Peter at the Peninsula Tokyo w/ Kanako-san!

I met up with Kanako-san the day I arrived in Tokyo. I'm glad we were able to meet during my brief stay despite her erratic work schedule. We're both in the hospitality industry so it's pretty understandable.

I entertained the idea of having dinner with her at Park Hyatt Tokyo's iconic New York Grill because it would have been really convenient for her as her office is in Shinjuku. However, I have always wanted to see the Peninsula Tokyo in flesh since I'm a big of Peninsula Hotels in general. Peninsula Tokyo is located in the Marunouchi area (where the Imperial Palace is) and it's actually a walking distance from where I was. So prior to my arrival, I told her to make a reservation at Peter. 

19:30 pm was the reservation she had made. I had a lot time to walk leisurely as well as to wander around the property. The lobby was grand, refined, a bit small, but welcoming. 

The restaurant is on level 24 which offers unobstructed views of urban Tokyo. The view was breathtaking at night but the restaurant is so beautiful on its own. Probably one of the best restaurants I've been to (next to Le Cirque in New York).

I love Risotto so it's what I ordered. It was scrumptious and decently priced. 

The view was breathtaking at night but the restaurant itself is beautiful on its own. Probably one of the best restaurants I've been to (next to Le Cirque in New York). I loved the atmosphere, the crowd, and of course, the service. Japanese hospitality is undeniably the best in the world! And no tipping is required (whereas in the states, gratuity is somewhat mandatory even though sometimes, service is not well).

It has been ages since Kana and I saw each other. It was during TIM school days! But we kept in touch over the years and that's the beauty of long distance friendship. Of course, we talked a lot about life in Hawaii and our field - the luxury hotel industry. I didn't want to keep her up all night because she needed to be in the office at 7 am the following morning so by 9 pm, we got bill and left the hotel. 

I told her I love the loft so she showed me her favorite branch. Ahh, loft. I could stay there all day. Haha. She took the subway back to Shinjuku whilst I took the cab to my hotel. I could have walked, but I was too tired to do so. 

Anyway, I was so happy to meet up with such a dear friend. It was brief; but I know we'll be seeing each other again soon! :)