Toshitaka Omiya

Restaurant Alliance, Paris, 4/19/24

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 5 Rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris, France

Restaurant Alliance was visited by Frankie in March 2017 and again in April 2019, both fantastic meals.  It was good to see Chef Toshitaka Omiya and Shawn Joyeux who together started this restaurant in 2015.  The small room holds just 8 large white clothed tables that all have a view of the kitchen in the back of the room.  Music was in the background that adds to the soothing colors of the interior and the comfy stuffed chairs.  The staff are welcoming and it was fun to try the place at lunch this visit.  Lunch offers a shorter 3 or 4 course menu but  the 6 or 9 course menus from dinner are also available.  A cheese course is additional and optional.  We tried the lunch menu for which they offer pairings but Joyeux was able to pick a couple of wines by the glass to accompany our 4 course meal.  Omiya and Joyeux have also opened other ventures but this place is their soul – the heart of their alliance. Continue reading →

Restaurant Alliance (update), Paris, 4/12/19

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
building
building (you can see chef through the window)

It’s been 2 years since we visited Restaurant Alliance, a small one star Michelin restaurant with Chef Toshitaka Omiya at the helm – someone who seriously knows how to cook.  If you have the opportunity to get there, do.  I give it solid thumbs way up.   The food is wonderful combinations of really flavorful ingredients that will leave you wanting more and then they’ll bring the next course that is just as good or better.  They offer 2 tasting menus, one a 7 course surprise menu selected by the chef or a Harmony Menu of set courses.  They do offer a smaller tasting menu at lunch but go at dinner if you can because you don’t want to miss any of the dishes this chef turns out.  Pacing is good, no lags and portion control great.  There are only around 7 tables in between the windows to the street and the large window looking into the kitchen.  Shades of gray and cream along with lower lighting provide a peaceful, cozy ambiance along with some cool circular overhead light fixtures.  Service is stellar, with welcoming and helpful staff that all spoke great English.  We were warmly greeted by  the chef and manager Shawn Joyeux, who is great at finding you a fun wine at your chosen price point. Continue reading →

Restaurant Alliance, Paris, 3/22/17

~ hsnixon ~ 5 Comments
IMG_9485
Exterior

Restaurant Alliance is a small place, about 10 tables, that has been in this location about 15 months.  One end of the room is windows looking into the kitchen where you can watch Chef Toshitaka Omiya work his magic.  He makes trips into the dining room to check on the diners also.  The one dining room is modern in style with interesting circular ceiling fixtures providing a nice light level.  The noise level is very acceptable and probably helped by the various geometric shapes on the walls, carpeting and drapes.  Tables are close enough to that you don’t feel isolated but not so close that you have to move a table to exit.  Alliance offers two tasting menus of 6 or 8 courses and an a la carte menu.  I don’t think I saw anyone choosing the latter option. Continue reading →