Join us for an afternoon of gastronomy on Sunday April 29th. Experience charming and quaint Kagurazaka, affectionately known as the “Little Paris” of Tokyo due to the cobblestone streets and bountiful French presence - expatriates, institutes & schools, eateries, “fromagieries” and bakeries. If you stroll around the area on a weekend, you’ll hear French conversation on the streets as much as – or perhaps more than – Japanese!

French music, piped through the speakers on the main streets, pleasantly wafts throughout the village-like surroundings. Dimly lit wine bars are tucked away in cozy nooks. Coffee houses and strings of little white lights wrapped around trees are prevalent off the beaten path. French flags are appropriately draped from restaurants and bars in a proud but relaxed display. Before the “French invasion”, locals say that the area was famous for upper-class geisha. There are some very famous geisha, transplants from Kyoto, which are highly visible in the area. (Tours operate on Saturdays in Japanese. Check your local tour provider for further details.)

Konsai is a newly built, beautifully constructed French-Asian infusion restaurant that has to be experienced. Stepping inside is a pleasant retreat into an undisturbed oasis from the rest of the city.

Tokyo-born owner and master chef, Katsuo Kumagai, has created a delectable and savory menu to satisfy your inner hedonist. Before returning to Tokyo, Katsuo spent years in France (Il De Re; Paris) and the United States (Chicago) perfecting his particular blend of art and cooking at Charlie Trotter’s. (Noteworthy mention: Charlie Trotter was Chicago’s first celebrity chef. He also made a cameo appearance in the 1997 movie My Best Friend’s Wedding in which he parodied the stereotypical angry chef. He can be seen screaming at an assistant; “If you don’t get this right, I’ll kill your whole family.”) Let’s hope he was more pleasant to work for in real life! Needless to say, Katsuo has been schooled by the very best and thankfully, has a very pleasant demeanor.

Katsuo places great emphasis on fresh vegetables that have been grown and deeply rooted in rich soil. All of the vegetables he uses are imported from his favorite supplier, an organic farm in Saitama. His six and eight-course creations boast an unbelievable selection of culinary treats bound to impress even the most discerning palate. (Partake in a lazy Sunday afternoon of exceptional food and wine pairing. There is also a vast selection of liquors, cocktails and spirits. An extensive variety of non-alcoholic drinks are also available.)

Katsuo has generously agreed to give us the entire restaurant for a private FEW function! Don’t miss out on this one…..it promises to be an afternoon of entertainment, enjoyment and exquisite indulgences catering to all your senses!

At-a-glance information:

Who: Serious foodies only! Open to FEW members & also guests/ spouses/ partners.
(Many of our members requested that their significant others be permitted to attend since Sunday is usually the day that they spent together. For some couples, it was the only day that they could spend together. We’ve heard you and we understand!)
Priority will be given to FEW members but the event is also open to spouses, partners and guests. The more people there are, they merrier the occasion will be, so come out and join in! Please keep in mind that this is an adult only event.

When: Sunday April 29th / 2:00-6:00 p.m.

Where: Kagurazaka, (Tozai Line) / Only minutes from the station entrance
For an in-depth look and map, please refer to the website: www.konsai.net

Cost: Approximately 5000 yen per person.
(It will vary somewhat depending on the party size.)

Please contact Cindy Holenski at cindyholenski@yahoo.com for more information and to reserve spaces.

Spaces are limited – and going fast - so be sure to sign up early.