Applause! Applause!

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
October 12, 2014


One of the highlights of this trip was my special celebration at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi Hills.  The photos alone will explain why I specifically chose this Michelin-starred restaurant.

Celebrating at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi

It's a well known-fact that in Robuchon's restaurants, each dish is a work of art.

This restaurant location is larger than its Las Vegas counterpart. But the features and overall decor are the same: the open kitchen, the sushi-style counter, the bar stools, and of course, the distinctive black and red color scheme.

The dining set up is consistent with the restaurant's counterpart in Las Vegas.

Open kitchen and sushi-style counter, the signature set up of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

I consider myself extremely lucky to have met the Chef of the Century himself and experienced dining at his renowned restaurants at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (See my blog post "Posing for Posterity...in the Kitchen.")

My noteworthy moment with the Chef of the Century, Joel Robuchon, and Chef Claude Le Tohic.

I showed the staff server my photos with Joel Robuchon as a conversation starter. Next thing you know, an English-speaking service staff was assigned to attend to us. His name is Julien Defresne.

After some bantering, he asked "Who are you?"

"I'm nobody," I laughed. "I'm just a big fan of Joel Robuchon."

I explained that a previous job gave me the opportunity to meet the famed chef and discover his fine cuisine. Since I was marking a significant life event in Tokyo, I thought it fitting to have a birthday blowout at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

For every plate of the Menu Du Jour, Julien gave us a prelude and made us appreciate it even more.

1st course: Le Saumon Fume or smoked salmon frivolite served with lime cream

2nd course: Les Champignons or mushrooms hot custard with parsley coulis and prawn

The service here is just as remarkable. When I needed to step down from my tall bar stool and walk to the powder room, all I had to do was slightly turn my head. The hostess magically appeared behind me and helped me out of my chair. How did she know? How do they do that?

Alan's main course: La Canette or roasted duck with caramelized apple and eggplant

My main course: Breaded "Sawara" (the best kind of mackerel in Japan) with walnut and green mustard sauce.

Dessert:  Le Savarin or fig sponge cake served with green tea light cream

When making my table reservations online, I requested to meet the chef. But I was told that it might not be possible as he would be very busy. That was understandable so I took photos of him while I could.

Chef Kenichiro Sekiya interacting with diners next to us.

The open kitchen concept makes the dining experience here enjoyable. Alan and I watched the pastry chef meticulously decorate her dessert plates.

Then seemingly out of nowhere, and in true elegant Robuchon fashion, a heartwarming production took place. Servers from all directions softly sang happy birthday in chorus as they slowly brought an exquisite plate, lit with a birthday candle, to each celebrant.

My birthday at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi.

Just when I thought I was already showered with wonderful surprises, Julien amazed me with even more.  At the end of our meal, he presented an envelope containing our picture (he took a photo of Alan and me at our table earlier) along with a copy of the menu as a keepsake.

The Menu Du Jour at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Roppongi

 And before leaving L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant, guess who was at the door to send us off?

Posing with Julien Defresne and Chef Kenichiro Sekiya.

This story continued from Tokyo from the Top, High Tech Ramen, and Lucky Buddhas. This is part of my travel adventure series in Japan.

My Cup of Tea

I enjoy afternoon tea.  It’s very girly, I know.  But I find the overall experience and the whole ritual so appealing.  The dainty teacups and delectables, elegant surroundings, and relaxing ambience make one-on-one time with a friend so perfect.

I was first introduced to afternoon tea in the early '90s when I used to work at The Peninsula Manila.  Back then, afternoon tea was served at The Conservatory which was on the mezzanine level.  I vividly recall the violinist and flutist playing Canon in D by Pachelbel as I gently sank into my chair and succumbed to total relaxation. It was pure bliss!   Nowadays, they serve tea at The Lobby where people gather “to see and be seen.”

More recently, I've had some memorable and noteworthy tea times:

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria (a “must do” when in Victoria, Canada)

Hubby and I were in Victoria in 2009 when I decided to surprise my mother-in-law with this treat. For more than a century, the famous tea lobby of The Fairmont Empress hotel has been serving this grand tradition.  In years past, they even served royalty and celebrities.

