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QU’IL NOUS TENTE

By on June 8, 2015

Japanophile Jessica Meunier was doing her Japanese studies at the University of Jussieux in Paris at about the same period Yohei Ito was learning French cuisine at Tsuji School near Lyon, France.

But the two did not cross paths until a year later when Jessica packed her bags and left her native France to explore Japan and master the Japanese language. It was during her intended one-year stay that she met Yohei. A year later, the two tied the knots.

Jessica Meunier and Yohei Ito38-year old Yohei had long dreamed of opening a French restaurant in Tokyo. With the support of his doting wife, Jessica, who writes and speaks Japanese fluently, the idea finally took shape. In 2012, the young couple opened Qu’il Nous Tente (translates to ‘tempting’ in English).

Qu’il Nous Tente is an unpretentious French bistro along the ‘shotengai’ alleyway of Naka-Meguro, home to celebrities and various megacool cafes and shops.

As you walk through the door, you will be greeted by a conspicuous burgundy canopy with a Sacred Heart sign, the official symbol of Vendée, a region in West-Central France (named after the Vendée river) where Jessica comes from. The restaurant is a casual space of bare wood tables and banquettes that specializes in galettes and crepes which Vendée is known for.

“In Japan, French cuisine is regarded as food for the elite. I created this restaurant for people to appreciate authentic French casual food with price range even people of modest means can enjoy,” informs the shy owner-chef.

“Our galettes are made from soba flour. I am confident that you will enjoy it,” Yohei says of his specialty.

foodpic2823190Qu’il Nous Tente’s 14 kinds of authentically prepared galette range from the basic ham-egg-cheese (¥980) and bacon-kinoko mushroom combination to elaborate blue cheese-egg-raw ham (¥1,400) and Savoyarde (bacon, onions, potatoes, egg, fresh cream, cheese) arrangements (¥1,350).

Crepes may seem like ordinary flat pancakes but it needs the right flavor and texture to excite the taste buds. Yohei says that his six tempting crepes flavors: Butter-Sugar(¥630), Salt Caramel(¥690), Honey-Lemon(680), Nutella (¥740), Crepe Suzette (¥780), and Plum Jam (¥850) are liked by his customers.

A little over two years since it opened, the restaurant has been enjoying repeat

customers from ages 20 to 70 and has become a regular hangout for couples, families and people who work in the neighborhood.

LUNCH
They serve two kinds of lunch: the Galette Complète A, (¥1,000) comes with galette (with egg, ham and cheese), salad or soup, and coffee or tea; Galette Complète B (¥1,200) is almost the same as ‘A’ with Galettte filling recommended by the chef . A petit dessert comes for an extra ¥200. (last order 2:30 pm)

DINNER

Beef cheek in red wine sauce

Beef cheek in red wine sauce

There are three types of course meal available at dinner time:
¥2,500,¥3,500, and ¥4,500. If you prefer to go ala carte, you can choose any from a list of their delectable offers such as Beef Cheek in Red Wine sauce (¥1,950 – photo on the bottom right), Sangen Roast Pork (¥1,750), Sauce and
Duck of Challans Confit
(¥1,850),among others.

DRINKS
◆Red, White and Rose ¥3,800〜
◆Champagne, Sparkling ¥3,500 〜
◆Cider (or fermented apple juice) ¥2,700 (bottle) ¥630 (glass)
◆Flavor Beers, Regular European
beers
◆Apperitifs
◆Softdrinks
◆Coffee and flavored teas

The simple neat decor at this cozy restaurant that’s only a few minutes stroll from the Naka Meguro station in many ways, conjures up notions of being in a casual creperie in Vendée.

Although you can pop by anytime without a reservation, the place gets packed on Saturdays. Book seats in advance if you’re coming in groups.

Strollers may be taken inside collapsed but note that there are no baby chairs.

Hayashi building B1, 2-18-12 Kami Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6303-3796    Nearest station: Naka Meguro by Hibiya line
OPEN DAILY 12-3pm/6-10pm
(cash only)

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