Another year comes to an end, with the usual round of Christmas and bōnenkai "drink the old year to oblivion" parties. Except, of course, it was not just another year. And though we will all be glad to put it behind us, 2011 will not be easily forgotten.
That has certainly been the case for Tokyo's restaurants, which suffered badly as customers lost their appetites throughout the spring and summer, especially for high-end extravagances. Nonetheless, plenty of new restaurants were launched this year — and many of the best were those that arrived last.
The most exciting opening of all came right at the end of the year with the unveiling of Ivy Place. This is the latest project from the TY Harbor Brewing group and chef David Chiddo, and it's a hands-down winner.