Bento, 美食, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, 弁当

Sweet and Sour Horse Mackerel Bento!

January 22, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

We are very much in the season for Aji/鯵/Horse mackerel and since it is abundant in the Suruga Bay off the shores of Shizuoka Prefecture the Missus thought it was about time I had some fish for bento!

For the rice the Missus steamed it plain with hijiki/sweet seaweed and mixed the lot later with plenty of golden sesame seeds.
For a touch of design and balance she added some soft boiled egg of her own invention.

The side dish could be considered as the main dish, what with all the ingredients and colors!

Nanbanzuke means Japanese-style sweet and sour. The Missus prepares it spicier than usual with some sliced dry chillies and onion rings. It is a great way to season horse mackerel which already has a marked taste. The fish was placed over some lettuce to eat together.

No much need for a dessert with some many vegetables:
Carrot and walnut salad.
Boiled taro/satoimo seasoned with black sesame seeds.
Local mini tomato.

I took my time savoring the whole!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass, Einfach Bento,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Cocktails, 美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Fruit, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Fruit Cocktails by Masayoshi Tainaka at Bar Le Refuge (1): Kiwi Fruit!

January 21, 2012 dragonlife 14 Comments

Service: Pro and very friendly, if a bit shy
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great Fruit Cocktails. Very quiet and relaxing bar. Difficult to find liqueurs.

Shizuoka Prefecture is actually the third producer of kiwi fruits in Japan way ahead of the rest!
It is full season for all kind of varieties during the winter and here is another basic recipe for any kind of this exquisite fruit!

INGREDIENTS:

Kiwi fruit: 1
Sugar (if possible “wasanbon satou/和三盆砂糖”): 2 small teaspoons
Bacardi white rum: 30 ml
Crushed ice
Mint leaves

RECIPE:

Put the cut kiwi, sugar, Bacardi white rum in a blender and blend roughly.
Taste and rectify with a dash of rum if necessary.
Add crushed ice and blend again until smooth.
Pour into an elegant cup glass.
Decorate with a half slice of kiwi fruit and a sprig of fresh mint.
Provide straws.

Very sophisticated and satisfying freshness.
A lady’s favorite, but as a man I was extremely pleased!
A very healthy cocktail actually!

BAR Le Refuge
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma-cho, 9-15, Ribelute-Hirano 1F-B (within walking distance from Cenova)
Tel.: 054-221-0339
Opening hours: 18:00~02:00
Closed on Sundays
HOMEPAGE/BLOG (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

観光, Japan, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Traditonal Handcarfts, Tourism, Traditional Japanese Handcrafts

38th Shizuoka Traditional Crafts Exhibition at Matsuzakaya Department Store! (Part 2)

January 21, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Motif-inlaid Utility Lacquer box!

From January 18th through the 23rd a big exhibition is featuring traditional crafts and artists from all over the Prefecture!
This is a must-see event as Shizuoka Prefecture is a major crafts producing Prefecture in Japan!
No less than 66 artists will be represented!
This is the second installment but I will start soon running a series of individual interviews of these artists who are contributing so much to the preservation of great Japanese traditions!

Geta/wooden clogs and a picture of the artist whom I will interview soon!

Beautifully hand-carved and painted geta for ladies!

Elegant low-heeled men geta!

Nobody but a doll will ever wear these getas as they are smaller than the palm of your hand! Exquisite objet d’art!

Lady kimono “obidome/belt knot cover”!

More cute obidome!

Lady lacquered hairpins/hairknots!

Lady pendant tops, obidome, and hair barettes!

Exquisite business cards holders (for ladies!)!

Motif-inlaid lacquered utility boxes!

The artist about to paint the carved lacquer box!
Will interview him soon!

A favorite of mine: Japanese Sake Serving Glassware!

Business card holders for gentlemen!

Laquered paper tissue/napkin box you could use as a stand at the same time!

