Armani and Beige Tokyo
Author: Gundega Skudriņa0 COMMENTS
Armani Restaurant
Foodie capital is the Michelin guide's bestowed title to Tokyo. Even Paris cannot measure up to multitude of starred gourmet restaurants, sited in the Japan's metropolis! And no wonder - flooded with high fashion brands, Tokyo is now occupied by fashion grandmasters themselves, opening their cafes, bars and restaurants there. Armani is one of them. The Italian fashion icon has opened his restaurant on the 10th floor of Armani Ginza Tower, featuring an impressive panoramic view of Tokyo. Although, ten floors for a skyscraper city is hardly any height at all...
Its décor gleams in gold, yet never gets obtrusive. Translucent golden walls, a contemporary minimalism, a fusion style cuisine and almost no trace of East at all. It could be located in Paris, London or any other metropolis, for that matter, as even waiters are from France there. Ginza Tower 10th floor is worth a visit mostly for its menu, selected by Giorgio Armani himself, contributing to an undeniable charm of this place. Its light and bubbling ambiance comes together with a swift and friendly service. Even more, a waiter gladly shares his experience, suggesting the best Tokyo night-clubs and bars.
Diner costs about 100 euro.
Armani/Ginza Tower
5-5-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104-0061
Phone: +81-3-6274-7005
www.armaniginzatower.com
Beige Tokyo
Alain Ducasse's chic cuisine within the Chanel Ginza Building. Beige Tokyo is the first fashion brand restaurant in Tokyo and the only Chanel's non-fashion venue in the world, therefore being a good reason to visit it.
Yet, if only you do not suffer from a brand-mania, Beige Tokyo can hardly be named among the most charming dining spots in the city, despite of its menu, created by the famous culinary master. Though a fusion style cuisine is impeccable - everything is fresh and delicious. Its décor features a pleasant beige palette with no shocking extravaganzas. Soft sofas, a modest minimalism and a stunning Tokyo panorama, opening up from the top floor of the Chanel Building. Even a ladies' room welcomes you with Chanel No. 5.
Yet, a total knock-out is a restaurant's atmosphere, and not in the best sense of this word. Snobbism seams reaching its peak there. Elegantly attired public sits stiff, not even affording to breathe freely. A woman at the next table daintily cuts a tiny bit of meat for ten minutes already, and you almost feel like asking - Can I help you? Chanel purses proudly displayed on almost every table - for everyone to see, so to say...According to a waiter, only the most well-to-do Japanese can afford to have a meal there, and it's an event to remember and to talk about for the next five years, at least.
Unfortunately, even a choice of a dessert may turn out to be a letdown - if only you are not an ultimate sweet-tooth. A special Chanel chocolate fondue-type dessert is covered with a thin golden leaf. Well, if it's a real gold - why not to try it! The golden surprise, however, turns out to be so sweet that no coffee or wine can possibly wash its taste away. Even much praised Alain Ducasse macaroni, given in a little box upon departure, cannot improve the impression.
Reckon no less then 500 dollars for a dinner there.
Chanel Ginza Building 10F
3-5-3 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5159-5500
E-mail: info@beige.co.jp
www.beige-tokyo.com