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The Art of Xen

By on October 1, 2008

Xen and its brightly lit bamboo stand out amongst the plethora of restaurants on offer in the Roppongi Hills complex. Housed in a cavernous space, subtly divided and offering a variety of dining solutions, Xen seamlessly accommodates those looking for an intimate dinner, hip drinking den, cool sushi bar or a family banquet.

International cuisine offering Chinese, Asian, Japanese and Italian sounds like a recipe for disaster, but not so at Xen. The concept works remarkably well thanks to the high standard of fare from the kitchen that has the famed Nobu Matsuhisa’s seal of approval.

A typical night sees early evening families grabbing a bite before the movies and the after-work crowd dropping by for a drink and an appetiser that invariably turns into something more substantial thanks to the broad menu. Laser-lit bamboo adds to the clubby flavour and the younger ones will feel they are in a cooler venue than usual.

The food allows mums and dads to indulge on delights from the delicate tuna tataki sashimi salad and deep fried soft shell crab to the beef, scallops & salmon skewers with jalapeño sauce while the kids can stick to a shared pizza or try something more exotic. Go the sushi route and sample the famed modern Japanese at a price that’s right.

Presentation is high on the list of priorities at Xen. Everything looks good and the taste follows suit. For the family it makes a welcome change of not having to compromise on quality and sophisticaton. Xen operates throughout the day and serves an excellent lunch course with the ever popular drink bar and an endless bite-sized dessert selection. For those rare occasions when the kids remain at home, sit at the Bamboo Bar, sip on a martini away from the raucousness of usual Roppongi bars and you will discover the art of Xen, a restaurant that offers all things to all people; peace, harmony and a great night out.

(03) 5413-9577

5F West Walk in Roppongi Hills

www.soho-s.co.jp/english/roppongi/index_fs.html

MEAT MATTERS

A new wave of foreign, fine dining restaurants have chosen to go head to head with the fine meat experience of Japan’s own home grown wagyu. Get your chops around these.

BEACON CHOPHOUSE

Offers a luscious brunch for a perfect family Sunday. Top grade Australian meat features heavily and  are all suitably tender and succulent. Excellent lunches and a dinner menu that really goes to town. From the TY harbor stable; style, taste and good value.

Shibuya. (03) 6418-0077

ICONIC

A super slick interior and menu serving ‘Modern European’ food with all the traits of a Conran production brought over from London. For fans of ‘Cool Britannia’, its a touch of Blighty!

Ginza. (03) 3562-7500.

LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB

Rock salt roasted prime ribs of beef are aged 21 days then carved to order table-side from  the famous silver carts. A variety of cuts perfectly fills the gap in this American Art deco inspired dining room.

Tameike-Sanno. (03) 5114-8080

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

Ruth’s Chris’ gives us the finest Prime steaks, straight and to the point. Famed for serving their steaks on fiery-hot plates doused with butter. Sizzling steaks seared to perfection.

Toranomon. (03) 3501-0822

TONY ROMAS

A rack of ribs doesn’t come any better than here. Ribs smothered with their signature sauces. Baby Back and St. Louis Ribs are served in full and half racks and lets not forget that amazing Onion loaf.

Branches around Tokyo

www.tonyromas.com

SALT

French cooking fused with the casual flair of modern Australian. The inviting interior and innovative mix of Australian and local produce make the unusual flirtations with flavour a winner.

Marunouchi. (03) 5288-7828

 

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