Dyed cloth eco-bag!

Wonderful lacquered chopsticks!

Expensive lacquered soup bowls!

Lacquered trays and bento boxes (for ladies) inlaid with dragonfly motif!

Exquisitely feminine bento boxes!

Another favorite of mine: Lacquered Japanese cups! A bit expensive but a true piece of art!

These beautiful insects are made of bamboo!

These bamboo lattice vase or lamp holders are a trademark of Shizuoka!

For a romantic night!

A lot of ladies would love such an elegant hand bag both for its originality and sheer intricacy!

Superb vessels for ikebana/flower arranging!

Traditional Shizuhata/賎機焼 pottery officially recognized as an asset of Shizuoka Prefecture!
The bowls can be used as such or for decoration as they bear pedestals on their back.

When you turn them over you realize they represent the face of a goblin/Oni/鬼!

More pottery from the same artist family I will interview soon!

More celebrated (and expensive!) Shizuhata pottery!

“Wappa” box with interesting motifs!

The artist and his family dye and wash this “Aizome/藍染” dye cloth with the water of their own well!

Dyed cloth bags!

Dyed cloth lady purses!

Don’t worry, many interviews coming soon!

Matsuzakaya Department Store
Right across the street from the Shizuoka JR Station North Exit
Opening hours: 10:00=19:00

For more information on prices, availability and orders please contact:
Robert-Gilles Martineau at Agrigraph
r.martineau@m2-labo.jp
Fax: (81)(0)537-7724

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Bars, Cocktails, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bartenders Club Shizuoka 3: Masayoshi Tainaka at Bar Le Refuge

January 20, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

The Bartenders Club Shizuoka was founded last month by 7 celebrated bartenders all owning their own cocktail bar in Shizuoka City to not only promote their businesses and make fruit cocktails in particular more accessible to customers but also to make products and their farmers better known to the public.
From January they will create cocktails from a designated Shizuoka producer and his/her fruit or vegetable at regular intervals.
Moreover, the producer will be introduced in blogs and bars to prove the traceability and safety of the delicious fruit or vegetables.

But let me continue the introduction of those seven “samurai” and their establishments with Masayoshi Tainaka at Bar Le refuge!

As its name says “Le Refuge” is an establishment away from the bustle of the center of town which offers an haven of tranquility and privacy.

The menu sign outside is welcome because this is a dark if every safe street at night!

As I do not use flash as a rule the establishment does look dark from outside!

But the inside is cozy with diffused lights.
When you learn that it used to be a car park it is certainly a great improvement!

The solid wood counter does not sit more than 9 and Masayoshi Tainaka/田井中正剛 does accept in groups of more than 3 so as to preserve the calm and welcoming atmosphere of his establishment!

Masayoshi already had 8 years of bartending experience in Shimizu Ku where he hails from before he opened his haven in May 2008.
An accomplished cocktail bartender he is always willing to venture into new concepts but his forte like his same-minded friends is fruit cocktails!

Kiwi Fruit Cocktail (coming in next article!)

Strawberry cocktail!

If you are of the lone night owl tribe, or if you wish yourselves away from it all with a special companion, Le Refuge is the place in the new “secret street” in town!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Bento, 観光, Japan, Japanese Pottery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Traditonal Handcarfts, Tourism, Traditional Japanese Handcrafts

38th Shizuoka Traditional Crafts Exhibition at Matsuzakaya Department Store!

January 19, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

Ikawa Mempa Bento Boxes!

From January 18th through the 23rd a big exhibition will feature traditional crafts and artists from all over the Prefecture!
This is a must-see event as Shizuoka Prefecture is a major crafts producing Prefecture in Japan!
No less than 66 artists will be represented!

Yesterday I ran to the 8th Floor of the department store to take pictures to give you an idea on what is on offer!
Naturally, I will start running a series of individual interviews of these artists who are contributing so much to the preservation of great Japanese traditions!

