Posts Tagged ‘brasserie’

Aux Bacchanales Brasserie – Tokyo

Tuesday, April 15th, 2008

Tel. 03-5276-3422
Street level New Otani Hotel

http://www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/restaurant/auxbacc/index.html

Facade in Sakura Season Zinc BarThis venerable French Brasserie is a Tokyo institution and I have patronized it for many years going back to when it was located in Harajuku to its present location in Akasaka and overall I like it and keep coming back for more. In all good faith, I must mention straight away that although I enjoy the place for its attempt at replicating a true French brasserie, it does not have brasserie prices.
Granted, its prime location must command a huge annual lease fee and this is Tokyo, although I must caution if you have dinner at the restaurant at night it is exceedingly difficult to spend less than ¥15,000 – ¥20,000 per person and this is a brasserie not a top restaurant. The other small quibble I have is the wine list, which is very brief and outrageously priced and the house wine is so mediocre that you are almost forced to order a bottle; this makes it difficult for a person say, to have a glass of white wine with one course and maybe another glass or bottle with the second course. If however, you drink beer (they have an large selection) and sit in the cafe section you will find this an enjoyable experience and prices will not be too dear.

It is a bar, cafe, and restaurant, and as such, they have designated different menus for each category. It has an outdoor terrace that has a lot of action during the afternoon and early evening.
The style and decor is strictly French Brasserie with many different beers on tap. Generally, as it is a brasserie, the establishment serves throughout the day until closing without a break between lunch and dinner. Aux Bacchanales serves up the expected brasserie fare such as:

Les Entrées

Rillettes de porc 1260
Terrine de foie gras 2520
Saumon mariné 1800
Escargots à la bourguignone 1900
Moules marínières 1600
Asperges Blanches sauce Hollandaise 3200
Soupe à l’oignon 1250
Soupe de poisson 1600

Les Poissons

Homard grillé (demi) 3600
St. Jacques grillée sauce tapenade 2600
Daurade grillée sauce beurre blanc 2700

Les Viandes

Steak tartare 1980
Confit de canard 2470
Choucroute garnie 2600
Cous Cous d’agneau avec merguez 2730