Dinner at Les Cristallines — February 2010
On Wednesday, 24th February 2010, the Cambridge & Oxford Society held its main event of the month: a dinner at the charming French restaurant Les Cristallines in Minami Aoyama. The gathering was attended by 28 members and 5 guests.
Les Cristallines is tucked away in a small side street, around five minutes’ walk from Omotesando Station. Its discreet location made it slightly challenging to find, but once we arrived it was clear the effort was worthwhile. Just a few dozen metres from the busy city streets, the restaurant offered a quiet, cosy atmosphere that proved perfect for warm and lively conversation.
Members enjoying the dinner at Les Cristallines.
As we settled in with aperitifs, the Maître d’, Jean-Luc Bauer, introduced the chef. The beautifully presented meal was accompanied by generous pours of wine and served on translucent crystal plates glowing softly from hidden lighting beneath the tables — an elegant theatrical touch that delighted many diners.
During the evening we were pleased to welcome four new members of the Society: Yushi Inaba (St John’s, Cambridge), Miguel Poklepovic (Lincoln, Oxford), Matilda Ruffle (Brasenose, Oxford), and Maki Terao (St Hilda’s / Christ Church, Oxford). We also enjoyed the company of two overseas visitors: Laurent Bonnaud (St Antony’s, Oxford) and Andreas Demetriades (Trinity, Cambridge).
Members and guests during the main course.
After enjoying a delicious main course of gibier en croûte, the instruction was given to stand and change seats in order to mix and socialise — a tradition that helped create an especially friendly and informal atmosphere. As dessert and coffee were served, many members continued to move around the room to chat with new acquaintances.
Although the dinner officially concluded at 9:00 p.m., a number of attendees remained well past 10:00, enjoying relaxed conversation in the warm surroundings.
A lively and convivial evening in Minami Aoyama.
A delicious meal, excellent company, and a cosy venue combined to make the evening a great success. Our thanks go to the Society’s secretaries for organising another memorable event.
— Kiera McNeice (King’s College, Cambridge 2003)