The contrast between the bright pendant lights and subtle glow of candles on the tables at Bier Bar BOUCHÈRE creates a calming, nostalgic atmosphere. Antique furniture adds to the retro feel. Such a moody ambiance evoked by the light gradients makes it the perfect place to spend a quiet evening. The restaurant specializes in authentic European-style meat dishes prepared by owner Tomihito Maruyama. He studied meat processing (sausage-making, etc.) in Germany and has received many awards at both domestic and international contests.
No talk of fine German meats is complete without mention of the country’s great beer culture, too. To this end, Maruyama serves beers from Germany, as well as the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Japan for a total of 6 taps (300ml/¥750~, 500ml/¥1100~). A variety of bottled beers and wines are also available. Before deciding on a beer to serve at his restaurant, Maruyama personally visits the brewery to meet the brewer. His wife Ayumi, a wine sommelier, is in charge of selecting the wine.
Similar to the pairing of washoku (Japanese cuisine) and sake, the combination of dishes and drinks is closely linked to local environments and cultures. “To truly enjoy the taste of a region, I provide authentic dishes that pair with alcohol hailing from the same area,” says Maruyama. In 2014, BOUCHÈRE moved from Sakuragicho in order to add space for meat processing in the restaurant. Maruyama deliberately learned the traditional way of processing by hand instead of relying on a machine. He serves a wide variety of cuisine in generous portions, and aims to stay true to local flavors.
We tried two dishes which were more than enough to fill us up. The jellied pork (¥1280) was complemented by a rich horseradish cream that gave the dish quite an impact. We also tried two types of natural-casing sausages (¥1500), which were hefty and thick. The juicy meat was beautifully flavored with a mixture of spices and aromatic herbs.
Many customers that day came not just for the food, but also to see the Maruyamas. The friendly, laidback couple offer heartfelt hospitality to all patrons, be they regulars or first-timers, in large parties or small groups. Note that smoking is prohibited indoors, and minors are not allowed.
