Chef extraordinaire Bill Granger on being inspired by Japan’s visual culture, what he learnt from his butcher father and grandfather, and his favorite Bills branches including the latest opening in Ginza.
Moving away from a focus on laidback breakfasts, Bills recently opened a smart new branch in downtown Ginza, marking their seventh opening in Japan (fourth in Tokyo). Although you can still tuck into the signature creamy scrambled eggs and ricotta pancakes, there’s plenty more to look forward to here, including delights such as lobster linguine, yellow fish curry, wagyu burgers, and even a high tea menu. We met up with the man behind the brand, Bill Granger, in London to chat about his transition from artist to restaurateur, how his gap year in Japan influenced his style, and how he pushes people out of their food comfort zones.
ONE OF YOUR FIRST LOVES WAS ART. WHAT ROLE DOES VISUAL ART STILL PLAY IN HOW YOU PREPARE YOUR MENUS AND PLAN YOUR RESTAURANTS?
I started life as an art student, first studying architecture, then I changed over to fine arts, and I think for me the creative vision is always the start of everything. I’m excited by the visual; so whether it’s the way that food looks or the interiors of the restaurant, it’s the whole presentation. Restaurants are such a visual experience, so it’s still really important to me.
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE TRANSITION YOU MADE FROM AN ARTIST WHO WAS WAITING TABLES TO OPENING YOUR FIRST RESTAURANT? WERE THERE ANY REALLY PIVOTAL MOMENTS?
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Tokyo Weekender.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Tokyo Weekender.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Life And Love Of Japan's New Emperor
As Emperor Akihito prepares to step down, all eyes are turning towards his son and successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. Here, we reflect on his relatively down-to-earth upbringing, the freedom he felt while living in England, and whether his wife, who has battled for years to adjust to palace life, is ready to take on the role of empress.
What It's Really Like Inside Terrace House
The Japanese reality TV show has been described as both boring and fascinating, and has gathered a cult following abroad. Matthew Hernon chats with the stars to find out what it’s like on the inside.
Sanjo And Tsubame: Forged By Fire
Meet some of Japan's top artisans and try your hand at metalworking in one of the most famous industrial regions in the world
1 In 6 The Number Of Children In Japan Living In Relative Poverty
Although Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated there is "no way" Japan is in poverty, statistics show that 54% of single-parent families, and 16% of children, are living below the poverty line. Matthew Hernon investigates the country’s hidden crisis.
Food Is Like Fashion
Chef extraordinaire Bill Granger on being inspired by Japan’s visual culture, what he learnt from his butcher father and grandfather, and his favorite Bills branches including the latest opening in Ginza.
Under The Tracks In Yurakucho
Surrounded by the extravagance of areas such as Marunouchi, Ginza, Hibiya and Shimbashi, this old-school neighborhood is something of an island extending in a narrow strip beneath the Yamanote line. But it does have a few modern surprises up its sleeve…
Breaking The Rules Of Kimono
A new book by Dr sheila Cliffe shows off the different personalities of this very traditional yet often misconceived garment.
The Misunderstood Crows Of Tokyo
Love or hate them, the city’s gigantic crows cannot be ignored. To make sense of their place in the concrete jungle, we look at their longheld connection with Japan, and some surprising lessons we can learn from these sometimes smart, sometimes foolish “urban guerrillas of birds”
Boys For Sale
A shocking new documentary brings to light a particular kind of sex trade happening in shinjuku ni-chome,where young, mostly straight boys are being paid to sleep with older men.
Seeking White Sand
Craving an island escape? Here are three destinations in Japan that should be on the list of “Asia’s best beaches”
