, one filled with apricot which acted as a nice compliment to the pork. The salad was crunchy and delicious, and the selection of cheeses varied, fresh and the perfect end to the meal.

Wine bar's seeming to be popping up all over the backstreets of Shibuya and Tomigaya, but this is one of the best I've tried, and is the perfect place to start a Saturday night, or wind down after a long days work.

Ahiru Store can be easily accessed from Shibuya or Yoyogi-koen stations. Just follow Kamiyama-cho until you see a Seven Eleven, turn the corner and the little wine bar it sitting just behind. See map below.


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Sunday Wanderings in Daikanyama - Eataly Deli and Surroundings

Daikanyama is a small, trendy neighbourhood tucked between Shibuya and Naka-meguro. On a lazy Sunday, with a hankering for pizza and cured meats, I headed to Eataly for some fresh pasta, pizza, cheese and prosciutto (yes we went a little crazy). Eataly is a casual restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh and imported goods. And if you like what you're eating, just head to the nearest shelf in the deli to find endless varieties of olive oils, wines, pastas, meats, and any Italian staple imaginable.

As the perfect cure to our overly full bellies, we wandered from Daikanyama towards Shibuya passing boutique stores including Dita Eyewear, A.P.C clothing and Kitsune records, and spotted some little cafe's I can't wait to go back and try.

All in all, a very nice way to end a weekend in Tokyo.

Along with the plate of cured meats and pizza we had pesto pasta and a cheese plate. Such piggies

This was an organic cafe we stopped by which looked beautiful. I think it's name is Yemen Cafe

Boutique stores to explore

Eataly is easily accessed from Daikanyama Station


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The Real Crepe Deal - Cafe-Creperie Le Bretagne

Tokyo's crepe scene, particularly for those who frequent Harajuku, consists predominantly of street side crepe stands, surrounded by bright plastic models, selling young girls endless variations of creamy goodness. Whilst the crepe connoisseur may gasp at such a display, fear not, as around the corner in Omotesando is what claims to be Japan's first official Creperie, Cafe-Creperie Le Bretagne, serving authentic French-style crepes.

Approaching the cafe, I was greeted with a 'bonjour' from the Japanese waiter. The cafe is decorated with traditional ceramic plates and paintings from Bretagne, which set the scene for our French lunch in Tokyo. This is complemented by the head waiter, who willingly discussed with us the methods they used to make the crepes, as well as the amazing home-made ice-cream. 

The menu is packed full of both savory and sweet crepes, from the simple cheese, ham and egg, to smoked salmon, grilled vegetables and anchovies. The savory crepes, with its sides carefully folded in the shape of a square, are crisp and delicious on the outside, and meltingly good on the inside. The sweet crepes tell a different story. Filled with stewed fruits, chocolate, or simply maple syrup, and topped with a slightly sour ice cream, made from butter milk imported from France. The side dishes, such as salads and soup, are also fresh and tasty. This is all washed down with some sweet and bubbly cider. 

Le Bretagne's website explains how the crepes are made specifically in the Bretagne style with the finest buckwheat flour and ingredients. A perfect lunch spot for those around Omotosando, this is well worth a visit.

Sparkling cider served in little cups

These waiter's spoke to me in French, I was too flattered to mention I didn't speak a word of it

Simple crepe with maple butter - yum

Classic mushroom, cheese, ham and tomato crepe with scrambled eggs

This one had Gruyere cheese and chili on top! 

The creperie can be accessed from Omotesando station.

Details are here.