La Fée Délice (Harajuku | Tokyo)

Frenchman Xavier Riesser, fluent in Japanese and English while retaining his mother tongue, owns and operates his business in a small barn-red building tucked in the alley between the Chanel building and Kiddy Land on Omotesando-dori. There are about 5 tables inside and around 6 tables outdoor dining. On an agreeable day and evening, it is quite pleasant to dine outdoors, under the shade of the trees, watching young people stroll in the alley that is closed to vehicular traffic. That area is a major intersection for eateries: the Thai restaurant Kaffir Lime is located not too far away from this place.

We have come here usually for the dessert crêpes. Japanese precision (the cook is a young Japanese fellow) on producing another culture's cuisine was on display here as the crêpes came out just as the ones we have always had in Quartier Latin in Paris. Occasionally there would be a special crêpes of the day, but the regular ones include Belle Hélène and Suzette. After dinner elsewhere, do stop by here for a nice cup of coffee or cappuccino or sparkling water with those delicious crêpes.

La Fée Délice
5-11-1 Jingu-mae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Tel & Fax: (03) 5766-4084

Hainan Jeefan Shokudo (Roppongi | Tokyo)

The proprietor Shiro-san is reason enough to come to this small but delicious Hawker-Style Asian Canteen, a Singaporean food restaurant, tucked in a quiet road only a block away from the bustling Roppongi Hills. His modest and shy appearance betrays the bubbly personality that resurfaces every now and then. Head to the bathroom and you will see a photo history of his life: pictures of his time in Singapore, and images of friends and family that made the place very familial.

Offerings include the traditional Hainan-style chicken and rice, coming in three different sizes; a spicy shrimp dish; kwee-tiauw (that ubiquitous wide flat rice noodle) and Roti Prata (an Indian influenced bread) with the curry dip.

Recently the place added a front deck that is covered and is equipped with heating during the cold season. The main dining room, painted white and sparsely but creatively decorated (he sawed an old Asian birdcage and used each half as a light-bulb shade), always exudes friendship and camaraderie. During dinnertime, reservation is always a safe bet, since an impromptu appearance has a slim chance of success. No separate non-smoking area.

Hainan Jeefan Shokudo
6-11-16 Roppongi
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Tel/Fax: +81(03) 5474-3200
http://www.route9g.com

Mon-Fri Lunch: 11:30-14:00 (LO 13:30)
Sat, Sun & Holidays Lunch: 11:30-15:00 (LO 14:30)
Mon-Sun Dinner: 18:00-23:00 (LO 22:00)

Closed on 3rd Monday of every month.