French Cakes, Shizuoka City, Takuya Hanai

Classic Cakes by Takuya Hanai at Salon de The Hanai (2): Blue Cheese cake!

July 31, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Extremely friendly and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Overall spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable~slightly expensive (reasonable considering the quality!)
Strong points: Superb array of cakes and biscuits aimed at an adult clientele. Excellent lunch sets. Wine & beer available. Can be enjoyed as a cafe, restaurant and wine bar.

I used to conduct tastings of Takuya Hanai/花井拓也さん at his former shop, Taky’s.
It is only natural that I continued with his cakes at his new shop, Hanai Salon de The!

But I actually conducted this second tasting thanks to my good friend Mika who preceded me and brought this new creation for the two of us to taste: Blue Cheese Cake!

The concept of blue cheese for a cheese cake is highly risky for many obvious reasons.
But the combination with rum raisins, walnuts and dry figs will not only balance the strength of the blue cheese but actually create for an intriguing sweet and salty marriage.

It is a very creamy cheese cake riding a crispy biscuit, assertive but without any piquancy.
Actually, the whole approach is sweeter than expected mainly thanks to the addition of dry fruit.
Very elegant, with a superb balance, it is pleasure aimed at an adult clientele.
It definitely could be used as an appetizer!

To be followed (naturally!)…

Salon de The HANAI

420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajjo, 2-10-23
Tel. 6 Fax: 054-255-2829
Opening hours: 10:00~20:00 (later if enough customers!)
Closed on Tuesdays
Parties (up to 25) welcome!

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Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 2: Kensaki Ika (Red Squid)

July 30, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

“Kensaki Ika/ケンサキ烏賊 goes by the Latin name of Loligo (Photololigo) edulis Hoyle,1885, but that complicated name does not prevent this particular squid to be extremely popular in Japan!

It is of course known under other local names: Aka Ika/Red Squid, especially in Shizuoka, Budo Ika/Grapes Squid, Shiro Ika, Gotou Ika.

They will soon appear in the markets in Summer.
They are mainly caught by line.
They are more and more available live, so great specimens can be easily bought.

Kensaki Ika Sashimi! “Somen style/noodle style!

Another sashimi presentation!

They are a very versatile kind of squid as they can be appreciated as sashimi, sushi, simmered, boiled, broiled, dried, and especially as tempura!

As a cold boiled appetizer!

As tempura!

Sushi as it is!

Sushi, seasoned!

As for me, it is a bit of a dilemna as I like them both as sushi nigiri and sashimi!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Cuttlefish, Japanese Gastronomy, squid

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 1: Yari Ika-Spear Squid

July 27, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Cuttlefish or squids are eaten almost all the world as they seem to inhabit the whole planet! They are the favourite food of many big fish such as tuna, whales and birds. Although humans contribute to dwindling stocks, they will never consume the same amount as its natural predators.

The Japanese call them Ika/烏賊, roughly meaning crow shellfish/cephalopods.

This is the start of a long series. I do hope you like them, otherwise you are in for a long haul!LOL

Yari Ika/槍烏賊, or Spear Squid, are also known under the names of sashika, Sayaika, Shyakuhachi, Tsutsuika or Sayanaga.
In Japan they are mainly caught in Winter and Spring off the shores of Aomori, Hokkaido, Ibaragi, Mie, Aichi and Yamaguchi Prefectures.
Females are slightly more rounded thanthe males.
They are either caught with nets or lines.
Their flesh is comparatively thin, but soft and sweet. They are among the most popular in Japan.
The best specimens are the ones caught by line. Buy them live whenever possible.

Still alive spear squid sushi nigiri!

Classical presentation sushi nigiri!

Unusual presentation sushi nigiri!

Classical live spear squid sashimi plate!

Spear Squid Sashimi Donburi!

Broiled spear squid!

Spear Squid Tempura!

Japanese-Style Sauteed Spear squid!

Italian-Style Spear squid in its ink!

They can of course be cooked, or eaten as sashimi, but I reckon sushi nigiri is best.
The best sushi restaurants will serve two of them with two different dip soy sauces.

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Aoi Brewing, Craft Beer, Japanese Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale (2nd Batch)!

July 26, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

One craft beer by Aoi Brewing is sure to find its way into the bottled brands to start next November, the one made with green tea from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale!
This is the second batch and it was an improvement on an already great brew!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon/light orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. lemon, green tea
Taste: very refreshing, dry, acid, well-rounded attack. More well-rounded than the first batch.
Complex: green tea, with hints of citruses. More complex than the first batch.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a softer note but with green tea still prominent.
Varies little with food but for a softer approach, but still with strong green tea.
Green tea making a strong comeback after every sip.

Overall: very refreshing with a strong acidic penchant.
For lovers of dry craft beers!
More well-rounded and complex than first batch.
Perfect on a late hot afternoon!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP
FACEBOOK

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK
FACEBOOK

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Japanese design, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Arabian Nights Build Raika III in Yoshiwara, Fuji City-The Tackiest Building in Shizuoka Prefecture!

