I’d walked by this attractive looking restaurant facade about 500 times over a several year period before I finally decided to dine there. Can’t really explain the delay but I guess the place just looked a little too posh for a ‘drop in’ dressed in casual gear on her way to the shops.
It is a small but pleasant space, if a little cold in atmosphere for the middle of the day.. I’d suggest it is a better evening spot and am imagining warmth induced by candles/small lanterns… Having said that – we were the only patrons for lunch on the day we visited and I’m sure it would feel less austere with the neighbouring tables filled.
The service was attentive and the food very good. The menu is French with Japanese hints.
Mechant Loup, meaning the rascally/ mischivous wolf is the nickname of the chef/owner – a friendly young fellow who came out to see if we enjoyed our meal and to wave us goodbye. He seemed far less than rascally – sweet, and handsome too – not that I noticed.
These tiny Brioche with Munster cheese were an excellent entry into the meal. ‘Pop it in your mouth all at once’ our waitress said. I ignored her, fearful of ending up with a mouthful of molten cheese, and ended up with liquid cheese spurted down my cleavage. Should have listened… naturally the tastettes were the PERFECT temperature.
The bread and wine (available by the glass) were excellent – always a good display of things to come.
The Spring onion blancmange, uni, beef consomme jelly, okra, baby corn, shiso was possibly my dish of the day.. although it was tough to choose when asked.
My fellow diners were more fans of the Shellfish, peas, scallop foam, pea skin sorbet – indeed an elegant dish
Sea Bass, 3 kinds of carrot, turmeric, orange, Omar shrimp sauce
Quail stuffed with pork mince, spring potatoes, cabbage, asparagus, Madeira sauce (with a hint of chocolate) – a most satisfying dish
A pre-dessert – inspired by the cocktail Salty Dog (vodka, grapefruit,salt)
Strawberries in various guises, kirsch ice cream, pistachio and vanilla puree, meringue, white chocolate, crumble – Although it looks a little more structured than it possibly needed to be it tasted FAB!
And alongside some very respectable coffee this delightful platter was served. Financiers warm from the oven, matcha macarons with warm franjipane filling, fresh, sweet Dekapon citrus, cape gooseberries.
All this for around $60 AUD. Good value for those living outside Japan – but a little above average prices for Kyoto. Charming.
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