What I Eat Everyday In Japan

Where is this Restaurant ?

2012-01-28T22:31:00.000+09:00

Nice Service !

This was the place we went to tonight.

A friend from U.S. wanted to have something ethnic....

What did we have !?

Hot Pot in Shmokitazawa

2012-01-27T21:30:00.000+09:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_pot

The other day, I went to this restaurant.

You can enjoy two kinds of soup. There is a divider in the pot. The red one is really spicy.
You would sweat. The white soup is mild.

Both has lots of herbs. Do you have this kind of place in your city ? I would say, 20 years ago, there wasn't much places which has this.

In Tokyo, it's been popular for this 10, 15 years or so.

Soba Noodle Stand on the Platform of Station

2012-01-26T10:04:00.004+09:00

Add caption

This is from Kokubunji Station ( JR ).

There is a buckwheat noodle soup stand on the platform....for people in a hurry. ( & hungry )
You buy the ticket of the food you'd like to have first @ vending machine and get in the shop and hand the ticket to the ladies working in the counter. The food will be served in a minute.

No chair, so you eat standing.

I was running to the next meeting, but also very hungry.... tried this, the topping is fried garland chrysanthemum and sliced scallion.

Yum ! Especially in cold winter, this was a big help. Next time, which menu shall I try ?

Hokkaido Cuisine @ TSUKADA FARM Continued

2012-01-24T18:43:00.000+09:00

Chicken Cooked on Hot Stone

Heart Shaped Fried Rice

Hokkaido Cuisine @ TSUKADA FARM

2012-01-23T20:27:00.002+09:00

Ginger & Chicken Nabe ..... with tofu and vegetable.

Perfect for freezing night.

We had Tantakatan ( name of shochu....distilled spirit )..which is from Hokkaido.... this spirit is made of Japanese basil.

Eating of one big nabe ( Japanese wok ) ... with guests from U.S..... talking about culture, work, trends..... It was priceless night.

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g753352/lang/en/

That was Root of Lily.

2012-01-23T20:10:00.000+09:00

The answer is root of lily....there is a certain kind of edible lily roots.

What is it ? Can You Guess ???

2012-01-21T10:39:00.000+09:00

Root of Some Plant

Deep fried.....some root.

Texture is bit like potato....imbricate scale like root has faint smell of flower...

Delicacy..

Savoring Hokkaido in Shinjuku, Tokyo

2012-01-20T12:16:00.000+09:00

Melting Cheese / Raclette

So, let me continue about Sunday dinner.

It was sort of brain storming meeting original to discuss some business.....it was nice group of people.... nice is too simple...unique, intelligent, characters... warm from different culture background. I was thrilled ! ( then talked too much from excitement. ) Hope didn't scare people off :-)

One person couldn't go onto the dinner, but 4 of us went to this dining.

Boy ! This starter....raclette melted in my mouth.
They grate big cheese by the kitchen, which we could see. I love cheese.

First Snow of This Winter.....in Tokyo

2012-01-20T09:11:00.000+09:00

Let me come back and try to write during lunch time. It is snowing now.
Last night, it was freezing..... my body sense is like animal..... it was dull... slow move....yes, it was like hibernating.... after having hot soup breakfast, it feels great.

Friday here now. Work, work, work !

Chopin Piano Recital

2012-01-18T22:54:00.000+09:00

Just came back from piano recital of Kazumasa Matsumoto.....all Chopin.
Long day today..... time to go to bed.

Pierre Herme --- French Patssier's Macaroon

2012-01-17T21:57:00.000+09:00

Just for your information..... as long as I know.....it seems macaroon has been popular for this several years..... since Pierre Herme's macaroon has been introduced....was it about the time when American movie " Marie-Antoinette" was released.....I don't know if there is any relation, but that movie was cute.... very girlish.... with pastel color...beautiful shoes and mouth-watering sweets.

Where is My New Year's Resolution ?????

2012-01-17T21:49:00.001+09:00

This was the start of Sunday dinner. I mean this was afternoon tea time..... macaroon.... green tea flavor, chocolate and strawberry.... ahhhh...

There are several new year's resolutions....for 2012. One is to keep the best weight. Right now I am overweight.... it feels heavy and lately I haven't exercised at all.... so am losing muscles....

Have not started exercising yet... because at the end of 2011, I sprained my ancle.... no problem for walking ,but still bit scared to work out fully.

ah..... without fitness.... I shouldn't have these kinds.... I know.... but I couldn't resist...... with great people and great conversation...it was even more tasty.....@ South Court Lounge of Century Southern Tower.
http://www.southerntower.co.jp/english/restaurant/index.html

Thanks to My Kind Friends

2012-01-17T21:35:00.001+09:00

It was like Vegetarian Day today for me.

My lunch was also full of vegetable....a big Salad plate and minestrone soup.

This is the dinner tonight. Soba-noodle ( buckwheat noodle ) sitting in grated radish & miso ( hot radish & miso paste )....thanks to my friends. They gave me the radish again.... because I said " It was soooo good. " It was their very last one they had.... they didn't have to, but they were so nice. Thank you !

This town, Shimokitazawa is comfortable.... pleasant.... yes, there are nice shops and restaurants, but the best attraction is these warm-hearted people.

17 years ..... since Great Hanshin Earthquake

2012-01-17T21:23:00.000+09:00

17 years from that. Hmmm. Today is January 17th here. Back then, I knew it was a tragic disaster, but didn't do anything practical to support victims.

I was travelling and worried about my family, but they were in Tokyo, so they were safe. Then.... kept watching news, but didn't do anything.

Sigh. It was totally somebodyelse's disaster to me. I regret it. Last March, I did feel the quake here in Tokyo and because of that, I could actually relate myself to the disaster.

Will try to do things even if it is small support Tohoku region this time.

