by Sophie Jackson
Set back from the beach in Hayama is the newly revamped Hayama Terrace, an idyllic French restaurant and terrace which aims to impress.
Over the last holiday weekend of the extended Japanese summer, the rather magnificently located Hayama Terrace opened its doors to 80 of Tokyo’s finest in a private re-launch party. As guests sipped on one of four Mojito concoctions (amongst them rather ambitiously was an Earl Grey mojito) whilst overlooking the ocean from the restaurant’s terrace. Guests were given a chance to meet the new restaurant manager who officially begins at the beginning of October, to sample the delicate French food on offer and to meet the venue’s charismatic and skilled chef.
The event guest list was a chance to see who the venue are aiming to appeal to and, although a varied crowd, from the businessmen through to the musicians, models and newsreaders, it became clear that Hayama is a venue that aims high. The menu for the opening was interesting and artistic; a seafood cocktail concoction followed by truffle mousse and some beautifully grilled pork and mashed potato. The winelist is seriously impressive with accompanying eye watering price tags and the food high end and minimal with a fondness for gold shaving (it featured in two out of the four courses).
Hayama is something of a playground for Tokyo’s elite during the sweltering summer months with rows of large beach houses dotted along the coastline just a fifteen-minute drive from the overwhelming crowds in Zushi during this period. An idyllic retreat with breath taking views out over the sea and there can be few locations in the area which rival the view on offer at Hayama Terrace. For those who are willing to dig deep enough into their pockets Hayama Terrace offers a private dining room on the floor above the terrace, the spacious room boasts a real Joan Miró painting over the dining table and an enormous private terrace hanging out of the hillside with a view out over the ocean.
The venue is a popular location for those who really want to make a show, offering an array of formal event and wedding plans. Aside from its ability to play host to decadent and formal occasions, Hayama Terrace should not be overlooked as what is most simplistically is; a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, a gorgeous location set back from the beach in which to enjoy a light supper and an early evening drink while you look out over the surf and watch the sunset. Dining on the terrace as opposed to within the pristine dining hall is strongly recommended and heading there in time to watch the sun going down is another must.