The Chi-Chi Twin Of Aso...

Newly elevated to 2-star status, the menu at Argento Aso is comparable to its sister restaurant, Ristorante Aso in Daikanyama. While Ristorante Aso charms with its Tuscan style villa set against a backdrop of pretty posies, Argento Aso is the urban snob with its flashy Venetian chandeliers and full length glass windows. Though armed with the much sought after Ginza address, Argento Aso is not quite as high brow as the ambience might suggest. The ever changing prix fixe menu solely based on the chef's interpretation of seasonal ingredients was surprisingly quite affordable at JPY5,250 or S$80 during lunchtime, with our party of four enjoying a most gratifying weekday lunch hour:)

First up was an overwhelming selection of breadrolls consisting of classics like olive and tomato buns to the more innovative Sakura and anchovies infused ones. They were presented alongside a trio of salted, smoked and olive flavoured butter.

Next came an invigorating starter of salmon tartare in cold Vichyssoise, with the empty plates quickly replaced by a salad of tomatoes with deep fried Mehikari, a type of small white fish. The fish can be eaten whole and they were really addictive with no trace of oiliness. The spaghetti with firefly squid was an intriguing dish though coincidentally, none of us at the table was a fan of squid. With the main, it was a love-hate affair. I loved the crispy outer of the smoked guinea fowl and the smokiness was in perfect unison to the texture and flavour of the bird. However, the taste of the accompanying stuffed cabbage roll was so overpowering that I could not stomach more than a bite, a notion that was shared by my lunch companions as well.

For desserts, the Mille Foglie with its intricate framework of caramelised sugar and gold flakes was like a fluffy cloud ready to transport you to that much craved sugar high. Yet another eye-opener, the dessert of ice-cold (literally) sorbet presented on a large block of ice was simple and ingenious.

If by now you are still not completely bowl over with the antics of Aso, the closing finale with its stalks of Petit Fours juxtaposed amongst the pretty blossoms will certainly do the trick.

Argento Aso
Address: 3-3-1 Ginza, 8th & 9th Fl, ZOE Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Telephone: 03-5524-1270
Michelin: **