Founded in 1973, L'ecrin in Ginza boasts a history of over half a century. I made a reservation for the dinner course "Menu L’écrin" (JPY 33,000) and visited the restaurant.The meal began with an amuse-bouche featuring smooth white mold cheese, followed by brioche topped with duck liver pâté, and a dish adorned with sweet shrimp on a perfectly baked crust. The early courses were light yet offered a delightful variety of aromas and textures. The chilled corn soup highlighted the natural sweetness of the ingredients, leaving a lasting impression due to its simplicity.The oysters from Akkeshi were served with lime jelly, caviar, and croutons, creating a harmonious blend of the oysters' rich umami with salty and acidic notes, along with a textural contrast. The aged white sea bream was beautifully crisp on the skin, reminiscent of matsukasa-yaki, and paired wonderfully with a rich American-style sauce. The following scallop mousse was generously topped with black truffle, allowing for an indulgent experience of rich aromas and flavors. It paired excellently with the Murceau wine served alongside.The highlight of the evening was the specialty dish, the pigeon wrapped in pastry. It was surprisingly tender with a pleasant chewiness, and the more you bit into it, the more umami was released. The robust red wine sauce, concentrated with the flavor of the pigeon, was exceptional, and when paired with the Vosne-Romanée, it created a moment of bliss that stood out as the highlight of the evening.While there was no cheese or dessert cart, the dessert course consisted of three beautifully crafted dishes, each providing a high level of satisfaction. I opted for the wine pairing with champagne (JPY 18,500), bringing the total to just under JPY 60,000 per person, including service charges. The quality of the dishes, the excellence of the pairings, the serene atmosphere, and the attentive service made for a fulfilling experience that justified the price.My companion ordered a non-alcoholic pairing, which was meticulously designed to complement the dishes. I had a taste, and it was one of the best non-alcoholic pairings I’ve encountered, allowing those who don’t drink to fully enjoy this course.While it’s not a price range for frequent visits, it’s a place I would love to return to for special occasions and milestones.It was a great meal.
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