Dinner at Restaurant Raffinage (レストラン ラフィナージュ)

Dinner at Restaurant Raffinage (レストラン ラフィナージュ)

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5 points: Exceeded expectations significantly.4 points: Exceeded expectations.3 points: Met expectations.2 points: Fell short of expectations.1 point: Fell significantly short of expectations.I compared the dinner and lunch menus and decided to visit for lunch, as it seemed more substantial for the price. Personally, I find that I am less drawn to the dishes after the main course in French cuisine, so I tend to choose lunch when possible.From the counter, I could see the kitchen, which was beautifully arranged. The chef, who was incredibly calm, prepared the dishes with care and kindly chatted with me in between.The Fromage Blanc with aromatic vegetables was delightful. The moment it entered my mouth, I was greeted by the vibrant aroma of fresh cheese. The fresh pepper added a nice kick that lingered on my tongue.Along with the corn soup that followed, I was pleasantly surprised to receive two additional amuse-bouches that were not listed on the menu. What a wonderful surprise!The bonito with beets had a thickness reminiscent of steak. It felt like a carpaccio or a marinated dish, but the presentation made it feel upscale. Beets are not commonly served in Japanese cuisine, so I found them refreshing. They were used in the sauce and as thinly sliced fritters.The sautéed foie gras with pistachio oil had a crispy surface. It was coated in flour and cooked to perfection with attentive care. The sauce was exquisite, though I couldn't quite identify the ingredients—just delicious. Perhaps it was the magic of the pistachio oil? When paired with the small figs from Kagawa Prefecture, known as Hazama Ichijiku, the foie gras truly stood out. It was incredibly tasty.The sautéed fish also had a wonderful sauce made from early-harvest grapes. It resembled beurre blanc, but perhaps due to the grapes, it had a gentle acidity.The duck paired beautifully with Burgundy wine. The peppery flavor harmonized well with the green pepper sauce. The richness of the duck meat melded perfectly with the full to medium-bodied wine.I’m not very familiar with French cuisine, but overall, I felt the flavors were calm and straightforward, without being overly complicated. The way the sauces were made was exactly to my liking.I would love to visit again when the opportunity arises.

9 / 10