La Scène Thélème was opened in 2016 by Jean-Marie Gurné, hoping to make it a refuge for the lovers of pleasure as homage to the Abbey of Thélème.  The Scène comes in as a reference to the dual nature of the venue with the intimate theatre attached to the restaurant.  Chef Yoshitaka Takayanagi runs the kitchen that tries to merge Japanese and French influences.  The large place ambled through a number of rooms and our room held the small stage adorned with natural art.  Bench seating was along some walls that faced the small white cloth covered tables.  Being in the room with the stage our ceiling was dark with carpet on the floor whereas other rooms had lighter paint and wooden floors.   Art of straw hung from the ceilings and music was in the background.  At dinner they offer tastings of 5, 6, or 7 courses and wine pairings are available.  A caviar supplement was offered and we declined. I’d call it a mixed meal. They have one Michelin star. Continue reading →