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria
(a "must do" when in Victoria)

Experiencing the great tradition of afternoon tea
at Victoria's Fairmont Empress with mom-in-law Linda

They even give you a little history of how afternoon tea came about.

You can learn more here.  http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/dining/afternoontea/

Afternoon Tea at Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand

I just want to make it clear that I didn’t personally get the chance to partake in the beloved tea ritual here last October 2012.  However, I did have the great opportunity to witness the event which was part of the Food and Wine All-Star Weekend...and the privilege to meet the lovely Gail Simmons. I've always dreamed of experiencing Afternoon Tea at the prestigious Joël Robuchon restaurant. Imagine my delight when they announced this rare occasion.

Meeting Gail Simmons during Afternoon Tea at Joel Robuchon
Food and Wine All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas, October 2012 

Gail Simmons greeting guests at the Afternoon Tea event at Joel Robuchon
This is an awesome way to do tea!

With the famous Pastry Chef Kamel Guechida of Joel Robuchon

Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental with my bestie, Corinne (my BFF from 2^nd grade)

We went to the Tea Lounge in Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas last November 2012.  High up on the 23^rd floor, we had a panoramic view of Sin City.  In the distance, we could even see the Thunderbirds in flight during an air show for Veterans Day.  Then at sunset, we saw the Las Vegas Strip slowly come to life with the city lights and neons gradually turning on.

We chose to have one of the blossoming teas while taking in the view of the Las Vegas Strip.

Catching up over tea with my bestie at the Tea Lounge in Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

Afternoon tea was even more fun with Corinne, my BFF from second grade!

The scrumptious goodies that came with our classic afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

It makes me sad that The Ritz Carlton in Lake Las Vegas no longer exists.  I used to go there for afternoon tea with my good friend Suzanne. It was one of my favorite venues. Even the little tea place inside the Antique Mall is now long gone.  Over there, they served meringues at the end of the tea service. The other place I used to frequent with my dear pal Sandi is the Verandah at the Four Seasons.  

There are a few other tea places in town that I still need to try like Petrossian Bar at Bellagio or English's at Town Square.  I'll soon be calling on some F.O.D. (Friends of Donna).  I'd like each of them to spend a delightful afternoon with me. We'll engage in tête-à-tête while sipping on Earl Grey and having a bite of heavenly petit fours or yummy scones. It's just my cup of tea.

Posing for Posterity...in the Kitchen

Working on a photo shoot, I had the chance to rub elbows with some celebrity chefs! This was in September 2008.

Tom Colicchio - The famed Top Chef
Location: Craft in Los Angeles, CA


The contemporary looking restaurant was just clearing up after the lunch hour when we arrived. Tom graciously welcomed us. We took a quick site inspection in his immaculately clean kitchen to pick our photo shoot location. After a few discussions, it was on with the show. I think he was more amused with how we tried to elicit fun and smiles for the shot. But our antics worked and we got the shot that we wanted in no time!



Wolfgang Puck - everybody loves this guy!
Location: Spago in Beverly Hills, CA


We arrived at around 2:30 pm and the place was still packed and the kitchen was still buzzing! We had to make do with the little time...and the limited space...we had for the photograph. But wow, what a blast! He's such a ham! He knew exactly what he needed to do in front of the camera. He held out a small pan with pasta, drizzled it with olive oil, sprinkled it with some parmesan cheese, smiled and posed for the shot and then chucked the rest of the parmesan cheese at the photographer -- just for kicks!



Joel Robuchon - Chef of the Century
Location: Joel Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand in Las Vegas


This world-renowned and multi-awarded chef is soft spoken yet he quickly livened up in front of the camera. (I'm such a fan that I get thrilled when he gives me the typical European 3x buss on the cheek. I have studied Beginner's French twice yet I was at a loss for French words in his presence.) Everything in his kitchen is like a work of art -- just like his culinary craft.