Here we go!

Box weaving artist!

Natural fiber woven boxes!

Everyday necessities from geta/wooden clog, purse to trays and lamps!

Ikawa Mempa lacquered bento boxes!

This large bento box could be used as a tray!

High quality wood cabinets and vase supports!

Traditional “tansu” drawer chests!

Arguably better than fragile antiques! And as good-looking!

Tempting, aren’t they? Both useful and so decorative!

One of my favorite crafts, bamboo lattice handcraft!

Light, sturdy and elegant for everyday use and decoration!

I couldn’t get my hands off them!

Japanese wooden clogs, geta! The reason that they are still popular is that they are actually promoting the feet’s health!

For gentlemen and ladies!

Exquisite pendants!

Decorated lacquered boxes!

2012 is the Year of the Dragon!

Beautiful Japanese traditional motifs!

Traditional wooden toys! Such Japanese-made toys are becoming a rarity!

Shizuoka is also celebrated for its “Aizome” dyed cloth which is also used in modern fashion!

This material will make your friends envious. Just think of the possibilities!

More everyday apparels!

Coaster collection for every year!

Very elegant and cheerful on a cold winter day!

Everyday enameled earthenware!

Both extravagant and sophisticated everyday earthenware!

Beautiful lunch boxes, chopsticks, trays all lacquered for ladies!

Mini mirrors!

And this is only a small part!
I might as well take more pictures today!

Matsuzakaya Department Store
Right across the street from the Shizuoka JR Station North Exit
Opening hours: 10:00=19:00

For more information on prices, availability and orders please contact:
Robert-Gilles Martineau at Agrigraph
r.martineau@m2-labo.jp
Fax: (81)(0)537-7724

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Baird Beer, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2012/01/18): 2012 Dark Sky Debut and Upcoming Taproom Events

January 18, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

2012 Dark Sky Debut and Upcoming Taproom Events

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Our news cup has runneth over and this bulletin is packed with announcements. Where to start? That is easy: the 2012 debut of Dark Sky Imperial Stout.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Dark Sky Imperial Stout 2012 (9.5%):

This foreboding stout is a beer lover’s winter dream. It is pitch-black in color, unctuous in body, elusively complex in flavor, warming in alcohol and piquantly hoppy. This 2012 version is more highly attenuated than previous, bumping the alcohol strength to 9.5%. The hop BUs total 80 (up from 75 a year ago) and include significant aroma contributions from a combination of Sterling, East Kent Golding and Hallertau Tradition. As with all our big beers, we krausen at packaging to produce a secondary fermentation, natural carbonation and continued flavor evolution. If you want to take the nip out of winter, this is your brew!

Dark Sky Imperial Stout begins pouring at our Taproom pubs, and at other Baird Beer retailing establishments in Japan, on Friday, January 20. Bottles (633 ml) also are available and can be purchased either through our fine family of BB retailing Japan liquor shops or direct from the brewery via our online Eshop.

Upcoming Taproom Events:
*Big Beer Winter Weekend @ Nakameguro Taproom (Jan. 20 – 22):

This event is our annual ode to the wonderful world of strong beers, or winter warmers, as they’re known in season. We will be featuring twelve Big Beers (six Baird and six guest) during the weekend festivities. These will be:

(a) Baird:

Jubilation Ale
Hatsujozo 2012 Strong Belgian Gold
Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale
West Coast Wheat Wine
Dark Sky Imperial Stout
Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine
(b) Guest:

Rogue Mogul Madness
Green Flash Imperial IPA
Ballast Point Victory at Sea Imperial Coffee Stout
Lagunitas Imperial Stout
Left Coast Asylum Belgian Triple
Rogue Old Crustacean Barley Wine
Big Beer Winter Weekend Drink Cards (7,200 yen) containing punches for all twelve Big Beers will be available for purchase. Customers who complete the card during the weekend will receive a free, and newly designed, Baird Beer logo glass (500 ml or 250 ml size). A la carte Big Beer purchases will be welcome also.

