This June, Tokyo’s most-anticipated epicurean hub at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is set to open its doors. The new dining destination will consist of two distinct venues: Sézanne, a French fine-dining restaurant, and Maison Marunouchi, a lively French bistro, both designed by Hong Kong based interior architect André Fu who also designed the hotel’s previous restaurant Motif. In keeping with the Hotel’s ultra-boutique tenor (the Marunouchi property has just 57 rooms and suites), the culinary journey promises to be intimate, engaging and deeply personalised.
Michelin starred chef Daniel Calvert, originally from the UK, is the lynchpin of this ambitious new offering. Coming from Belon in Hong Kong, which he led to No. 4 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Chef Daniel has centred his vision for Sézanne around dynamic, technique-driven French cuisine. With a focus on updating classic recipes, dishes are crafted with a light touch and plated with flawless precision. “Everything on the plate is there for a reason,” remarks Chef Daniel.
The high-concept cuisine is complemented by thoughtful interiors, brought to life by André Fu. “The mindset here is very different from a typical hotel restaurant,” explains Fu, noting the ‘hidden gem’ feel evoked by an array of distinct seating areas – each one carefully curated with signature touches. Effervescent colours flow into sculpturally fluid silhouettes, setting a tone that is contemporary yet relaxed: “a quiet elegance that’s designed to welcome, not overwhelm”. André employs subtle Japanese detailing, from eucalyptus wood to Zen garden motifs and local artisan-made mud paint, to evoke an almost-poetic sense of place.
Over at Maison Marunouchi, Chef Daniel and his team will serve up fresh interpretations of bistro fare against spectacular views of Marunouchi and Tokyo Station. The aesthetic at the bistro echoes the energy and vitality of the high-speed Shinkansen trains in the backdrop. Featuring an interplay of tangerine orange and British racing green, André’s vibrant palette is anchored by Thonet chairs and a communal table at the centre. Framed by the glittering Tokyo skyline, the iconic bar will serve classic cocktails and a changing selection of wines.
“What sets apart our upcoming dining destination is that every single element builds towards Chef Daniel’s vision as realised by André Fu,” explains Charles. “Not just the ingredients and menus but also the layout, the décor, the style of service – even the uniforms! All the pieces of the puzzle fit together seamlessly. We can’t wait for our guests to experience the result of this exceptionally collaborative process.”
