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June 22, 2015
EAT | A restaurant produced by Pierre Gagnaire's beloved disciple has opened
RESTAURANT IRIÉ LE JOYEUX
EAT|A Protégé of "Picasso of the Kitchen" Pierre Gagnaire Produces His Own Restaurant
Omotesando Welcomes a New High-End French Establishment by Makoto Irie
On August 1st (Thursday), Novarese, a company specializing in wedding production and restaurants, will open a high-end French restaurant in Omotesando called "RESTAURANT IRIÉ LE JOYEUX." The chef and overall producer is Makoto Irie, a favored disciple of Pierre Gagnaire, known as the "Picasso of the Kitchen."
Text by KUROMIYA Yuzu
Cuisine as Art, Depicting the Nuances of Nature
Makoto Irie trained at "Queen Alice" under the renowned French master chef Yutaka Ishinabe before moving to France in 1999. He honed his skills at seven prestigious restaurants, including five with three Michelin stars, beginning with the three-star "Le Kintaro" in Paris, a favorite among politicians and business leaders, including the French President.
He was then appointed chef of "Pierre Gagnaire à Tokyo," the first Japanese outpost of the chef celebrated as the "Picasso of the Kitchen." Under his leadership, the restaurant earned two stars in the first Michelin Guide Japan and captivated numerous gourmands.
Now, he is set to open "Restaurant Irié Le Joyeux," a culmination of the esprit he has cultivated over 20 years. The restaurant's name was bestowed by Pierre Gagnaire himself, who reportedly told Irie, "Watching you always makes me feel joyful. I want you to offer that same happiness to your customers." This reflects the master's affectionate message to his protégé.
Chef Irie's cuisine is characterized by its ability to evoke "memorable dishes" that appeal to taste, aroma, and visual aesthetics. His presentations are particularly acclaimed for their elegance, with dishes that capture the changing seasons on a plate, truly worthy of being called art.
Furthermore, embracing the concept of the dining space as a gallery for the plate as canvas, the interior design meticulously enhances the visual appeal of the cuisine. Decorative elements like paintings are minimized, creating a simple yet comfortable ambiance with a predominantly white palette. The custom-designed plates are another testament to the attention to detail.
To ensure guests can fully appreciate the stories woven into each dish, the menu exclusively features set courses for both lunch and dinner. The courses unfold like a narrative, beginning with amuse-bouches (to surprise), followed by appetizers (to delight), fish and meat dishes (to tantalize the palate), dessert (a grand finale), and petit fours (leaving a pleasant aftertaste).
The experience of savoring artfully crafted dishes within this restaurant gallery is one that engages more than just the palate; it's a feast for the eyes as well. A visit here promises a unique culinary journey.
RESTAURANT IRIÉ LE JOYEUX
Opening Date: August 1st (Thursday)
Address: Luce Omotesando 2F, 5-5-4 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6418-7779
Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM, Dinner 6:00 PM
Closed: Sunday dinner only, Year-end and New Year holidays
Course Menus: Lunch ¥4,000 (5 courses), ¥7,500 (8 courses)
Dinner ¥12,000 (6 courses), ¥15,000 (9 courses)
*Tax and service charge not included
http://www.irie-restaurant.jp/