In addition to the fantastic lineup of strong ales, chef Ishikawa and the kitchen staff are busy designing a special weekend food menu to match and compliment the big beers. Sayuri, John and I will be in attendance Friday evening to kick off this special weekend of gluttony. Please join us.

*Taproom Live — Sat. Jan. 21 @ Fishmarket Taproom; Sun. Jan. 22 @ Bashamichi Taproom:

Aside from good food and friendly camaraderie, nothing pairs better with beer than excellent music. We are privileged to be hosting two live performances of acclaimed Irish fiddle player, Dale Russ, who will be accompanied by his friend and accomplished musician, Kyoto-based Jay Gregg. Shows on both evenings will start at 7:00 pm. There will be a JPY 500 cover charge at the door. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Taproom Improvements:

Both in the brewery and at our Taprooms, we always are in search of ways to get better. We have hit on two changes to our Taproom service that we think will further enhance the customer experience: (1) new Baird Beer glassware, and(2) newly designed Baird Beer menus.

Glassware plays an important role in the experience of fine beer. In our judgement, the finest beer glassware is crafted in Germany. It has taken us eleven years of hard work in order to be able to afford it, but at last we are turning to glassware from one of Germany’s premier makers — Sahm. Beginning Friday, January 20, Baird Beer poured at our Taproom pubs will be served in volume delineated and BB-logoed Sahm glasses (500 ml and 250 ml sizes for year-round beer; 400 ml and 200 ml sizes for seasonal beer).

Together with the new glassware, we will be debuting a beautiful new Baird Beer menu that has been designed by our talented artist friend, Ms. Eiko Nishida. It is a lovely, full-color menu, printed on wood that is bi-lingual (Japanese on one side, English the other). All of this has been in the making for some time now and we are thrilled finally to be ready to share it with you.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

グルメビールビール醸造 Beer Brewing 美食静岡 Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Shizuoka 日本沼津市

Bento, 美食, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, 弁当

Today’s Bento/Lunch Box (12/01): Sakura Ebi Kakiage Bento!

January 18, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

Kakiage is a kind of tempura in Japan. It is very popular when you need to accommodate small ingredients!
Shizuoka has arguably the most celebrated variety of kakiage: Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps Kakiage!

The Missus kept things very simple: after steaming the rice she mixed it with golden sesame seeds and shredded na no hana/菜の花/rape flowers for plenty of colors and nutritious ingredients.
She made the kakiage in small batches with sakura ebi from Yui, a nearby harbor famous all over Japan for its Cherry shrimps.
The tempura were very crisp and tasty! Even if you don’t have cherry shrimps try it with any small shrimps!

The side dish featured all the Missus’ favorites:
Tamagoyaki/Japanese omelette with a white and yellow pattern.
Carrot and walnut salad in lieu of dessert.
Gobo kinpira/fried spicy burdock root.

Colorful and so tasty!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass, Einfach Bento,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Bento Cooking 簡単なレシピ静岡 Food Gastronomy Gourmet Home Japan Japanese Lunch Box Rice Shizuoka Simple Recipes World Cuisines 弁当

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Weird Japan (2): Junk Food Bar in Shizuoka City!

January 16, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Someone will have to explain the meaning of the word “junk” to some people here! LOL
Maybe they are confusing junk food with fast food, although I would like to know what they mean by “soul” as well!

Americans will understand that “Jumbo Dog” probably means “Jumbo Hot Dog”, but what is a “Got Burger” or “Junk Rice”?

They are quite insistent about it with “Junk Food & Bar” pasted on the entrance door!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian 静岡 Fire Humor Japan Japanese Shizuoka

Chicken, 美食, Dessert, 酒, 野菜, 茶, 観光, 魚, 農業, Fish, Fuji-Takasago Brewery, Fujinomiya City, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Festivals, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Tourism, 地酒, 富士宮市

Japanese Gastronomy: Fuji-Takasago Brewery Public Opening with Sanoman Delicatessen in Fujinomiya City!

