Ginza and Amazing Dining Experience at Beige Alain Ducasse Tokyo

If you’ve ever been to Tokyo, you already know how amazing the city is! It is one of my favorite places to visit in Asia and my third trip there was just as incredible as my first. The capital of Japan is one of the largest and busiest metropolitans in the world. It’s filled with history everywhere you turn given it’s about 400 years old. From its numerous skyscrapers to countless underground shopping malls, it’s a favorite destination for tourists. Besides the beauty that the city offers, one of my favorite things about Tokyo is that it’s one of the safest cities to visit, making it even more appealing to wanderlust travelers.

For my latest trip to this wonderful city, I flew to Tokyo right after my birthday celebration in Orange County. I was happy to discover a new hotel along the breathtaking Tokyo bay area with commanding views of the harbor. But I was even more thrilled when I learned that our hotel was just minutes away from Ginza, which happens to be my favorite district and one of the most interesting places in Tokyo. Ginza was established in the 17th century and has an array of modern commercial complexes, high-end boutiques, exclusive restaurants, bars and art galleries. Ginza Six, which is the new addition to the area, had just opened in April last year and has about 241 stores, including flagship facilities for Fendi, Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and Van Cleef & Arpels.

 

The highlight of my Tokyo trip was the opportunity to dine and celebrate my birthday (again) with my girlfriends at my favorite restaurant called Beige by Alain Ducasse. I’ve been fortunate to do this for the second year in a row! And we were just in time because the very next day it was scheduled to close for renovations.

Alain Duccasse – one of the world’s most decorated Michelin Star Chefs – opened Beige in collaboration with the iconic fashion brand Chanel. It’s famous for using the finest Japanese ingredients and creating delicious French cuisine since it opened in 2004 and was awarded two-Michelin-stars in 2016. Beige is located on the top floor of the Chanel Building in Ginza.

As we entered the restaurant, Mr. Lionel Lavernhe, who’s the Director, greeted us with warmth and led us to a nice semi-private table which overlooked the fabulous upscale shopping area of Ginza. The very first thing that you feel when entering the restaurant is the solace and calming vibes, which are displayed through the very modern and sophisticated interior décor. Mr. Lavernhe opened some welcome champagne for us and took most of our group photos. He clearly explained in great detail the special menu that day, which was derived from  Le Jules Verne  in Paris. Of course I had to order it!

 

The Jules Verne Menu consists of 4 courses, which features all my favorite dishes, such as Lucullus-style duck foie gras, Parisian Brioche, Steamed sea bass, Friandises et gourmandises (which means assorted sweets and delicacies) and the famous ” Crispy Tower Nut”.  The food was absolutely delicious and to die for!

 

Aside from the scrumptious food and impeccable service, I was amazed by the décor of the restaurant. While walking from the lounge or bar area on your way to the dining hall, you can see the large floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the natural sunlight to enter the interior and make the view very bright and calming. The elegant interior décor was designed by the famous designer, Peter Marino, who is in charge of designing Chanel boutiques globally.

I love Beige so much! I can’t believe it’s reopening  on Wednesday, 26th of September, after a temporary closing for renovation in line with the refurbishment of Chanel Ginza Building. I can’t wait to go back next year to see what beautiful designs they went with. I’m sure it will be just as gorgeous as before and I am excited for another memorable dining experience there!