July 26, 2015 dragonlife 2 Comments

Sometimes, through pure chance, you discover a seemingly completely out of place sight in a city in Japan!

At the very end of Honcho Street in Yoshiwara,Fuji City, I discovered what could be considered the tackiest building in Shizuoka Prefecture: Arabian Nights Build Raika III!

The side entrance to the access to the joints on the side of the buuilding.
Mind you it just for a field day for a photographer in search of the unusual of of the very bad taste of an era gone!

Stairway to heaven?

It is actually still very much in use!
Obviously the whole building houses entertainments of the dubious kind…
Interestingly enough, the name of “Yoshiwara” is found in many a city in Japan as the name for the local “amusement quarters”!

I wonder if ladies invite customers from that veranda at night?

Two of the signs say “Holy Night” and “Casanova”!

The flowers on the first flower means that a new place has just opened!

Not short of well-wishers!

Stained glass windows?

Pity I didn’t have the time to admire it with all the neon lights ablaze at night!

Did you know that the color “pink” in Japan means the same as the color “blue” in Western countries? LOL

An emergency escape route for a pennyless customer?

A Ramen Club! Serious!

Still a Chinese Dragon is a bit out of place, a desert jinn wuld have been more appropriate!

The irony of it all is that the back exit of the alley opens onto a large Buddhist temple cemetery!
From Paradise to Hell, or vice versa?

Access:
Get off at Yoshiwara JR Railway Station along the Tokaido railway Line. Transfer to the Yaoshiwara Station of the private Gakunan Railways and get off at “Yoshiwara Honcho” Station.
Walk straight till the very end of Honcho Street!

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Aoi Brewing, Craft Beer, Japanese Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Grass Wheat Ale (2nd Batch)

July 26, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City have started in earnest producing second batches of their more popular brews, some of which might find their way into bottles from next November!
This particular one is the 2nd batch of their Grass Wheat Ale!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Maris otter malt,Malted wheat malt, Australian Galaxy hop, German Spalber Select hop, coriander, nutmeg, orange peels, lemon grass, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.3%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles Long head, creamy, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon/light orange color
Aroma: refreshing. lemon, citruses, herbs, spices
Taste: very refreshing and deep attack with welcome acidity.
Complex. Lemon, citruses, lemon grass, nutmeg, spices.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a dry but soft note with more lemon and spices.
Varies little with food but for only a very little sweeter note.

Overall: a very refreshing craft beer with plenty of welcome acidity.
Very complex due to the many ingredients.
Thoroughly enjoyable on its own but would marry happily with any pub or BBQ heavy food in particular!
Best enjoyed on hot afternoon.
Should please all genders!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Manhole covers, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 36: Fuji City, Yoshiwara, Honcho!

July 25, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

With all the mergers enacted these past years, it has become difficult to explain locations in Shizuoka Prefecture!
Yoshiwara is now integral part of Fuji City but its JR Railway Station is distinct!
First get off Yoshiwara Station and walk to the private Gakunan raliway Line Yoshiwara Station and board a train to Yoshiwara Honcho Station (bear mind that many stations have very similar names!).
Walk towards Honcho Street.

Keep your eyes open as you will discover all kinds of manhole covers, mostly fire hydrant covers either of geometrical designs or full designs either plain or colored, either on the pavement or on the very street!

A large plain Mount Fuji manhole cover!

The same in a smaller type!

But the real discoveries are to be made along the street parallel on your right you will reach by discovering the Tenjin Shinto Shrine/天神社 at the first intersection! you will find the first remarkable manhole cover right in front of the shrine gate!

A beautifully colored Mount Fuji!

What is this one!

“Kaguyahime/かぐや姫/The bamboo Girl Legend”, the manhole cover generally considered as the most beautiful in Japan, complete with Mount Fuji!

Keep your eyes open!

Another fire hydrant manhole cover! These are often surrounded with a square yellow frame for better sighting at night!
This design is pretty common all over Japan, but a small crest design will tell you the exact location!

A beautiful fire truck design, also pretty common throughout Japan but once again the small crest design will make the difference!

Don’t overlook the small gas valve covers as they sometimes have all kinds of designs!

Another one still with same crest design!

And another one!

This one is from the Shizuoka Gas Company found all over the Prefecture!

Happy hunting!

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

SHIZUOKA GOURMET

Monthly Archives: July 2015

Classic Cakes by Takuya Hanai at Salon de The Hanai (2): Blue Cheese cake!

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 2: Kensaki Ika (Red Squid)

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 1: Yari Ika-Spear Squid

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale (2nd Batch)!

Arabian Nights Build Raika III in Yoshiwara, Fuji City-The Tackiest Building in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Grass Wheat Ale (2nd Batch)

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 36: Fuji City, Yoshiwara, Honcho!