January 16, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Some happy participants!

For the last 8 years or so Fuji-Takasago Brewery has been holding a Brewery Public Opening Day on their premises in Fujinomiya City with the collaboration of Sanoman Co., the largest delicatessen company in the Prefecture.
The event is attracting a lot of attention from the whole of Shizuoka Prefecture as demonstrated by thousands of visitors from all corners of the Prefecture!
The joint event has become a reference for an ever-growing number of similar festivals in Shizuoka!

The train saw a lot of people going down at Nishi Fujinomiya Station at a walking distance from the Brewery. Some of them took the opportunity to eat hot pork soups at Sanoman Co. which stands on the other side of the street!

The soups on offer!

They were the more welcome by the cold weather!

I had a quick look inside Sanoman Co. as I knew quite a few of their products would be on sale on the Brewery premises!

And then we had only the street to cross to enter Fuji-Takasago Brewery!

The whole staff with their young owner were busy welcoming everyone!

Take note of the Fuji-Takasago sake kegs!

Quite a few notable visitors were already enjoying themselves including Kenya Yoshimura, owner of Uzu Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

Sakekasu/sake white lees were on sale for customers who will use them for amazake/sweet sake or nabe/hotpot back home!

Fujinomiya Yakisoba!

Visitors were even treated to a show by local folklore dance groups!

A keen crowd!

Cute kids taking part in the dance!

Slightly tired performers!

But my first destination was the sake served for free by the brewmasters (Noto School) themselves!

Directly from the brewing tanks!

Many local producers were selling their products!

Strawberry jams and cakes!

But the cold weather required plenty of hot food: Delicious croquettes by Sanoman Co.!

Baked sweet potatoes!

Hot tonjiru soup!

It certainly brought smiles on many faces!

Even so, quite a few visitors gathered around one of the many fires!

Another method to keep away from the cold was to queue for more free sake!

What with visitors coming from far away the brewery staff was busy selling their nectars!

It was a battle to reach the bottles!

Sake is fine but one can’t drink on an empty stomach, so it was back to the food stands!

Mind you, there was plenty of green tea on offer!

Home-made natural yeast bread!

Tonjiru soup and karaage chicken!

Now, what is this freshly made anko/sweetmeats for?

Dorayaki!

Apart of Fuji-Takasago Brewery and Sanoman Delicatessen, there were two more stars present!
First Kunugi Rainbow Trout Farm from Fujinomiya City!

It was non-stop work for the Kunugis!

Couldn’t wait for these beauties to be ready!

Yummy!

Very happy visitors!

A very rare treat: Red caviar from the land, Rainbow trout Roe!

Another rare treat: canned raibow Trout!

The other star was yakitori by Aoki Chicken Farm in Fuji City!

They certainly needed a lot to satisfy the enormous demand!

Absolutely non-stop work again!

I can guarantee you they were worth the wait!

I’ll have to come earlier next year!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian 簡単なレシピ静岡 Festival Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese meat sake Sake Breweries Shizuoka World Cuisines

笑い, Humor, Japan, Shizuoka

Weird Japan (1): Don’t set the Department Store on Fire!

January 14, 2012 dragonlife 8 Comments

Seen at Cenova Department Store in Shizuoka City!

The fact that is the safest country in the World sometimes leads to excessive precautions and warnings!
Hazardous Materials (probably wrong choice of word there…) should be prohibited anywhere!
I totally agree with banning smoking!
But who would try to set a department store on fire?

