MILAN: Reopening a restaurant at the beginning of February in Milan might not be easy particularly as the spread of the coronavirus in Northern Italy has created panic.
While some restaurants in Milan have to deal with some cancellations, chef-owner Yoji Tokuyoshi of Ristorante Tokuyoshi has decided to not only open the restaurant but also launch his aperitivo.
The restaurant of the former sous chef of Massimo Bottura, who also has another restaurant Alter Ego in Tokyo which opened last year had been closed for three months for refurbishment.
“We have decided to open and not be scared by the situation. Of course we are taking all the required hygiene measures as advised,” said Yoyi.
The refurbishment project of Tokuyoshi was carried out by Milanese architectural studio Progetto e Paesaggio. The dining room is still painted in a colour much loved by Tokuyoshi: green, to represent his relationship with nature as a point of reference for his philosophy.
The feeling is that of entering the woods: green walls, recycled copper panels that resemble tree trunks, elements in stone from Valtellina, Lombardy, and rosewood tables. The dining room is divided between the classic seating for two or four guests, and the exclusive 6-seat Chef’s Table overlooking the kitchen that provides its diners with the Chef’s undivided attention.
Furthermore, a new initiative that Tokuyoshi has decided to bring to his restaurant is the Convivial Table, perfect for groups of up to eight people, and social souls with the desire to share a moment with like-minded people.
The dining room leads to another novelty from the reopening. There is the Salon, a space wrapped in blue from walls to the seats. Velvet-dressed vintage armchairs and sofas create the perfect environment to pamper ten guests with sweets, coffee and digestives.
Aperitivo at Tokuyoshi
From mid-March, Ristorante Tokuyoshi opens its doors to its gourmet aperitivo. From Tuesday to Saturday from 5.45pm to 8pm, guests will be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail served with well known Tokyyoshi appetisers such as Pane, Burro e Alici or the salty Sicilian cannolo.
“In my opinion, the ‘aperitivo’ is one of the most Milanese concepts ever. I want to offer an aperitivo that reflects both the Italian cuisine of Ristorante Tokuyoshi, and what the sophisticated Milanese is looking for: a different, original, and non-trivial gastronomic offer. It is important for me because no matter how small my restaurant is, I want to dedicate this space, the Salon, to a new concept and to a new clientele“ says Yoji Tokuyoshi.
In addition to the selection of red or white wines, bubbles and sake, the Tokuyoshi aperitivo will offer its original cocktails. From Fermented Cosmopolitan to Kombucha Gin Tonic with seasonal kombucha made in house, the price of this introduction to Yoji Tokuyoshi’s Italian cuisine will be 30 euros per person.
Ristorante Tokuyoshi proposes the Italian cuisine Yoji Tokuyoshi’s way: an Italian cuisine interpreted with the eye and philosophy of a Japanese, the merging of two cultures aimed at innovation. His cuisine takes a starting point in his ideas, his knowledge acquired as Massimo Bottura’s sous-chef and, above all, his creativity brought to life through Italian ingredients and the craftsmanship and techniques of his native culture.
In order to savour Chef Tokuyoshi’s cuisine, the restaurant offers a tasting menu, Omakase, of eight courses suitable for those who want to have a complete experience, and, in addition, a small à la carte menu.
Yoji Tokuyoshi also owns the restaurant Alter Ego in Tokyo. Alter Ego remains open as well.
Bookings for https://www.ristorantetokuyoshi.com: +390284254626 or by email info@ristorantetokuyoshi.com.
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