Tokyo’s most fashionable district, Aoyama, is home to the newly constructed AO Building, an angular glass structure that glows with pink and blue lights at night. On the fifth floor is Two Rooms Grill & Bar, opened in March 2009 and already established as a place to be seen in Tokyo.
The two rooms of the name are an architect-designed open kitchen dining area with a granite counter, and a stylish bar/lounge across a water terraced bridge, which affords incredible views of Shinjuku in the distance. San Francisco-based Eight Inc., the firm behind the Apple Store concept, brought the layout to life.
From the extensive menu I tried the chef’s personal recommendation and favorite dish: teppan grilled scallops (¥1,800). They were deliciously crispy on the outside and topped with a smooth and light avocado and olive oil mousse and contrasting bacon ‘dust.’ Director and chef Matthew Crabbe’s cuisine reflects his passion for food, combining Old and New World techniques. He focuses on simple elegance with a twist. The menu is selected from specially sourced produce, focusing on fresh local seafood, premium beef and seasonal Japanese vegetables. Choice selections from the menu include char-grilled quail (¥1,800), Japanese kinkai red tuna (¥3,500), fresh daily fish from Tsukiji (¥2,400) and a wide selection of quality wagyu beef from ¥5,600.
Two Rooms was created by a trio of entrepreneurs, but the phrase ‘too many cooks’ doesn’t apply here, as each brings his expertise in a different field. Bar director Edward Baffoe utilizes the skills he honed running another Tokyo favorite, the Oak Door. He recommended I try a delicious fresh fruit martini bursting with kiwi (¥1,400). The bar uses a diverse selection of fresh fruits to satisfy the most demanding clientele. Keeping the unique concept running smoothly, third director and Grand Hyatt veteran Nathan Smith brings it all together through outstanding service.
Open daily (11:30am–2:30pm and 6–10pm)
3-11-7 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3498-0002
www.tworooms.jp
Photo credits:
Photos courtesy of Two Rooms
