WORD of MOUTH What' new in Tokyo's
dining scene
compiled by Maki
Nibayashi
Tokyo Dome Hotel
To celebrate their one-year
anniversary, Tokyo Dome Hotel will present a smorgasbord of special menus throughout their
restaurants. At Brasserie Lala China, for instance, exquisite Chinese cuisine is mixed
with Japanese, French, Italian and other ethnic flavors. The entrance resembles a gate on
the Silk Road castle wall, with an open kitchen and a dynamic seven-meter-high window. A
special lunch set for JY2000, including a dim sum and dessert buffet with one main dish,
will be offered until the end of August. Choose from over 25 different dim sum dishes and
desserts. A great way to have dinner after an exciting baseball game at the Dome. Open: Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm; tea time 2:30-5:00pm; dinner 5:00-11:00pm. 1-3-61
Koraku, Bunkyo-ku. Tel: 03-5805-2233. Nearest stn: Korakuken or JR Suidobashi.
CafELa Boheme, Ebisu
Another addition to the ever-popular La Boheme group has opened. Serving mainly pasta and
authentic Italian dishes using the freshest ingredients, La Boheme offers what is called
"Fresh Italian Flavors in Japan." The interior is reminiscent of a medieval
castle and has a private room for groups up to ten people. Open: Lunch 11:30am-3pm; dinner 5pm-5am. B1F, Hagiwara Bldg, 1-3-1 Hiroo,
Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5475-5800. Nearest stn: JR/subway Ebisu.
Le Salon de Nina's
The popular teahouse Betjeman and Barton, established in France in 1919, is famous for its
floral and fruit teas of all kinds. Now you can get a taste of these delicious and
aromatic tea leaves in Tokyo. Assorted leaves, from your regular blend of fruit and herbs
to a mix of Chinese and Japanese, will make going back to Le Salon de Nina's a tantalizing
treat every time. Buy some to go or relax in the tearoom. Their afternoon tea set includes
finger food, cakes, tarts and your choice of tea for JY1600. Open 11am-9pm. 2-3-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3476-5310. Nearest stn:
Shibuya.