LINKEDIN Seminar @ Academy Hills

2012-01-16T23:35:00.001+09:00

Ramen Noodle Soup

I had wonderful dinner last night..... which has several food photos. I will upload later.

For tonight, since I just came back from that, the photo is this... tonight's dinner in Roppongi.

Are you using SNS ? Yes, I use Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter.

For Facebook, I have to say I'd like to be connected to people who I have met in person only. Or only if introduced by some other mutual friends.

For LinkedIn, if there seems to be mutual benefits, I usually accept invitations. Even so, I would prefer people who introduce themselves why they are sending the invitations ( if I have not met the person).

I wondered how I should use LinkedIn and attended the seminar tonight. That's why the dinner was this simple ramen..... on the way home.

It seems, if your purpose is clear such as job hunting, recruiting or looking for business partners, it is quite helpful and you can promote yourself on LinkedIn.

It takes time to fill out all the information though. I have filled some info., yet, my business arena is straddling several genres, so at the moment, I am using it just to keep in touch with business friends.

The work of filling information itself is probably good to clarify the current business and where I am aiming at. It was surprising that they are operation Japan office only by 4 people right now.

Dinner Ramen was @ Jun Koku ZUNDOYA, Roppongi.

Biryani --- Duck Version @ Garam Masala in Kyodo

2012-01-15T23:00:00.000+09:00

Duck Biriyani

Another biryani experience @ this gathering and cultural talk about food and road travel talk.

Many photos from his trip..... from east China through Silk Road to Turkey..... various Chinese soup noodles, Lagman and biryani....

Splendid landscape... sand... endless land.....gigantic rocks.... I enjoyed looking at them and the cultural introduction..... how people were nice and friendly.... China, Uighur, Iran, Turkey....I haven't been to those territories yet.... hoping someday....

Another Biriyani Night in KYODO

2012-01-14T19:27:00.000+09:00

Appetizer Plate

Coriander covered oyster ( green one ), spring roll, fried eggplant, eggroll with coriander, pickled chicken and beans, spinach.....

Starter @ Garam Masala in Kyodo...

A gathering with NBA..... Nihon Biriyani Association's chairman arranged another dinner night there.

Simple Pork & Chinese Cabbage Nabe

2012-01-13T10:20:00.000+09:00

Cooking

This frequently appears as winter dinner on my table.

Ingredients ( basic ):
Thinly sliced pork. ( 100 g )
Chinese Cabbage ( Several leaves.... tear by hands into bite size )
Sake or white wine ( 2 table spoon )
Water ( 2 cups )
Soy sauce or salt

Ingredients ( if you have.... ):
Ginger or Yuzu kosho or Miso

1. Place Chinese cabbage into nabe or pot, wok.
2. Put the pork on the cabbage. Pour water.
3. Pour sake over it and cover with a lid. Steam for 7 min. or so. Check occasionally.

4. When the cabbage is cooked and the color of the meat is completely changed. Done !
5. You can season it with salt or just bring it to the table and then season it when you eat with soy sauce. Add grated ginger or yuzu kosho to your taste.

6. Or, you can add miso before serving. Miso version also tastes great.

Done !

Yoyogi Village --- IV

2012-01-12T17:11:00.000+09:00

Body Therapy

Cappuccino

While waiting, we explored the complex. Found nice ( smelled nice ! ) body therapy room. I had this cappucino @ coffee shop.

Yoyogi Village --- III

2012-01-11T17:27:00.000+09:00

Inside the Italian Restaurant

We had to wait for a while..... you'd better make a reservation. I should have.... We got there around 1 p.m. still the restaurant was full. Other places.... small cafe selling hamburger, noodles were there, but my friend and I decided to try this main restaurant.

It was worthwhile.... the food was good.... and the interior was pleasant as well as the staffs' service.

Dessert

Yoyogi Village --- II

2012-01-10T18:20:00.000+09:00

One Plate Lunch

Ah... this foam on the salad is the residue of washing leaves....

Just KIDDING !

It is sort of salad dressing made of apple juice etc.... it was good !

I'd never seen it before.

Risotto is pork and spinach.

Yoyogi Village

2012-01-09T19:41:00.000+09:00

This complex was opened last November. 1 min. from Yoyogi station.

Italian restaurant, cafe, tavern, mini book shop, clothing shop, travel agency and massage/ body care center are set in open space with nicely designed landscape.

Visited this place this afternoon and had lunch at Italian restaurant.

The bottom left is the bar open only at night and used as waiting room for Italian restaurant during lunch hour.

Blue Eggs ---Araucana

2012-01-08T15:34:00.000+09:00

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Have you tried blue eggs ?

I bought two and tried for the first time.

bright orange. Taste is almost same as regular ones, but it is rich in nutrition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araucana

Some Pics from 2011

2012-01-06T14:56:00.000+09:00

Rice Cake Making

Local Fruit Shop, Kitazawa Orchard family gave me this photo.

I am making rice cake on the street !?

Yes, it was some event. There were some street performers....

Let me find those photo....

We Get Tired of Eating Same Osechi Box.....

2012-01-05T18:51:00.000+09:00

as of Jan.1/2012

as of Jan.2/2012

At first, the box is like this top left.

Then, I separately added flavored herring roe... which is crunchy and good !

Then, after consecutive 3 or 4 Osechi Meal, you get tired of eating it and try to make different combination....
which is the bottom photo.

I added rolled egg with grated green daikon radish ( a gift from friends' family ) and sweet beans.

I know we shouldn't complain about food, but you have to experience it before criticizing us. YOU will get tired after 3 days.

as of Jan.2/2012

Potato Salad & Steak @ Friend's House

2012-01-04T19:00:00.000+09:00

Potato Salad

Steak

Yes, there were two kinds of salads.

Both were delicious.

Then, steak ! Simply just beef steak and no garlic or soy sauce, we just used salt and pepper.

It bought out meaty flavor of the steak and we did enjoy it !

I felt so good next morning and I think that power was generated by this steak.

You shouldn't eat too much, but I think certain amount of meat ( protein ) is good for you.

Looking around my friends, those who enjoy eating meats have smooth skin and less wrinkles.

I feel this fact is related to that they eat meat often. ( These friends also eat much vegetables.)

This is the Way of this Friend

2012-01-03T13:07:00.000+09:00

Oyster

Let me show you some more dishes from this friend's dinner.

This friend is writing books, comments etc.... and me, I am a just a friend and do not help the publishing, but all the people around this person are treated like this.....

Giving away...... another integrity..

Salad with Taco Sauce

At Friend's New Apartment

2012-01-03T10:59:00.000+09:00

Cheese, Dried Raisin and Smoked Duck

This friend has been a good friend of mine for this 7 years or so.

I was invited to the place.....which the friend bought in cash.

Not huge, still buying an apartment in cash is unusual.

Well, it seems different from glitzy world or people, this friend's attitude is quite down to earth.

I just watched the Discovery channel's program about Warren Buffet..... these people do not show off....they value integrity and try to keep low profile. I like the style.

Osechi--- Same as Usual

2012-01-02T10:50:00.000+09:00

Simple One Layer Box

At my parents' place, this was always 3 tiered boxes, which is common for families.

I cannot eat all of them and this one is standard for my new year.

Right top is Otoso, it is a sort of herb sake.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toso

Happy 2012 and Best Wishes for You

2012-01-01T11:01:00.000+09:00

This is ozoni, rice cake soup, classic for new year's celebration. Yet, this year, I found this fish sausage with plum flower design and added it.

I am one of the lucky person who can eat this and sit in warm room.

What I can do is to do my best for myself first, and then help others.

Wishing everyone peaceful, happy, fulfilling new year.

Mixture's Delivery to Open Source Cafe !

2011-12-30T17:28:00.000+09:00

Mixture's Christmas Lunch for US

It was delicious Christmas Lunch ! by Mixture. ( link is below )

There were breads, sweets also.

After the lunch, we had events....English Cafe & Philosophy Cafe.

Philosophy..... I hadn't seriously studied before this or discussed.

It was learning experience for me.
Thinking is not bad thing..... you don't have to come to conclusion..... Really !? OK,
it makes me feel good..... more free...... thanks to them !

http://alwayseating.blogspot.com/2007/05/mixture-bakery-cafe.html

Christmas of Open Source Cafe

2011-12-30T17:22:00.001+09:00

Cafe Side

Library Side

A minute from my place. At least once a week, I visit this co-working space.

There are computer engineers, web designers, entrepreneurs, grad school students..... etc.etc.

Good working place, many inspring events, fun people....

I enjoyed Christmas Party of theirs.

Raspberry Sauce..... @ OSS Cafe

2011-12-29T12:25:00.000+09:00

Raspberry Sauce

This sauce is little sour with fresh raspberry flavor....makes excellent match with that cheese souffle.

The lady of the cafe ( the owner's wife ) made it for all of us at their Christmas party.

I should interview them for Series Shimokitazawa.

2012's mission !

Cheese Souffle for Chirstmas

2011-12-27T20:55:00.000+09:00

Will try to explain about this place and party next time.

This was soooo good.

Thank you for making this !

2011 is almost over.

2011-12-26T19:16:00.000+09:00

Was this good year for you ? It was sad and shocking when I think about the quake and nuke plant accident. However, at the same time, there were also countless mysterious encounters with people. Some are old friends who I hadn't met for ages.

Also, I met so many new people who are inspring me. It feels like god or universe is giving me hints about life.

There are still lots to do. Some work and some others. Toward the end of the year, I will think about 2011 and then start preparing for 2012. Hope your 2011 was good one and wishing the best for 2012.

Happy Holidays !

2011-12-24T15:14:00.001+09:00

Santa Clause with Music

This is from my aunt. Happy Holidays ! This santa clause has music sound. There is a button behind his face and if you press it, it starts playing Christmas Music !

Very Hot ! My Body Started Sweating !!!

2011-12-24T15:10:00.000+09:00

Nezumi Daikon ( Mini Very Hot Daikon Radish)

Udon, Miso & Grated Mini Radish

This is very small, mini daikon radish.
Apparently, this is from Shinshu or Nagano Prefecture.

This was given from my friends whose relatives are in Nagano region.

Oh, I was surprised by its pungency.
Very hot.

Both noodle and sauce is cold, so when I learned this recipe, I thought " isn't this too cold for Winter dinner ? "

No! I started eating this cold dish, my body started sweating. The reason is this radish. Very hot. It was sooooo good.

Thank you, my friends !

Ingredients:

Grated Mini Daikon Radish ( called Nezumi: Mouse or Rat : Radish )
Miso ( 1 table spoon ) Stir it into grated radish.

Cook udon noodle following instruction. ( This was thin, so I cooked about 5 min. )
Drain water and wash in running water. Place in plates.

Enjoy dip it into the sauce. ( Maybe you can use regular radish, which will be sweeter.)

Fish Store.... Shimotakaido & Movie

2011-12-23T17:00:00.000+09:00

Fish Store in Shimotakaido

Have you been to Shimotakaido Cinema ? It's one minute from Shimotakaido Station ( next to Meidaimae ) on Keio Line.

They have good selections of movies.
I visit this theater when they are showing the ones especially I missed topical movies during first-runs.

Today, I saw this...
http://888earth.net/en/introduction.html

Then, walked around the station. Fish store had mackerel, prawn, squid, sardine etc....

The lady approved my taking picture there, but she was too shy and ran away !
So, here is fish only. :-)

Second House, Shimokitazawa

2011-12-22T18:26:00.000+09:00

Berry Cheese Cake

I rarely buy cake for myself.

Once in a while, though, I feel the urge to eat some.

At Second House, Shimokitazawa, they have irresistible cakes which are shining in the display window.

Yes, this was delicious.

http://www.secondhouse.co.jp/newpage25.htm

View from " Hokkaido " of Shimokitazawa

2011-12-21T14:05:00.000+09:00

Set Menu

High-Rise Buildings of Shibuya, Roppongi

This restaurant is located on 8th floor of RECIPE building right by the station of Shimokitazawa. ( south exit )

Downstairs are Daiso ( 100 yen shop 5 F ) , Uniqlo ( 2F, 3F and 4F)
and Foodium ( B1 and 1F ).

If you'd like to sing, 6F is Karaoke place and 7F is eye clinic with contact lens shop.

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/ga3v261/lang/en/
Hokkaido, Shimokitazawa

This direction shows you the view of Shibuya, Roppongi. Not clear in this photo, but you can see Tokyo Tower and at far left, you will see Sky Tree Tower.

Salmon & Salmon Roe Rice Bowl

2011-12-21T13:58:00.000+09:00

Salmon & Salmon Roe Bowl

Newly opened restaurant in Shimokitazawa.

It specializes in Hokkaido dishes and the style is Japanese tavern.

They open for lunch also, so had this bowl the other day.

In the next post, I will show you the view from the place.

Setagaya-Boroichi, they sell plants also

2011-12-19T20:24:00.000+09:00

Bonsai at Boroichi

Bonsai stall.

I didn't have much time, but enjoyed sipping amazake and fried chicken and met some friends afterwards.

Setagaya-Boroichi, A Stall from Tohoku Region

2011-12-19T20:21:00.000+09:00

Boroichi, Setagaya 2011

The center is Canned Mackerel

Every December 15, 16 and January 15, 16, they hold this flea-market called Boroichi. ( meaning rag market )

There are some antique goods, but there are also foods, new products such as plants, knives, sweets, tablewares etc.....

It was nice to see the crowds and active
people..... then I found this stall selling products from Tohoku region.

Of course ! They had canned mackerels, some sweets and dried bonito flakes.

I bought a pack of bonito flakes.
The package had cover on the top saying " HOPE ".

Christmas Tree in Mamehico Shibuya.

2011-12-18T18:35:00.000+09:00

Memehico in Shibuya

Christmassy interior of Mamehico.

One of my favorite cafe in Shibuya.

This is the Mysterious Coffee

2011-12-17T15:56:00.000+09:00

Taste ? hmmm

I think this is quite new and can be found at vending machine here.

From my pure curiosity, I tried and.....
...wasn't impressed.

Green tea and coffee.... some say they have already too many products in their line and had to try something anyways......hmmm, why they had to combine these two....

For a Change--- Camel's Birthday and Her Lunch

2011-12-16T09:04:00.000+09:00

Lately, this camel has been popular..... she is turning 36 years old on December 18th and with her joint inflammation, it's hard for her to walk. She still has healthy appetite,so what the caretaker does is to put the food away from her and makes her walk to it.... so that she moves and uses her muscles.

Average life is 25 years old for camel, it is said. She is great grand-ma !
Her presence is encouraging senior people and she won special performance award from Japan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

I haven't visited her yet. Someday.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkKyAryp1nM

This is the zoo.
http://www2.nogeyama-zoo.org/foreign/pdf/english.pdf

Soba Noodle in Kokubunji

2011-12-15T22:38:00.000+09:00

Kitsune Soba

Another place occupied by men.
( Actually, there was one lady.)

Not the noodle stand on station's platform, but near the station.

You buy the ticket of the dish you'd like and hand it to the kitchen.

The right white one is grated radish, which is extra 100 yen.

Manly Restaurant !? Would You Go ???

2011-12-14T20:38:00.000+09:00

Pork Cutlet Curry and Rice

Is there men's restaurants in your country ?

Well, not the clubs with beautiful ladies.

I am talking about casual, sometimes standing fast food place.

This is usually occupied by men.

C&C curry shop. I sometimes go in there , which is usually when I am in a hurry or too tired. The other day, I needed to run to Shibuya. Got things done.
Then I realized that I was too hungry to go home and cook.

Stopped by. Had this curry..... it is delicious. If this is home, I would make green salad or something with vegetable, but no, when you are tired, this is a feast.

Simple Meal soothes My Stomach

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000+09:00

Rice & Soup

This is not typical Japanese breakfast.
The soup is more like Western.

It has sausage, carrot, komatsuna( similar to spinach) etc..
I made it miso soup. You don't even have to use "dashi", the Japanese soup stock. Instead of Japanese soup, you can use regular soup cubes.

Then add miso when the ingredients are ready... little by little till miso is fully dissolved.

The left is rice. The topping is something new I found at store. Bottled seasoned minced chicken. It already tastes good, so I just added grated ginger.

We are in holiday season already. You often go to parties, gathering and drink, eat A LOT ! This kind of simple meal is soothing and helps stomach stay healthy. ( for me.)

Hot Soupy Food in Winter Morning

2011-12-10T20:32:00.002+09:00

Soba Noodle for Breakfast

During summer time, I wouldn't have this for breakfast.

Found naruto ( this flower like fish sausage) in the fridge.

Cooked soba quickly and added sliced naruto, green onion.

Also, in the cup, saved healthy soba water. Supposed to be good for you with its rutin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutin

Cook the soba noodle following the direction.
While cooking soba, prepare hot water and make the soup from bottled soba-tsuyu.( usually sold in a bottle ).
Chop the onion and slice the fish sausage.

When soba is ready, don't dump the hot water that soba was in. Save it for drinking later. Put the soba noodle in the bowl which has soup. Put the toppings.

Series Shimokitazawa X---VII ROKKOYO Direction

2011-12-09T18:17:00.001+09:00

http://www.rokkoyou.com/access.htm
How to get to ROKKOYO is on this map, yet this is written in Japanese.
Let me explain.

Direction:
Exit from West Exit of Shimokitazawa station, which is on the tip of Inokashira Line's platform. Take right and go upstairs. Go straight to the right and you will see 7/11 on your left. Rokkoyo will be on your right in 3 min. It's half basement.

Address:
Kitazawa 2-28-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Closed:
Tuesdays

Hours:
5pm - 0am

At the moment, there is no English menu, but we are discussing to create one.
( I 'll help ! ) They don't speak English, but.....if you like Japanese sake and food, you'll enjoy. You'll enjoy the place and their caring service.

Series Shimokitazawa X---VI ROKKOYO - Illustration

2011-12-08T14:51:00.000+09:00

Illustration of Miya-chan is adding warm ambience....

The menu also has various illustration instead of photo.

The bottom is another drawing hung on the wall.

As seen in the drawing, I would recommend sake to drink with their food.... or shochu.

Series Shimokitazawa X---V ROKKOYO 5th Anniversary

2011-12-07T16:52:00.001+09:00

Kumade

The left is KUMADE.

At some shrines, you can buy this Rake, supposed to be a collector of money ( because of the figure ) , meaning bringing good luck and fortune to the shop.

Commercial businesses, shops often have these.

The lower dish is pickled fish... sort of herring and this marriage with gari ( ginger.... the one you eat at Sushi place ) and shiso ( Japanese basil ) .

Mamakari, Ginger & Japanese Basil

Series Shimokitazawa X ---IV ROKKOYO , Japanese Restaurant

2011-12-06T12:11:00.000+09:00

Kazu-san

Miya-chan

This is typical in Shimokitazawa shops or the places I introduce at.

People of the shops are so nice. Warm.

Cheers to Rokkoyo.

Series Shimokitazawa X ---III ROKKOYO , Japanese Restaurant

2011-12-06T12:07:00.000+09:00

Prawn & Daikon Radish

Their food is not delicious seasonal dishes.... they are also healthy.

Various fish menus with vegetables.

If you live on Odakyu Line area or Inokashira Line area, you must come and try them once.

Deep Fried Horse Mackerel in Sweet & Peppery Vegetable Sauce

Series Shimokitazawa X ---II ROKKOYO , Japanese Restaurant

2011-12-05T18:36:00.000+09:00

Salted Gingko Nuts

Illustration by Miya-chan

This was before the party.

Their specialty is seasonal foods.

Flavorful gingko nuts..... I keep throwing into my mouth and can't stop eating.

The wife, Miya-chan serves food and sake. ( they have various good Japanese sake , shochu, beer etc... )

The husband, Kazu-san cooks in the kitchen.

http://www.rokkoyou.com/access.htm
If you click here and scroll down.... you'll see them.

Series Shimokitazawa X ---ROKKOYO , Japanese Restaurant

2011-12-04T21:13:00.000+09:00

Rice Balls

I hadn't done this series since summer.

This restaurant is using nice tableware.

A couple is running this place. Yesterday was their 5th anniversary since they opened the shop.

Cozy, half-basement place is relaxing and good for both casual friends gathering and/or light business talk.

Christmas Decoration

2011-12-03T14:56:00.000+09:00

Christmas Tree @ Cafe ZINC

Cyclamen@ Hanahiro, Shimokitazawa

Holiday Season has already started.

Christmas trees are everywhere, red and white decoration can be seen at stores..... Christmas sweets are sold at shops....

This is already December.

Wrapping Up Wedding ---- Dessert

2011-12-02T08:55:00.000+09:00

You are already tired of looking at wedding food ? Thank you for checking my blog today.

Yes, it went on and each plate was so nicely decorated and tasty. I wanted to share these with you.

The friend, the bride made speech at the end thanking to both parents, gloom's and her parents.

It was such a nice speech...... tears came out...Her choice of career or how to live was little different from others or didn't follow the parents' expectations. She struggled though to find her own way and here she is.....

A Slice from Wedding Cake

Wedding --- Several More Dishes

2011-11-30T22:09:00.000+09:00

Veal Dish

This came after a champagne sorbetto.

Una fonte con vitello e saute del gras di foie, salsa Porcini.

Cooked veal with Porcini sauce.

This hotel should be nice hotel... but I felt they are trying even harder.... the reason ?

Because the bride is working @ wedding business website/ service company. Maybe that is why ? I was guessing.

It means the meals were so gorgeous and so delicious unusually.

Thanks to the couple and their parents again.

Wedding --- The Ambassador of Hachijojima Island

2011-11-29T18:32:00.000+09:00

Seafood Plate

Un'anguilla marittima e la grirlia di vegetali, truffe ed un strombo assentono

If you are Italian, shouldn't be a problem. The above is probably... conger and vegetable grill with truffle and whelk.

This shell fish was chewy and yet I loved that texture. The conger was also delicious !

As to the reception, I was impressed with the couple's harmony, their happy, proud attitudes and sharing their happiness with us. We were all very happy. Then, adding to that....... the father of the gloom made wonderful, funniest speech !

We laughed and laughed.... he is the great ambassador of Hachijojima.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachij%C5%8Djima

The gloom is from that island and the father goes....
" If you come to the island, there, sitting at that table is the owner of the bed and breakfast, we can introduce you to them, then, if you'd like to buy some land there,
Mr. XXX is also here today, then if you need to build a house, there is...."

It was sooooo funny. I 've never visited that island, so when I travel there, I will definitely ask him for more information and introducing me to his contacts.

Wedding Course Meal Continues....@ Daiichi Hotel Tokyo

2011-11-28T17:21:00.000+09:00

2nd Dish

This tomato dish was great also.
Let me check the menu....

I prodotti di pesca marinano ed il coupe del pomodoro.

The next is Minestrone con Parmigiano.

Very Italian !

3rd Dish

Friend's Wedding @ Daiichi Hotel Tokyo

2011-11-27T17:38:00.000+09:00

Table Setting

When they invited me, it was unusual..... the invitation card had RSVP card and said " please select your preference. " ???

There were three options..... Japanese, French or Italian with the whole course description.

It took time for me to come to the final decision !
I chose Italian.

As shown here, the first plate ( appetizer ) was Italian Ham and Olive.

First Plate

Lovely Bride. Splendid Wedding.

2011-11-26T21:43:00.000+09:00

Let me show you photos tomorrow. I attended friend's wedding today.
Happy couple made us happy. The reception was also soooo entertaining.

Friend from Silicon Valley --- @ Nicolai Bergmann Cafe

2011-11-25T21:42:00.000+09:00

Carrot Cake

Nicolai Bergmann Flower Shop

Glad that I went back to that cafe again.
Nicolai Bergmann.... the Florist in Omotesando.

My friend was visiting Tokyo and I wanted to take her to a somewhere nice....

Last time I met her was probably 9 years ago in San Francisco.

Time flies. We tried to catch up, but wish we had more time.

One thing I learned from her ( Silicon Valley resident ! ) was Pomodoro Technique.

Did you know that ? I didn't know that so, googled and found it immediately.

Downloaded the application.

It's about time management and the tool. You can use your timer on your phone or kitchen timer. I wanted to use it on PC, so purchased the application. Set 25 min. and take 5 min. break and then set 25 min. again. During the 25 min. you just focus on the thing you are working on.

Nowadays, there are so much information and SNS and others which interfere with your work. ( Is it just me ? ) So, it helps.

Started using it. Let's see how it helps.

Right, My Friend's Reminder.

2011-11-24T22:35:00.000+09:00

Dessert

A friend of mine was sharing nice quote.

When you think everything is someone else's fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy. Pride leads to violence and evil. The truly good gaze upon everything with love and understanding. - His Holiness the Dalai Lama-

mmm. deep. Logically, I always feel I know it, but emotionally, when I feel things were caused although I acted right, I would tend to criticize other people.

Monday Dinner .....Did I Study @ 37 !?

2011-11-24T01:31:00.000+09:00

Grilled Fish with Daikon Radish ( Grated )

Vegetables in Thick Soup

The Course menu @ Kisaku continues as shown on the left.

It was healthy, beautiful, delicious meal.

Let me tell you this story tonight.
Not related to this food.....

Somebody remembered me... some girl... younger than I. She decided to re-start her life and got divorced.

When she was thinking about her 2nd stage of her life, what pushed her was the memory of the conversation .... with me, which sounds great, but it seems the background of myself in her memo is different from myself.

This is complicated, but I thought " people's memory swell...."

In her memory, I went to foreign country @ the age of 37 and came back to Japan and started new career, which is different. My business is little different. I went to the states when I was in 20s for several months, that's all. I studied English mostly in Japan.

This story came from our mutual acquaintance and I was stunned because the detail of my story was quite different.

I am still wondering why she got that notion, but it happens. Yes, I got little confused..... I have to admit though that I was surprised and touched that she was saying that she was pushed by my words, which I do not remember really. Apparently, I told her " Make it happen. " or " If you try, you can make it. " hmmmm. I should keep saying it to myself ! (

Rice in Soup ( Ochazuke )

Kisaku's Course Menu......

2011-11-22T19:46:00.000+09:00

Inside the Bowl....

Sashimi Plate

The course menu was delicious and beautiful.

The place is called Kisaku...
http://wanoshun-kisaku.com/

Near Yurakucho or Ginza or Hibiya.

Seasonal Japanese Course Menu after Programming Committee Meeting

2011-11-21T23:48:00.000+09:00

The First Owan

I am a programming committee member of Entermetele.... a TV broadcaster owned by Nagoya TV Next.... the affiliation of TV Asahi network.

I attended their programming committee meeting this afternoon and the they invited us.... the committee members to this beautiful dinner.

We discussed various programs and industry trends etc... and exchanged our ideas, opinions during this dinner, which was fun and informative.

Fallen Leaves...... Winter is Coming

2011-11-21T23:44:00.000+09:00

Fallen Leaves

I enjoy our four seasons.....when I see the sign of the change of the season, it's thrilling for me.

Near my place.... colorful leaves are just like cut out color papers.

Beautiful.

Christmas Stuff......

2011-11-20T22:38:00.000+09:00

Holiday Season

Halloween is quite popular in Japan lately....then after that.... we skip Thanks Giving... ( we don't have it ) meaning Turkey and Cranberry Sauce is rarely served at restaurants here. If you'd like, you need to find American style restaurants. ( Sometimes , I seriously search for that ! )

Now shops are filled with Christmas Stuff..... Have you been to Kaldi ? They sell imported foods.... this snowball tea cookies are one of the dangerous sweets that I get easily addicted to... this milky taste..... hmmmmm !

I guess, it's not just the taste, this cute package and holiday season's festive mood excites me.

BIRIYANI BIRIYANI --- Time Consuming Work Entertained Us

2011-11-19T16:07:00.000+09:00

I would like to thank the chairperson of Nihon Biriyani Association. It was time-consuming work. We were so hungry waiting for Biriyani.... it was worthwhile to wait.
Scrumptious spicy rice made us so happy.

Mostly people from IT related work ( or I would say who have expertise in that filed ) were working @ the cafe..... waiting for the rice and.... we were so lucky. I thought it would be only a handful to try, but actually there was enough for everybody's seconds.

It tastes bit like curry and paella of Spain, but more complex with spices and fruits flavor. hmmmm.

According to him, there are many restaurants in Southern India and Pakistan. Especially near mosque. This is feast and for instance, after Ramadan, this rice is served. Because it takes so much time to cook this, at regular Indian or Pakistan restaurants in Japan, they do not put this on menu. However, if you ask them in advance, they will cook for you.

The chairman of NBA is going to open the restaurant specialized in Biriyani in Kyodo. Can't wait.

BIRIYANI Night @ OSS Cafe

2011-11-18T23:57:00.001+09:00

BIRIYANI & YOGURT SAUCE

The drink is CHAI. This was sweet and usually I wouldn't drink with meals.

For Biriyani, it was perfect match.

Spicy, very hot biriyani with soothing yogurt sauce ( chopped cucumber is adding refreshing flavor and crunchy texture.) .

Correction and Attention, please.

YOKOSONEWS, is correct description.
http://yokosonews.com/

It was BIRIYANI night .....@ OSS Cafe, Shimokitazawa

2011-11-17T09:30:00.000+09:00

The Chairman of Nihon Biriyani Association

Open Source Cafe often holds event such as WORD PRESS study day.... which is coming next Monday.

Yesterday was BIRIYANI party day.

The chairperson of Japan's Biriyani Association ( NBA ) came over to the cafe and cooked.....he started preparation @ 9 a.m. ! When we started eating it was almost 9 p.m. !

Will show you the dish tomorrow.... also I met nice interesting people including YOKOSO news ! ( Oh, it was such a coincidence, but I was so pleased ! )

Korean Night --- Getting Chilly...... Samgyetang

2011-11-16T22:13:00.000+09:00

Samgyetang @ Yurakutei

My friend had sore throat, so we decided to have something hot & warm.... healthy.

Came to this Korean Chicken Soup.

Kept talking..... thanks to friendship.

It was warm night.....heart & body.... from hearty soup. :-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samgyetang

Yurakutei- Between Ikenoue and Shimokitazawa

2011-11-15T23:46:00.000+09:00

Potato Chijimi ( Korean Pancake - Potato Version)

I was with my friend @ Rakugo tonight..... Sit down comedy.

We live quite close.... probably 2, 3 minutes away..... we went to town hall and had dinner together.

At Korean restaurant, we ordered several dishes.

This was first experience.... similar to hushed potato. You dip this into spicy soy sauce.

Yakitori Soup Rice --- from Inspiration !

2011-11-14T12:20:00.000+09:00

Yakitori Soup Rice

This was actually good..... if you can find Yakitori or canned Yakitori ( grilled chicken ) , I would recommend to try once.

Especially if you have left over Yakitori from previous night, don't waste it !
I found this canned Yakitori in my food storage. The commercial film gave me a inspiration.... CF said " try make this from your left over.... put our Chinese Chicken Soup Stock over the rice and Yakitori..... pour hot water ..... Tastes good ! " or something. Of course, to push you to buy the Chinese Chicken Soup Stock. I already had one ( could be different brand ) in my kitchen. Yummmmm and Eaaaaaasy. My own idea was to put wasabi on the side as condiment. It tasted so good.

Balancing Diet with Casual Food

2011-11-12T13:41:00.000+09:00

I do enjoy eating out.....but I'd like to balance both my wallet and diet.

Found frozen corn and unused bunch of asparagus in freezer and fridge as well as barbecued pork.

Made miso ramen noodle using a package ramen.

The temperature is gradually dropping lately..... soup bowl warms me up.

dill fait beau 16 --Bistro in Shimokitazawa IV

2011-11-11T21:00:00.000+09:00

Quick look of the desserts.

Makomodake---- Not a Rice

2011-11-10T09:36:00.000+09:00

Grilled Pork and Makomodake

It's not rice....,but perhaps belongs to the family of rice.... the English name is Manchurian Wile Rice...., which is sitting on the top of the pork.

Makomodake.... we call it. It has bamboo shoot like texture and a slight corn flavor.... I love it!

Then the pork. I could have stopped at the fish.... but wanted to have some red wine.... then a bit of pork..... Men usually say " You eat very little. " to a lady. I was told " You eat a lot." Thank you . I have very healthy appetite !!!

dill fait beau 16 --Bistro in Shimokitazawa III

2011-11-09T12:20:00.000+09:00

White Fish in Barley

You would enjoy the texture of this dish..... chewy barley is the bedding for this well cooked white fish..... the crunchy skin and fluffy white meat.

The herb or spice aroma spreads in your mouth with no fishy smell....

I enjoyed a glass of white wine with it.

dill fait beau 16 --Bistro in Shimokitazawa II

2011-11-08T19:20:00.000+09:00

The appetizer and bread. The small plate is olive oil. yum.

KOHADA is sort of herring....

The bottom is sorry, I forgot.

( silly )

Tried Dinner @ dill fait beau 16 in Shimokitazawa

2011-11-07T21:32:00.000+09:00

S & P

Told you about this place.... the embroidery shop turned to a bistro.... the husband and the wife are now working together !

After having lunch there, I wanted to try their dinner. Yes, I did.

I demonstrated my endless appetite there.....

Olive Yellowtail Sushi - Dinner Tonight

2011-11-06T21:01:00.000+09:00

Olive Yellowtail Sushi

This hamachi ( yellowtail ) is called olive yellowtail.
They fed powdered olive to this fish and it seems this fish has good fat-acid... healthier than average.

Tastes, of course, good. Not greasy, meaty, not fishy.

From Kagawa prefecture.

I would call this " Japanese Buffalo WIngs "

2011-11-04T18:54:00.000+09:00

Sweet Spicy Chicken Wings

Originally, these chickens are from Nagoya area, it seems.

Sweet and Spicy..... the spice is black pepper.... dressed with sesame.

Yummy. On the way home after meeting, I bought these at department store in Ikebukuro.

When I am busy..... Takeouts, Eating Out, Fastfoods.....

