Roti

By on March 30, 2009

Tokyo is oft referred to as a melting pot of culture. That pretty much defines the American brasserie style dishes that Roti is known for.  Named after a French word meaning “roasted,”  Roti is about authentic American grill and rotisserie cuisine in a modern, laid back setting. 

 

Tucked in a serene area behind the noisy streets of downtown Roppongi, the restaurant is a haven for fusion cuisine and is described by noted veteran chef Ian Tozer as “very family-friendly.”

 

A trendy wine bar greets customers upon entry and the relaxed dining area is adorned with warm red decor.  

 

The menu consists of diverse combinations of styles and ingredients, and is heavy on grills and rotisserie. For starters, a personal favorite was the Popcorn Mushroom; an herby, buttery treat and surefire kid-pleaser, the deep-fried mushroom appetizer comes with a horseradish wasabi sauce for an added kick. Even the salads have their own unique combinations, such as the Apple Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad (¥1,000-¥1,500).

 

Main dishes such as succulent steaks, filling sandwiches, burgers, and pastas are a regular Roti fare.  Roti’s magic however shines through in the chef’s own creations. The outstanding Mezze Plate is a Mediterranean dish with mildly spicy falafel and sweet hummus that comes with char grilled bell peppers, aubergine and tasty pita on the side. The creamy Cajun Pasta was also intriguing with its blend of good old-fashioned Louisiana flavor and Southeast Asian influences. Odd pairing, but it works!  It is definitely what I will be ordering again on my next visit.  Meatless omelets and an array of simple, healthy salads will also please the vegetarian crowd.  

 

Those looking for a light meal have their options as well. An all-time favorite, the Bang Bang Chicken Salad is a Roti original, beautifully spiced up with lemongrass, peanuts and ginger. Meanwhile, the mild Tuna & Avocado Tartare, with its awesome contrast of pink and yellow-green hues is surely a winning combination of taste and texture. The sashimi coated with what the chef named as his “dynamite sauce” very well speaks for itself. 

 

Good news for families – Roti has just opened its weekend brunch.   Families may now be able to choose a quiet terrace seating to enjoy a lazy weekend meal until 5pm. Here, the tots can safely run amok while the folks enjoy the fresh air beside their baby buggies. The staff are friendly, professional and can get you your order in a jiffy.

 

If all the menus I mentioned sound too fancy for the younger children, no need to worry. They have a mini breakfast for kids under 12 (¥1,400) and 2 kinds of pasta (¥600) for the tiny tots: the tomato pasta, a sweet, carroty concoction reminiscent of Napolitan which kids will no doubt adore; and the cream pasta which is a mild, milky dish mixed with gouda and cheddar. Moms, dads and young adults have a wider array of plates to choose from: Eggs Benedict, with roasted English muffins, poached eggs, roasted sliced ham and hollandaise sauce  plus fresh fruit and small fries (¥1,700); Roti Big Breakfast – two sunny side up or scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, grilled port sausage, roasted tomato and sauteed mushroom. Ask for the Brunch Special Plate (¥1,600) on weekends.

   

And then, of course, there are the desserts – and when have kids said “no” to them? Try the classic Chocolate Brownie Sundae – its adequate sweetness will delight all.

 

With Roppongi Hills and Hiroo just nearby, Roti is a perfect spot for the family on a day out.  

 

They will be doing Easter brunch on  April 12th  & Mothers’ Day brunch. Take the Tokyo Families coupon to get a good deal.

 

Check out Roti‘s menu at www.roti.jp

 

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