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Shizuoka Pics

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日本語のブログ
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Last night, I finally had the pleasure the visit again one of the “best three Italian Restaurants” in Shizuoka City and Prefecture: Aquavite.
As I was sharing the company of two old friends, Marcus and Yumiko, we were no less than three Foodbuzz Foodies from Shizuoka City to make sure that compliments thrown by Rowena and Jen were amply hustified by a more appropriate tasting report of the wines of the day!
I had the honour th o choose the first bottle (see pic above. Sorry, the pics are not great, the light being too dimmed!):

2002 BOLGHERI by Podore Guado al Mela i Castagneto Cardocci in Toscana.
Red made with Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes.

Colour: Rich dark red/Garnet

Aroma: Floral/red roses, deep, really full

Taste: Strong attack. Not open yet. Tannic and still young.
Red fruits/cassis. Hints of chocolate later.
Loses its tannin quickly though and turns gentler with time.

Overall: Very positive wine. Takes time to develop, but worth waiting.

The first hors d’oeuvre was oyster from Iwate Prefecture.

Antipasto Misto.

I forgot to take a pic during the very busy conversation of the moment: Hokkaido Spider Crab Safran Risotto including the “brains” of the Crab.
Followed by Gorgonzola Cheese Cream Gnocchi.

Marcus chose the next bottle:
2004 San Pio by Mastroianni in Sienna, Toscana.
Red made from Cabernet (80%) and Sangiovese (20%) grapes

Colour: Rich deep red

Aroma: Hearty, young, Terroir. Red fruits: strawberries and cherries.

Taste: Smooth. Little or no tannin. Fruity: red fruits.
Soft attack, pleasant.
Tends to come back later with more strength.

Overall: Solid pleasant wine perfectly suited to food.

“Kajiki/Marlin” prepared in “Katsu/Deep-fried cutlet” fashion.
Once again I lost the picture of the sauteed fresh Porcini Mushroom and during the very serious wine tasting view exchange! I’ll ask Yumiko if she has got them!

Dessert: La France pears tart on a bed of fresh cream and custard with chocolate, cranberry and mint sauce!

Address: 420-0034 Shizuoka Shi, Tokiwa-cho, 1-2-7, Tomii Bldg. 3F
Tel. & fax: 054-2740777
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00 (on reservations only), 18:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays
Homepage (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK