| Bar Review |
By Melissa Feineman
|
Cabaret
This gem of a bar rolls out the red carpet in Ginza
 |
| Photos courtesy of Zetton |
Every once in a while, it’s nice to be treated like a rock star. The spectacular standard of service at most Tokyo bars and restaurants is enough to make you feel like at least a B-list celeb, but it’s unusual to find a place that makes you feel like you deserve your own entourage and a posse of paparazzi. That is, until you step onto the red carpet at Cabaret in Ginza.
Our first observation when we stopped by on a Thursday night was that the serious and efficient staff had adorned their well-sculpted hairstyles with earpieces worthy of the Secret Service. At last, someone who understands that delivering a drink order can and should take on a degree of importance on par with protecting a head of state.
As a dapper young gent escorted us into the labyrinthine depths of the building, we found ourselves ensconced in dark red velvet curtains and carpeting. We were awash in a world of crimson-hued walls and furnishings, but the revolving disco balls ensured that everything had a splash of sparkle.
 |
If you are extra lucky (or know how to work your magic with Mr. Earpiece), you will be seated in one of the seriously swanky and damn sexy semi-private booths. If you’re on the lookout for a location for that illicit tryst, this is the place.
Cabaret’s drink menu includes a selection of standard cocktails (from ¥840), with a few surprises thrown in. If you prefer, there are several types of foreign and domestic beers, including Guinness (¥700), Corona (¥700) and Ebisu (¥700).
Cabaret is the type of place that is used to accommodate the whims of its diva-licious customers, so the bartender was unfazed when we asked him to whip up a couple of drinks off the cuff. A watermelon-flavored liqueur on the shelf caught our eye, and he suggested mixing it with pineapple juice. This tart and fruity concoction went down a treat.
We also noticed that Cabaret had a delightful list of virgin cocktails for drivers, but since our limo was waiting, we opted to have an apple Bellini. The bubbly’s bite overpowered the subtle apple notes, so next time we’ll stick with the classic Bellini (¥940).
 |
The food menu offers tempting treats of a decidedly different bent, with options as varied as burdock and mochi pizza (¥810) and Thai curry spring rolls (¥600).
What really caught our attention, however, were the decadent desserts: matcha pavlova (¥550), Oreo cheesecake (¥600) and a seasonal fruit selection (from ¥1,200). Although cheesecake and booze may seem an unusual combination, this rich and creamy delight is not to be missed.
With its Latin house soundtrack and crowd of young Ginza hipsters, Cabaret is our pick for the place to get glam.
B1 5-14-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5148-3600. Open Mon-Sat 8pm-5am. Nearest stn: Higashi-Ginza. www.zetton.co.jp
|
Have you heard? Monday, August 4 is Beer Hall Day at The Dubliners’ Irish Pub. What is Beer Hall Day, you might ask? For one day only, pints of draft beer will be sold for just ¥500. At which branch? All six of ’em! And if you can’t wait until then, stop by any of the locations (in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akasaka, Shinagawa, Toranomon or Ikebukuro) between July 28 and August 3, and for every pint you drink, receive a ¥100 discount ticket redeemable on or after August 5.
It’s easy to grow tired of visiting the same Roppongi watering holes week after week. Opened last month, Zero Bar (1F Roppongi 410 Bldg, 4-10-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 03-5775-0100; www.zerobar.jp) promises something fresh—and refreshing. This new champagne bar just steps from the Tokyo Midtown complex offers a selection of over 100 bottles of bubby and wine. The small-ish space is dimly lit, with a wood counter and comfy low-back bar stools and the drinks illuminated under red lights. To find it, look for the number “0” in the bar’s ground-level window.
Up for some live jazz, pops, bossa nova, samba or chanson from leading Japanese musicians? At Boston Dreams (B1 Roppongi Five Bldg, 5-18-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 03-3583-3988), just off Gaien-Higashi Dori, you can enjoy three sets of live music (7:40-11pm) six days a week. Stop by during happy hour (5:30-7:30pm) and pay ¥1,000 for two drinks and popcorn, with additional drinks just ¥500. Entry starts at just ¥3,000, but mention Metropolis and get in for half-price. BJM
|
Got something to say about this article? Send a letter to the editor at letters@metropolis.co.jp.
Listen to the Metropolis Podcast, the coolest guide to what goes on this week in Tokyo.
Looking for international friends? Check Japan, Inc. Friends now - it's 100% free!
|
