Indulge in Modern French Delights at Maison KEI, Gotemba @ Mt. Fuji
Maison KEI, the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Kei Kobayashi and Japanese confectionery maker Toraya, opened its doors in early 2021, and since then, it has been the talk of the town. Located in Gotemba, Shizuoka, securing a table at this renowned establishment can be quite a challenge as reservations are usually booked out months in advance. Fortunately, we managed to secure a table for an evening at the end of January, making it our second visit since last year (read more about our previous experience here.)
The restaurant offers two enticing options for both lunch and dinner: “Decouverte” with four dishes and “Voyage” with six. On this occasion, we opted for the Voyage course. Being a prime hunting season in Japan, we couldn’t resist trying the Hokkaido Ezo-venison steak for an extra charge, which turned out to be a delightful choice. However, online reviews suggest that the chicken dish is equally exceptional.
The drinks menu is accommodating, with a selection of champagne, wines by the glass, and mocktails, all reasonably priced to complement the dining experience.
Dishes
The culinary journey began with an artfully presented amuse-bouche, followed by a creamy and fragrant soupe de poisson.
The first appetizer featured bonito sashimi with a black-olive and basil topping, showcasing the rich texture of “mochi-katsuo,” a special kind of Bonito used for this dish.
Next came Kei’s signature creation, the “Jardin-de-legumes” (vegetable garden) dish, an entertaining ensemble of over 40 locally sourced vegetables, smoked Fuji Salmon cubes, and guacamole-y sauce hidden beneath lemon espuma, adorned with crunchy almond and black olive crumbles.
The second appetizer and first main were both fish-based. The lightly fried hairtail (Tachiuo) with marinated cabbage was a delectable treat, while the grilled Spanish mackerel (Sawara) was cooked to perfection with a hint of Japanese curry spices, combining local ingredients with authentic French technique.
The Hokkaido Ezo-venison steak was served with a delightful chicken liver sauce, creating a memorable fusion of flavors.
For dessert, we had the option of vacherin, a reinvented French sweet, or a warm chocolate cake. The vacherin was complemented by sweet red bean paste (anko) from the renowned Japanese confectioner, Toraya. As the second dessert, a black sesame pudding was served alongside coffee, concluding the exquisite dining experience.
Although the dinner course doesn’t allow for the spectacular Mt. Fuji view, the restaurant’s essence is fully experienced through the shorter course. Maison KEI impressively shines a light on local and more approachable ingredients, offering a refreshing take on French cuisine without the extravagance of foie gras and truffles.
It is worth mentioning that this extraordinary culinary experience comes at a relatively reasonable price. Without a doubt, we will be returning soon to indulge in the shorter lunch course!
Restaurant Info
Maison KEI
527-1 Higashiyama, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture 412-0024
Tel: 0550-81-2231
Website / Google Map
Business hours:
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Open from 11:30 AM for lunch and 5:30 PM for dinner
Lunch
4,500 yen (4 dishes) or 8,500 yen (6 dishes)
Dinner
5,500 yen (4 dishes) or 9,000 yen (6 dishes)
Smart casual attire is recommended.
Guests with children are requested to book a private room.
*The information above is as of February 2022.
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