The fact that the sign is almost at ground level be hind a constantly moving sliding glass door might explain why people haven’t paid any notice!
I wonder what the Chinese and Korean translations say?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian 静岡 Fire Humor Japan Japanese Shizuoka

美食, 野菜, 観光, 農業, French Cuisine, French gastronomy, French Restaurant, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

French Gastronomy: Shingai Farm’s Ebi Imo in high-class Gastronomy at Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

January 13, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Ebi Imo Terrine!

Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat.

Ebi imo, a variety of taro, originally was a “Kyo-sai”, that is a vegetable grown in Kyoto, but the City of Iwata in Shizuoka Prefecture grows 80% of the whole Japanese crop these days!
Usually you one will see it served at high-class Japanese restaurants but Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん decided it was about time to experiment with them in French Cuisine and ordered some from Shingai Farm, one of the most celebrated growers in Iwata City!

I had the pleasure to savor it in two dishes yesterday at lunch with my japanese Missus!
The first opportunity came as a dish of its own; Ebi Imo Terrine!
The terrine had been made with pre-steamed Ebi imo packed inside a terrine dish lined with cold bacon and served with concasse Mateta Tomato and fresh cream.

No wonder Japanese high-class restaurants use them: The texture, although extremely fine, did not interfere with the solidity of the vegetable which stays firm in spite of a soft bite. As for the taste it is definitely more sophisticated than a usual potato. Its white-grey color also means you can combine it with a lot of colored ingredients.
Served with concasse (roughly broken) Mateta Tomato (from Shizuoka) and fresh cream, it made for the perfect starter, although it would well qualify for a main dish!

The second opportunity saw it served with young wild boar stewed in red wine!

Ebi Imo Gratin Dauphinois!

It just shows that true gastronomy is unlimited when you have superlative ingredients!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian 簡単なレシピ Ebi imo 静岡 French cuisine French Gastronomy French Restaurants Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese Japanese Gastronomy Restaurants Shizuoka World Cuisines

Cafes, Cakes, 美食, Dessert, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Café Hanya (般若) in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

January 11, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Very friendly and quiet
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and beautiful gender-separated toilets
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Traditional Coffee shop. Very reasonable “home food”. Very quiet. A rare non-smoking coffee house!
English and French fluently spoken by the owner!

In an era crowded with chain shops of dubious taste and hygiene it is so refreshing to discover a new coffee shop who offers a relaxing calm atmosphere, allows you to stay as long as you want, serves very reasonably-priced meals and spares you from any smoke in a quiet environment only a few minutes walk from the bustle of town and civilization!

just drop off the Tokaido Line at Kusanagi Station, take the first street on the street on the left until you reach a small river and turn right. There you will discover the coffee shop sign!

No, this is not a demon, but a protection against evil spirits!

The place used to be a very busy cramming school until the Yokoyamas retired last year and decided to transform it into a quiet and homely coffee house.

They also double up as a tiny gallery for local artists.

The tables and chairs are all different either by walls or large windows.
Just choose your little corner!

There are tables for groups of 4, couples and individuals.

Beautiful noren/entrance curtain opening onto the washroom!

Plenty of reading material as you may stay as long as you want!

Drapes help diffuse the light!

Hanya Noh Theater mask!
Hanya is a character found in the Noh Theater lore!

A lot of customers will be tempted to take the table paper cloth away!

Cute goblin!

A personal toothpick is provided with the chopsticks!

At lunch take a good look at the different set menu as they tend to come up with something different very quickly according to the mood and season!
On that day there were two new sets offered. The picture above shows a baked cheese curry!

I chose the other new set: open hamburger steak lunch!

You can’t beat a fresh homely lunch!

All lunches come with coffee or tea and a dessert!
How much did I pay for that? A mere 800 yen!

For people who just wish for a drink and dessert set I would recommend hot green tea (this is Shizuoka after all!) and home-made cake set!

Such a pleasant way to serve green tea!

