Yotsuya Carmine Closed

[Mulboyne]

Italian chef Carmine Cozzolino is a well-known figure in Tokyo restaurant and media circles, opening his first restaurant in 1987 while the bubble was still inflating. In 1996, he opened a new restaurant in a building which formerly housed a ryotei in the old geisha district of Arakicho, near Yotsuya. Carmine Edochiano quickly became a favourite with foreigners and locals who liked the conceit. However, it seems the restaurant closed at the end of October and the building is now being torn down. A spokesman says the main reason for the closure is a downturn in business brought on by the recession. The site will be redeveloped.

[LTLurker]

... when I lived in Tokyo in the late 80s and early 90s, though it was the concept (rather than the conceit) that I liked.

I also appreciated the fact that the markup on good Italian wines was relatively modest

[Mulboyne]

...it was the concept (rather than the conceit) that I liked...

"Conceit" used in the sense I intended means much the same.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Fungula! Gli farò un'offerta che non potrà rifiutare.