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Bon Chemin is really a gem in Tokyo: fine meticulous French food, with a slight Japanese twist. I am actually not a big fan of Japanese-French fusion, but I think Bon Chemin managed to execute it perfectly. I came across this restaurant by casually browsing my slightly dated Tokyo Zagat book from 2008, and it was listed on the page with the heading "Highest Food Ratings" -- boasting a 27 in taste. To give this rating some context, Jean Georges scored 28 in 2007 and the French Laundry scored 29 in 2009 in 2009 (according to the other two Zagat books I have).
The head chef has worked in numerous Michelin starred restaurants before opening his own. The restaurant is small and cozy, and seats only 22 guests; but because of the limited number of diners, the head chef makes sure to come out and greet his patrons, and sometimes even explains his dishes briefly as they are ushered to the dining tables.
On to the meal (for two people):
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0678 (Small).JPG)
Chips with the wine. Crispy, thin and lightly-salted, butterflied with a leaf of parsley within.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0679 (Small).JPG)
A really cute gesture
Guest Cambium, thank you for coming to our restaurant despite the rain.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0680 (Small).JPG)
Amuse-bouche: raw anchovies. Artfully executed, bold flavours, perfect dish to begin a meal.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0682 (Small).JPG)
Bread and spread. This is possibly the most amazing spread I have ever had. Normally, spreads are made from some form of oil, be it olive oil, butter or lard, but Bon Chemin brought this to a new level: tuna with foie gras butter. It's like a luxurious tuna-salad sandwich. I had 3.5 of these containers because I was so blown away.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0685 (Small).JPG)
Another bread (Whole wheat! These are almost impossible to get in Tokyo)
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0687 (Small).JPG)
Gazpacho appetizer: very interesting dish, I am still unsure whether I liked it. Crab meat with tomato (didn't catch what the green stuff was when they explained the dish in fast Japanese and poor English
)![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0691 (Small).JPG)
Anago appetizer: this, on the other hand, is absolutely AMAZING. The beige pieces in the middle are yam, and the white surrounding is made from Japanese salt-water eel. It tastes amazing with the bitter-melon sauce on the side.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0694 (Small).JPG)
More bread and spread after the appetizer. I told you I loved it...
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0700 (Small).JPG)
Fish of the day from Tsukiji: sea bass. I love, love, love sea bash, especially in French cuisine. I was delighted to find out that it was the fish they were cooking for the seafood dish. The base is a rice risotto in a cheese sauce. Rice was slightly chewy, but the sauce was fabulous.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0702 (Small).JPG)
Entree: kobe beef (cheek meat). I know it doesn't look too appetizing, but the meat was perfectly cooked, and it literally melted in my mouth, without ever needing to chew. The pumpkin sauce (yellow thing) added great depth to the dish.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0714 (Small).JPG)
Entree: duck confit.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0717 (Small).JPG)
Interior decor. The air conditioner really ruins the painting
I'm going to crop it out later.![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0719 (Small).JPG)
Dessert: creme brulee. It's pretty good, but I've had better, and I am not that into desserts in general.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0723 (Small).JPG)
Dessert: Strawberry tarte.
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0731 (Small).JPG)
Coffee dessert: macaroons.
One complain I had with the restaurant was with its service. The server was too attentive and overly servile. To the point that I felt bad whenever he delivered me dishes or poured me water. Overall, an excellent meal.
I hope you enjoyed reading the blog
edit:
Also got a pair of jeans recently:
![[image loading]](http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20968/photos/2010.05.23/IMG_0675 (Small).JPG)
Selvage
