Gion Abbesses. Kyoto.

We're currently moving all Japan-related content to Jane Lawson's Zenbu Tour's site. You'll find this post HERE.

Cafe Bastille

If you are feeling a little Frenchy Frenchy around lunch time in Kyoto town you can find great, simple bistro fare at Cafe Bastille for a few dollars more than a sandwich in Sydney.  I was very impressed with their lunch of the day which included a wonderful chilled pumpkin soup (perfect on a very hot day!) and chicken grilled to perfection with Dijon, salad and chips on the side. All for 1300 yen which is around $15 AUD. If I'd wanted a cold drink (which may have included a small glass of vino -can't remember)  I could have added one on for 200 yen - just over $2 AUD. I was happy with ice cold water !

I'd seen this place a million times but never been in and only did so because the restaurant I was going to a few doors up the road  - the fabulous Comme Chez Michel was not open when I tapped on the door! AND  because I was so damn hot I thought I was going to expire.  I'm so pleased I walked through that door and can't wait to return to see what it is like for dinner!

and a little touch of Oz in the facilities....

Blanc Pierre

One of my favourite little French spots in Kyoto town (and yes there are a few) is Blanc Pierre or as I keep calling it Pierre Blanc.  I must be dyslexic in French.

Housed in a clean, modern space it is a joy just to sit and breath in the cooking aromas. I like to perch myself at the counter with a glass of wine and watch the chef work, occasionally glancing towards their tiny garden through the glass back wall. 

I seem to have come over all Francophilian this week with what will amount to 3 French restaurant posts for Kyoto within a very short span . Needless to say I love the French-Japanese communion. 

And with Kyoto being sister city to Paris... well there are some pretty wonderful French eateries, boulangerie and patisserie to get stuck into .

I'll be brief, as I'm supposed to be working, and just give you a squiz at the kind of dishes you might expect in their lunch course  - for 3200y pp.  All very good. 

Above is a teensy Wagyu fritter amuse bouche

Chilled silken sweet potato soup with vanilla oil.  I could eat this every day.

Very well executed pork terrine with mustard (starter)

Seared Foie Gras on sauteed mushrooms (starter) 

The famous foie gras haambagu - foie gras encased in luscious, garlicky beef mince. 

Tender Duck from France with honey and  local vegetables

Chocolate gateaux with vanilla ice cream

Refreshing citrus ice cream, jelly and fruit

Comme Chez Michel

Hello, we are in the process of tranferring all Japan-related content over to Jane's ZENBU TOURS site. 

This post has already moved - you'll find it HERE

Thank you!  

La Famille Morinaga

A quick peek into the elegant La Famille Morinaga. 

Hard to find without using the little map on the website a a guide - but worth a look if you are west of Karasuma street.

How cool are the flying saucer plates above? 

As far as I can tell they were only used as decoration upon arrival.  

But cool all the same. 

I think.

mini gratin

The set course lunch is 4500 yen per head - ie about $50AUD.

The food was well executed and the flavours most pleasant if a little confused in parts. I wish I could remember exactly what we ate but to be honest we had so much going on that day that I didn't take notes and now it is gone... at least I have pics so you have an idea of what was on offer - perhaps a little vague - but an idea all the same.  

Seafood salad

I was pretty impressed by the ice dome over the soup.  I do remember that much. And the truffle.

Lamb is rarely seen on menus in Japan as it is not a well-loved protein in them there parts so this was a lovely surprise.  And Aussie as it happens.

This little apple tart with milk ice cream was rather excellent.

Nara - a path less wandered

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from my 'home away from home' Kyoto town is the charming city of Nara. Although famous for its history, giant Buddha, Kasuga Shrine and free roaming deer I often prefer to leave those with the first time visitors and simply wander the compact old town, shotengai (traditional shopping arcade) and back streets. 

Here's a visual homage to the lesser known parts of Nara - do yourself a favour and spend a day here.  And do also buy the cookies for the deer or they will eat the contents of your handbag. 

For details on how to get from Kyoto to Nara take a look HERE.

Now if you find this place above make sure you stop for a wee restette and to taste the local sake and fruit wines below

Kankan and Yuzu (both citrus), ichigo (strawberry), momo (peach), kaki (persimmon), ume (plum). 

Speaking of sustenance there are plenty of nice cafes and restaurants in Nara. How sweet are the little faces on these cakes?

We stumbled acrossed the brasserie below (ce magasin) and stopped in for a well priced and very decent French lunch. The break also helped shelter us from a sudden torrential downpour.