643351 Sun Aug 09 21:00:49 -0700 2009 8 45 Japan 0 4932037 I know what you will all think.... I won't go by myself, but I realy wonder on the subject concerning the Michelin evaluation of the One star restaurant. Every know the bad reputation the restaurant has, but I still would like Alain DUCASSE to be the 3rd world MICHELIN chef rated and for CHANEL. I am the only one to think on this subject ? Sun Aug 09 21:00:49 -0700 2009 1082452 Ninisix 1 4932079 What bad reputation? I've heard the food is somewhat underwhelming but no more than that. Sun Aug 09 21:31:09 -0700 2009 4932037 234190 BaronDestructo 1 4935542 been for lunch about a year ago and it was excellent and well deserving of its status. Much better than Atelier de Robuchon in Roppongi (many shortcuts taken - ie my amuse was same as my wifes first course, we were slowed down in our meal the whole evening to keep us on track with the diners at the next counter so the kitchen could serve the menu to all four of us at the same time). Tue Aug 11 01:46:31 -0700 2009 4932037 1098290 Ollieweber 2 4948251 BaronDestructo and Ollieweber, thanks for your post. I just wanted it. Fame is with reputation... It is to difficult to handle the rumors and I won't report on things I never tested myself. Sat Aug 15 01:55:58 -0700 2009 4935542 1082452 Ninisix 1 4950576 I've been to Beige a few times. I think it is OK, not great, and expensive for what you get. If you want good value for money, better food, and still "Ducasse", you should head to Benoit in Aoyama. I love that place. Sun Aug 16 09:39:18 -0700 2009 4932037 161889 Uncle Yabai 2 4951965 Uncle Yabai, I am agree with your choice. I have been to Benoit in the beginning of 2008, and the 1st chef was Massimo, the chef recommandation menu was at 11,000yens and inventive. The restaurant Benoit was closed on the summer 2008 and re open. It is the same group "Ducasse" ? I know that Massimo is not in Japan anymore. My foodie group won't go to Beige even the japanese friend I know. the Cahnel building is beautiful with the lightings.... though the cooking heat of Beige seems to be electric (friend knowledge). Sun Aug 16 21:49:50 -0700 2009 4950576 1082452 Ninisix 3 4990063 Yes, Benoit in Tokyo is still run by the Ducasse group. Current chef is Kojima-san, who was the Sous Chef at Louis XV in Monaco, so no slouch. Man is a genius, actually. I was there for lunch today, and I reiterate my thumbs up. Very very good, wouldn't be surprised if it ends up with 2 Michelin stars on the next go-around. Sun Aug 30 07:51:09 -0700 2009 4951965 161889 Uncle Yabai 4 4990157 Great to hear, Uncle Yabai. Benoit was on my original list but I thought I heard it had closed. Your having lunch there yesterday indicates I heard wrong. Although my dining list is heavy on high-end French, I'm thinking of including it given that my choice for Chinese high end, Maison d'Umemoto Shanghai HAS closed and I've read some weak reviews of my second choice, Reikasai. Sun Aug 30 08:36:00 -0700 2009 4990063 234190 BaronDestructo 5 5001244 Sounds really nice... a bit on a sushi monopoly year. Thu Sep 03 02:37:37 -0700 2009 4990157 1082452 Ninisix