To be continued…

Café Hanya (般若)
424-0886 Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Kusanagi, 1-11-2 (3 minutes walk from Kusanagi Station)
Tel.: 054-345-4377
Opening hours: 07:00~18:00
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
HOMEPAGE/BLOG
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian Cafe Coffee House 簡単なレシピ静岡車海老 Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese Japanese Gastronomy Restaurant Shizuoka World Cuisines

Baird Beer, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2012/01/10): Latest Seasonal Release; Upcoming Taproom Events

January 10, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

Latest Seasonal Release; Upcoming Taproom Events

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Happy New Year! 2012 promises to be an interesting one in Japan in the arena of craft beer. Over the past 18-24 months the door to the Japan craft beer market has been kicked open wider than ever before: the core enthusiast community has expanded, the periphery is becoming curious, and the pub/restaurant world has begun to broaden its drink menus to include a greater choice of characterful craft beer.

We would like to contribute additional momentum to this movement with today’s release of a fantastic seasonal India Pale Ale: Brewmaster’s Nightmare Rye IPA.

New Seasonal Beer Releases:
*Brewmaster’s Nightmare Rye IPA (ABV 6.5%):

We love the flavor of rye malt in beer. It lends a spicy, dry character that we find especially pleasing when combined with large doses of piquantly bitter and pungently aromatic hops. The problem with using significant portions of rye malt in the mash is that it tends to make the wort more viscous and gummy, thus rendering lautering (separation of liquid wort from particle grain material) slow and difficult. This year, with more ambition than prudence, we loaded up the mash tun with a grist containing 50% malted rye! A lauter that normally lasts 90 minutes ran 5 hours, with much stress, strain and underletting — just ask Chris! Was it worth it? Oh man!

Part of the 5-hour lauter nightmare was spent readying a massive quantity of five wonderful hop varieties (Columbus, Citra, Nelson Sauvin, NZ Cascade, Motueka) for multiple dosings in the kettle boil. Why not add more to the whirlpool also? And how about a post-primary fermentation double dosing of dry hops in the conditioning tank? Yes and yes!

Brewmaster’s Nightmare Rye IPA is draught-only. It begins pouring at our Taproom pubs today (Tuesday, January 10). It also will be served at other draught dispensing Baird Beer retailers throughout Japan. Come in and get a few pints while the gettin’ is good!

Upcoming Taproom Events:
*Bashamichi Taproom 1-Year Anniversary Celebration (Sat-Sun, January 14-15, noon-close):

We opened the doors of our Yokohama Bashamichi Taproom on Saturday, January 15, 2011. Fueled by the BBQ dreams and passions of our pitmaster/manager, Chuck Morrow, the Bashamichi Taproom enjoyed a smokin’ first year. To celebrate the one-year birthday, and to show our thanks to the loyal customers that have supported it, the Bashamichi Taproom will be hosting a 2-day weekend BBQ and Baird Beer blowout bash. Highlights include:

-500 yen BBQ plate specials: chicken plate w/ cole slaw, pork plate w/ cole slaw, brisket plate w/ cole slaw, BBQ sandwich

-500 yen Baird Beer: The entire lineup of Baird Beer will be poured in our 400 ml plastic bura-bura cups for 500 yen a pop. This includes our special BT anniversary ale: Black Smoke Stout.

-Live Texas Blues on Sunday afternoon: The Sparky Trio will be rockin’ the house with great Texas blues. They will perform four separate sets beginning at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 pm.

To facilitate smooth service, food and beverage will be cash-on only, no tabs or credit cards. Additional food and beer stations will be set up on the second floor for your convenience. Please join us for what promises to be a special celebration.

*Big Beer Winter Weekend @ Nakameguro Taproom (Fri-Sunday, January 20-22):

This year’s annual Big Beer Winter Weekend at the Nakameguro Taproom will be held Friday-Sunday, January 20-22. We will be pouring an amazing lineup of strong winter-warmer beers and serving them in conjunction with a special Otsumami menu. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for specific details which will be released very shortly.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

グルメビールビール醸造 Beer Brewing 美食静岡 Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Shizuoka 日本沼津市

美食, 酒, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Kansawagawa Brewery-Shosetsu Daiginjo “Shizuoka Aoi Premium Nama” Gentei

January 9, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

December and January are very productive months of the year at sake breweries!
Most of the sake put out then are “shinshu/New Sake” and “Gentei shu/limited edition sake”.
It is a great time for experimenting and looking for new flavors!

