Restaurant Masa Ueki, opened in late 2013, is a restaurant staffed by a familiar chef in the Tokyo scene, Masahito Ueki. Masahito, popularly known as the "French Genius" for his Japanese French fusion style has been in the Tokyo restaurant scene for over twenty years and was the previous owner and chef of Restaurant J and MASAA's. Masahito has a well blended background in culinary training, including five years of study in Tokyo and an additional four years of training in France.
At Masa Ueki, the food has a similar blend of Japanese and French cuisine. On the Japanese end of the spectrum you will find colorfully titled entrees as "Plein Soleil" (maguro with rocket wasabi dressing) and "Epilogue of the Meal" (uni and seaweed genovese risotto). On the French side items such as "The Survivor" (sauteed amadai with vanilla saffron emulsion) and "Early Summer Breeze" (caramelized duck foie gras and shrimp) will keep your palette entertained. Add on a dessert of "The Evening Glow" (pumpkin mousse cake and chocolate) or "Recollection of the Evening" (chocolate daifuku) for a complete meal. The menu changes with the seasons of the ingredients so be prepared for new chef selections each time you visit. The food is skillfully prepared in both design and flavor, each entree a small piece of art, taste blended to perfection.
Interior decorations include large,glowing crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a forest wall filled with plants and shrubbery. The atmosphere is cozy with two separate sections for dining and drinking. Many customers start or end their evening with a stroll over to the bar section and the nice city views. Pricing is moderate to expensive. Expect to spend 10,000 to 20,000 yen for course meals.
Masa Ueki is a short walk from Ginza or Higashi Ginza station located in the Ginza 4-chome tower building on the fifth floor. Opening hours are evenings from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (last walk-in accepted), closed on Mondays. Reservation is highly recommended via website or telephone. Check the website for seasonal specials and promotions. The prices are high but the food quality and restaurant experience are exceptional.
