Anzco Foods Japan held a media dinner last month to mark the formal launch of its flagship restaurant Wakanui in Higashi Azabu. The dinner was hosted by Makoto Kinjo, president of Anzco Foods in Japan.
Wakanui saw its soft opening earlier this year on April 5, shortly after the multiple disasters that hit Japan.
“Due to the circumstances, we felt it best at the time not to promote it too heavily,” remarked Mr. Kinjo.”Still, surprisingly, quite a few people turned up. Naturally, those first few months were some of the slowest. But things started picking up in the last few months; word got around and Wakanui has not lacked customers since.”
“Japanese people, in general, shun mutton and lamb meat; they don’t like the strong, slightly gamey taste. But we at Anzco are changing all that. You might say Wakanui’s aim is to correct that prejudice. The high quality New Zealand beef and lamb we serve here have been aged to perfection in our on site aging room and chargrilled over the ‘Binchotan’ coal from Kishu. The meat is like nothing you’ve ever tasted. I believe the food served at Wakanui speaks for itself.”
The interior of Wakanui is simple but elegant; with splendid wood flooring, dark wood furniture and dim lighting. The atmosphere is relaxed, engendering communication.
The signature dishes served that evening included Grilled Beef Bone-in Rib Eye; chargrilled lamb chops; Fillet of Grass fed Heifer and Canterbury Lamb Frenched Rack (with meat from lamb under 6 months old), all tender and succulent, grilled to perfection. Home made desserts included Hokey Pokey ice cream and Pavlova.
Wakanui also imports original selections of wines from boutique wineries in addition to a range of famous New Zealand wines.
By Mary Rudow
(Photos-Courtesy of Wakanui )
(ANZCO Foods is a multinational group of companies, whose core purpose is to procure, process and market beef and lamb produced in New Zealand)
Grill Dining WAKANUI
Address: B1, 2-23-24 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0044
Tel: 03-3568-3466
Website: www.wakanui.jp
Business Hours: Lunch 11:30 – 15:00 (L/O 14:00)
Dinner: 18:00 – 23:00 (L/O 22:00)
Closed: Mondays
Access: 3-5 minutes’ walk from Exit No. 3 or Exit No. 6 of subway Azabu Juban
Station on Toei Subway Oedo line or Tokyo Metro Namboku line.