This particular brew concocted by Kansawagawa Brewery in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City is a limited edition. They accordingly came up with the name “Shizuoka Aoi Premium” to differentiate it from other brews.
It is a daiginjo of extravagant proportions when you consider the rice has been milled down to as little as 35%.
The fact it is also a “Nama/unpasteurised” sake means there was little manipulation!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Rice milled down to 35%
Dryness: + 4~+ 6
Acidity: 1.1~1.3
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in December 2011

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Transparent
Aroma: Fruity: dry bananas, pears, apples.
Body: Fluid
Taste: Dry fruity attack backed up by pleasant alcohol.
Lingers only for a little while warming up the palate and disappearing on a sweetish impression and then back on a dry note.
Complex. Banana, apples. Grows even drier on second sip and even drier again with food.
Some oranges, dry nuts and faint coffee beans peeking out later.
Overall: Although a very sophisticated and deep sake, it will definitely appeal more to dry sake loving gentlemen than to ladies, but you never know…
Intriguing and aggressive sake, unusual by Shizuoka standards.
I cannot count the times the bottle called me back from the refrigerator for an extra cup…
A “provocative untamed sake”, or a “one-night only lover”?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian 簡単なレシピ静岡 Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese Japanese Gastronomy Sake Breweries uoka World Cuisines

美食, 蕎麦, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shimada City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Soba, Soba Restaurant, Tempura, Tourism, 天婦羅

Japanese Gastronomy: New Year’s Lunch at Setsugekka Soba Restaurant!

January 8, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

Yuzu/Lime and Jyuwari Soba!

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: High quality soba. Beautiful tempura. Great local sake

It is a tradition in Japan to eat soba on the New Year and the Missus and I do not hesitate to spend some time in the train to savor them at our favorite soba restaurant, Setsugekka in Shimada City!

Next to the Restaurant is the great site of Oomuraya Sake Brewery (with the brewmaster standing outside as we arrived!). No wonder the sake served at Setsugekka are superlative!

If it’s available, make sure to take the small room overlooking the street!

A nice little corner away from the crowd!

But the whole place is so pleasant and comfortable!

The kitchen!

A nice little snack coming with the first drink: Soba tofu coated with kinako!

Very Japanese!

Another snack: deep-fried soba!

The soba tray is set on the table before the first tempura is served!

But first, the appetizers!

Miso yaki! Miso paste mixed with whole soba seeds cooked under the grill.

Plain juwari/100% buckwheat noodles in cold water to allow you to appreciate their true original taste!

Buckwheat/soba tofu served in soy sauce with grated yamaimo, whole grilled buckwheat seeds and grated wasabi!

Shimonita/下仁田 leek tempura with katsuobushi!

Bamboo shoot, carrot and taro tempura!

Shrimp and lily bulb kakiage tempura!

Next, the soba! All seiro style!

I had two types of soba, while the Missus had three: first elegant yuzu/lime jyuwari soba!

Plain thick jyuwari soba!
Note the well-used vessels!

Plain thin jyuwari soba!

And the desserts!

A rare buckwheat ice-cream!

I still haven’t visited the place at dinner! Next article?

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花
Shimada City, Hontouri, 2-3-4
Tel.: 0547-35-5241
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Monday and third Tuesday
HOMEPAGE
Entirely non-smoking for lunch!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); Ohayo Bento

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Asian 簡単なレシピ静岡車海老 Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese Japanese Gastronomy Restaurant Shizuoka Soba Tempura World Cuisines

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