L’effervescence (*) – Tokyo, Japan

The second restaurant on our trip was L’effervescence. This was a return visit after a great meal last year. Arriving at the restaurant, we were greeted by the hosts who kindly told us, “Welcome back. We have been expecting you.” We were seated at the same table as last year. Little touches that set the restaurant apart from others. For the meal, I opted to try the premium pairing while my dining companions went for wine by the glass. Everyone was in agreement for the truffle add on for the main course.

The meal was quite similar to what we had last year:

Welcome- omotenashi cocktail of shochu.
Vegetable crisps, tofu sour cream
Winter- shirako, surf clam, risotto, caviar
Genesis of civilization – potato focacia, sour dough
Ars longa, Vita brevis – 62 kinds of vegetables
Fixed point- Tokyo turnip
Tranquil depth – Whey marinated silver pomfret, nori, taro, lemon
Tapestry of life- Kyoto duck, beetroot, jus, black and white truffle
Duck thigh ravioli, sweet potato, consommé
Migration – selection of Japanese cheeses
Homage- chestnut, ginko nuts
Selection of mignardise
World peace
Japanese tea ceremony

This was another delightful meal at L’effervescence. The dishes were all very similar to our last meal, but some time that’s ok. I knew what to expect, and the restaurant delivered that and some more. Service was excellent throughout. My only complaint was they kept the room quite warm.

L’effervescence will not give you the best meal ever. What this restaurant would deliver, however, is a great sense of place unique to Tokyo.