After a hiatus of two and a half years, L'Osier is reborn. Today, I was invited to join a small group for a look around inside the portals of the imposing, newly rebuilt headquarters of Shiseido, the major cosmetics company that owns and operates L'Osier.
Although the building looks quite different — it's not set so far back from the street, and the facade is clad in a grey sheet of what resembles chain mail (or is it a woollen weave?) – the restaurant's grand, deco-look portal has been carefully preserved and reinstated.
There was a bevy of attendants outside and in to welcome us.
Inside, though, nothing looks the same. Gone is the grand staircase curving up to the dining room on the second floor. Instead, the new L'Osier is on the basement level, visible from above through an elaborate chandelier...
…which dangles from a gold-and-white dome some nine meters above the dining room floor.
Gone is the old-world hotel-lobby ambience of the previous dining room: In comes a warmer feel, elegant but casual, featuring Shiseido's trademark gold and white colorways.
The main dining space is ringed by comfy banquettes…
…while an alcove to one side has a cozy table à six.
Meanwhile, for those who really value their privacy, there is an entirely private chamber with dedicated rest room and direct access from the underground car park. Perfect for bigwigs with a sense of grandeur. L'Osier vous attend, Monsieur Président.
Some of the artwork on the wall may look familiar to old timers, but there are new pieces throughout as well.
I for one will not miss the old L'Osier. But to give a sense what it was like before, here's a link to a Japan Times interview I did with former head chef Bruno Menard back in 2006...
[note: the photos with that JT piece don't seem to be loading. Until they do, this piece by WSJ has some images]
And what about the cuisine? More on my next post here…