2011-11-01T20:45:00.000+09:00

Takeouts

Yes, I enjoy cooking usually or when I have time.... last two weeks, I often ate out or used this kind of takeouts.

The left is tuna roll and the right is fried food... chicken, veggies etc...

The top is pumpkin salad.

I should show you the pic of newly opened supermarket.... actually renovated.

Not Always Wasabi for TUNA. Ginger also Works !

2011-10-31T20:20:00.000+09:00

Tuna & Ginger

This is also @ ROKKOYO.

As an appetizer, this was served. The topping is grated ginger. Tuna in Ponzu.

I was very tired and this was perfect for my throat, mouth and fatigue.

Little lemon juice in Ponzu helped remove my fatigue and the ginger was refreshing.
Usually I use ginger for bonito, sardine sashimi. Not for tuna. Hmmmmm. This is good idea. Next time, if you have chance, try ginger instead of wasabi.

Event is Over..... Late Night Supper

2011-10-30T12:33:00.000+09:00

Salmon Onigiri

Last week, I couldn't write. Too tired or didn't have time due to the event preparation I was involved in.

This is late night supper that I had the other night @ ROKKOYO on the way home.

With miso soup and pickles, my empty stomach was warmed up. ( I skipped lunch. )

TOKYO FOOD LOVERS FILM FESTIVAL

2011-10-23T12:22:00.004+09:00

http://tokyogohan.com/filmfestival/english

Too bad, I can't make it. It's ending today. If you are in Tokyo and love eating, check it out.

For myself..... maybe next year. Have to work today.

TIFF TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

2011-10-23T12:21:00.000+09:00

http://2011.tiff-jp.net/en/

If you are in Tokyo, check it !

Hair Cut after So Long......

2011-10-22T21:38:00.000+09:00

Galette

Galette Frances @ Villa, Shimokitazawa.

This has been working weekend again. Yet, to welcome the guests for the event, I wanted to get fresh look !

Went to beauty salon and got hair cut.
My hair was so long..... am I stingy or what ? Hadn't been to the salon for almost 1.5 years.

Felt so refreshed and hungry after that.
Found this galette shop and tried it. It seems the shop is operated by Europeans.
Must be authentic !?

MISHIMA BAR ?!

2011-10-20T23:30:00.000+09:00

http://mishima-bar.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mishima,_Shizuoka

Have you been to MISHIMA city ? The top is the event scheduled at the end of this month..... October 29th. BAR is pronounced like Spanish BAR.

There you get 5 tickets for 3,500 yen and stroll around, enjoy the food and some drinks.....Bit of various shops..... you can enjoy. Unfortunately, I cannot visit there this time.....I will check into their site ( only in Japanese right now ) and try to pick up some useful information.

If you have time or live near there, try visit them ! Let me hear how it was.

Squid Sashimi

2011-10-20T23:24:00.000+09:00

Squid Sashimi

Squid sashimi dinner. The sides are shredded cabbage and potato salad. Steamed white rice and miso soup are included in this set menu.

@ Tonsui.

Need to clean my room...... don't have enough time lately. Just cleaning surface....

It's been like Summer here

2011-10-18T00:24:00.000+09:00

I am still wearing short sleeves. At night, I wear some light jacket, but it's been strangely warm here. I wonder if it's related to the heat of the earth.......the impact of earth quakes. Maybe.

It's been hectic lately.....I had dinner @ 11 p.m. and still working. Toward the end of this month.... it will be like this.

Now I need something sweet. I know I have something in my fridge. ( Very bad..... cannot work out this month....... in November.. I will ! )

dill fait beau 16 --Bistro in Shimokitazawa

2011-10-16T15:39:00.000+09:00

Soup and Bread

dill fait beau !, if you remember, I visited the shop owner and wrote about the shop.

Here...
http://alwayseating.blogspot.com/2011/04/series-shimokitazawa-no2-i-dill-fait.html

The shop was renovated and she is now working with her husband there....why ?
They turned the shop into a French Bistro and the husband is the chef !

It's cool. The front side of the restaurant is still a shop of embroidery.
You can purchase bags, clothes etc.... Inside the shop is the bistro.
Too bad, I took some pictures, but my data card was full and they are gone.

I had the lunch menu, which has soup, bread and the main dish. For the main, I had risotto. Barley, asparagus and makomo mush room....

For the bread plate, there were two peaces. One was focaccia , their homemade.
Homey, relaxing and delicious. I have to return there for dinner next time.

Enjoy their lunch from Thursday through Monday. Closed on Tuesdays.
Dinner: 18:00-22:30 ( last order )
http://www.dillfaitbeau.com/photo.html

Yamitsuki---Addict in Shimokitazawa

2011-10-12T00:15:00.000+09:00

Yamitsuki

Somebody gave me a nice gift for my birthday.

I will show you the pic of the gift and the restaurant that I was treated.

This is 2 min from my place.... the name means " addict ".

That is understandable, you could go there with friends, or you could go there alone.

Cozy wine bar. Nice ! They opened a few months ago.

Sekihoutei in Omotesando/ Tokyo

2011-10-10T10:50:00.000+09:00

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a219900/lang/en/

The course dinner I have shown is from Sekihoutei, above link will show you the address and other details. It feels like visiting somebody's home.

Yes, it is expensive, so not for everyday. For special occasion or for treating guests.

I was actually invited, so very lucky !

It seems they won 2 stars from Michelin's Guide Book.

Dessert No.2 w/ Matcha

2011-10-10T10:43:00.000+09:00

It was fun surprise.....after the jelly, I thought it was over.... yes, already full , still.... it made me happy ! another sweets came with matcha green tea ! Steamed bean jam bun.

This is Dessert No.1 --- Grape Jelly

2011-10-10T10:38:00.000+09:00

Rice and Miso Soup at the End of the Meal Part

2011-10-09T18:16:00.000+09:00