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A family affair

By on June 1, 2008

So many variables go into the party equation: the guests, the theme, the food, the weather and of course the venue. TF to the rescue with our selection of family-friendly party venues to get things off to a good start.

 

BUBBA GUMP – RUN!

Step into the world of Forrest Gump! This fun restaurant combines quality seafood in a casual family atmosphere, just the way Forrest’s “best good friend” Bubba would have done it. Shrimp, ribs, steaks, and a whole lot more!  A fabulous children’s menu and a fun seafaring interior provide the backdrop for this nautical flavored venue, and the attentive staff entertain with games and a fun birthday song for the guest of honor.

www.bubbagump.jp

 

 

HARD ROCK CAFE – ROCK ON

Hard Rock Cafe in Tokyo has been partying since 1983. It’s the original party animal with famous guitars and outfits adorning the walls. The atmosphere is predictably loud and family oriented, service is fast, and food is brought in large quantities. You can get all your American staples, great salads in huge portions for vegetarians and every dessert under the sun from cheesecake to fudge brownies and an array of thick malted shakes. Sparklers, balloons and a birthday song from the staff complete the picture.

www.hardrockjapan.com 

 

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S – FAMILY FLAIR

In true American style, T.G.I. Friday’s offers American flavors in generous, filling portions. The relentlessly cheery staff covered head to toe in badges, the kiddies’ goodies, the flair bartenders all add up to a guaranteed good time. Odd collectables stashed all around the place set the scene for a themed party of your choice. Everyone has their favorite dish on the menu. Try terrific burgers dripping with trimmings (spare the Jack Daniels sauce for the youngsters) or the Tex-Mex concoctions. Balloons, crayons and a birthday song are all part of experience.

www.tgifridays.co.jp

 

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE – NO WORRIES!

This Australian-inspired steakhouse chain offers tremendous value and can accommodate just about everybody with low-carb choices, great kids’ meals, a gluten-free menu, or forget-about-the-diet selections. Joey’s menu satisfies the youngsters and the budget. Party favorites like boomerang burgers, Roo’s ribs and Joey’s steaks just like the grown ups, bring the “no worries” attitude to any party.

www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp

 

NINJA – ASSASSINS’ DELIGHT

One for the teens. Under the darkness of night you enter a world of secret doors and passages. An impressive Japanese menu is stealthily served by masked asassins. The set menu is advisable (there isn’t a separate kids one). Sharing is the name of the game. Look out for surprises on the way: smoke, flames, a wandering magician and a novel bonsai tree dessert. Private rooms are available to provide a great setting for a memorable party. Don’t forget to wear black.

 2-14-3 Akasaka Tokyu Plaza, (03) 5157-3936

 

SUJI’S – HOME SWEET HOME

A relative newcomer to the party scene, expanding from its origins in Seoul a few years ago, Suji’s has quickly garnered a reputation as a wonderful laid back restaurant that makes partying a piece of cake. The decor is like an upscale version of an American diner, contemporary but casual as is the NY-brunch-inspired cuisine. It has an ambience that allows guests to have a ball at their own pace. 

www.sujis.net/japan

 

FUJIMAMAS – THE COMFORT ZONE

Fujimamas has been wowing us for ten years with its innovative approach to Asian Cuisine. It never fails to delight with a wonderful eclectic selection of dishes to satisfy the most demanding of birthday guests. This airy restaurant – converted from an old tatami mat factory – is full of exposed beams and Japanese style dining rooms. It offers a flexible party space with menus based on your favorite items from the popular menu. Enhance your theme with a little pre-shopping at Tokyu Hands and let Fujimamas do the rest.

www.fujimamas.com

 

SIN – SUPER CHIC

This contemporary Italian restaurant with its versatile menu for all the family puts a stylish spin on any party. There are no rules here, the party begins and ends when you wish. Open spaces, cool lighting, sofas and terraced seclusion add up to the ideal venue for young guns with a taste for style.

www.sin-tokyo.com

 

ZEST AND MONSOON CAFÉ – ARRIBA!

Capturing the ambience and spirit of the rugged US Southwest with a menu featuring a rich selection of Tex-Mex, Mexican and Southwestern dishes, Zest makes for a fun venue. Just add a few cowboy hats, sombreros, a piñata, and the party is complete. Monsoon Café is an Asian market mix, complete with high ceilings, teak, and thatching. Both chains offer very reasonable party packages with an ethnic flavor away from the standard party fare. All day opening allows for afternoon party sessions when the kids can have the restaurant space for themselves. 

www.global-dining.com

 

CANAL CAFE – AY AY, CAPTAIN

Housed in an old boat warehouse, this Italian trattoria serves delicious fare and offers a variety of party spaces for hire. The light, spacious venue overlooks a boating lake in the heart of Tokyo. Rental boats are available to all pirates, making this a great treasure island.

www.canalcafe.jp

 

TY HARBOR – PUSH THE BOAT OUT!

Keeping with the watery theme but with something altogether more sophisticated: TY Harbor offers the Waterline Floating Lounge, a barge permanently moored in front of the popular TY Harbor restaurant. Ideal for those looking to go that little bit further for a special celebration.

www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp

 

AN INDEPENDENT PARTY

The first week of July sees North Americans partying hard with Canada Day and Independence Day. Start booking your favorite restaurant or call in the caterers. The following restaurants offer catering services, ensuring their delicious dishes can be enjoyed at your next event.

 

TO THE MOON AND BACK

To the Moon and Back, the catering division of Fujimamas, offers a unique, diverse menu that fuses Asian, European, and North American cuisine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for your guests’ pleasure. Visit their website for sample menus and ideas.

www.tothemoonandback.jp

 

GOOD HONEST GRUB

As its name suggests, a scrumptious, hearty meal is guaranteed with Good Honest Grub, as it uses only the freshest ingredients in its vegetarian and vegan-friendly selection of dishes. Please call ahead for catering services, and inquire for special requests.

www.goodhonestgrub.com

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