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

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Cuttlefish, Japanese Gastronomy, squid

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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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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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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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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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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Crustaceans, Japanese Gastronomy, Japanese Imperial Prawn

Japanese Crustacean Species 6: Kuruma Ebi/Japanese Imperial Prawn

July 25, 2015 dragonlife 1 Comment

Kuruma Ebi, or Japanese Imperial Prwan, is probably the most popular prawn in Japan!
It has different names depending on its size: Saimaki (up to 5 cm), Maki (up to 10cm)

Its season lasts from late Autumn to the end of Winter.
It is found south of Hokkaido Island down to the Indian Ocean until depths of 50 metres.
It had been successfully artificially grown for some time until diseases put a momentary stop.
The prawn has steadily become a rare morsel. Altogether, natural and human raised specimen, the annual catch amounts only to 2,000 tonnes.

Raw, or

boiled, they make for great decoration on top of suucculent taste!

They are very much appreciated a sashimi, especially after having been made to “dance” in Japanese sake!

Grilled on the stick would tempt many a prawn connoisseur!

They make for extravagant tempura!

As sushi Nigiri, they are equally popular raw, or

boiled!

In winter enjoy in “nabe”/Japanese pot au feu!

If you the chance to buy them alive (In Shizuoka, we do have them kicking), put them in a pan with Japanese sake under a lid. Wait until they have grown “quiet”, and prepare them right away!

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Japanese warehouses, Kura, Shizuoka Prefecture

KURA: Traditional Japanese Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 26: Shimada City, near Baseball Stadium

July 23, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

“Kura” (in Japanese 蔵 or 倉) means “warehouse” or “Storehouse”.
In traditional Japan, especially during the Edo Era, as most of buildings and urba/village structures were made of wood, fires were the bane of society by and large.
However well-protected a fire would consume a house or buildings and all its properties within minutes.
Hence a special building or warehouse was needed to protect goods and properties against such a catastrophe.
But erecting a storehouse solely made of concrete, stones and some metal cost a vast amount of silver and gold and only rich merchants and nobility could afford them. Even castles could not be built entirely of stone then.

The other day, as I was exploring the south side of Shimada City JR Railway Station I discovered another kura, white this time, just standing next to Ykoi Factory and its enormous red-brick warehouse!

By individual home standards the two-storey kura was big!

The ancient door is still in good functional state!

Actually it has two main doors, a bit unusual fact which probably means the inside is divided into two distinct rooms.

For all its apparent grime, the building is very sound as shown by the straight alignment of the “hooks”!

I would say it is still used as a large farm equipment shed!

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Lamb Hamburger, Shizuoka City

American Gastronomy: Lamb and Blue Cheese Hamburger at Tequila’s Diner in Shizuoka City!

July 23, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Good general cleanliness. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive but very good value
Strong points: Tex-Mex gastronomy of superior quality. Doubles up as bar in evenings.

Tequila’s Diner in Shichiken Cho (near Aoba Park Street) has become a real institution when it comes to American gastronomy, hamburgers in particular.
The latter are always 100% beef, generally American.
The food might sound a bit pricey at first, but the generous portions, the fully garnished dishes and the health of all makes more for an extremely good value.
Moreover the patties are always made with knife-chopped meat giving a real bite to a whole hamburger you enjoy at easy pace!

I had ordered something different when I belatedly noticed the summer limited treat on the blackboard overhead at the counter (lucky me as I wouldn’t have noticed since I usually sit in the small “lodge” outside!): lamb and blue cheese hamburger!
I just had the time to notify Chef Chihiro Okamato who took it easily in his stride!

The lamb and blue cheese hamburger both available at lunch and dinner!
Note the big fresh green salad!
The bun is baked by a local baker!

If you don’t want too much salt on your potato chips tell the staff beforehand! Actually a kids’ set is available with reduced salt on the potatoes!

The New Zealand lamb patty with the blue cheese and more vegetables for a great balance!

Knife-chopped meat patty.
This has nothing to do with soft meat you gulp down at cheap diners.
You need a knife to cut it if you do not eat it with your hands!
I like my meat with a real bite or else!

Incidentally Tequila’s Diner is not all hamburgers, far from it!
Check their ONLINE MENU!
No wonder you can expect more articles!

TEQUILA’S DINER
Chef Chihiro Okamoto

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 8-6 (near Aoba Park Street), ACT 7, 1F
Tel.: 054–255-7595
Business hours: 12:00~14:00, 18:00~24:00
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Small and big parties welcome on reservations
Small outside lodge can be made non-smoking
Kids’ special lunch (with little salt) available!

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Baird Beer, Beer No Yokota, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft beer: Baird Beer Bay Steam Lager at Beer No Yokota in Shizuoka City!

July 22, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly if a bit shy
Facilities: Very clean. Superb toilets for a pub!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong Points: Baird Beer! Other Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan and overseas beers on the tap.
Entirely non-smoking!

The other day I paid a long overdue visit to Beer no Yokota Pub in Shizuoka City!
They are famous all over town and far beyond for serving all kinds of craft beers on the tap.

The menu does change regularly.
These days apart of Baird Beer (Shuzenji) they also serve Hansharo/Kuraya Narsawa Brewery (Izu no Kuni City) and Aoi Beer (Shizuoka City) as well as craft beers from Niigata, Morioka, Shiga and Mie and one from America!

The place is entirely non-smoking, a major plus when tasting craft beer!

I took the opportunity to taste the Bay Steam Lager by Baird Beer!

Served on tap
Barley, barley malt, hop, sugars, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5%
Bubbles: fine bubbles shortish head, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Deep orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Oranges, Biscuits
Taste: deep and fruity attack with a soft approach.
Complex. Biscuits, bread, hints of oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a comparatively dry and soft note.

Overall: another intriguing craft beer by Baird Beer!
Soft on the palate and complex.
A craft beer you feel very content to drink on its own for its sole value.
Both genders of any age will appreciate it!

BEER NO YOKOTA PUB
420-0031 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku-Cho, 2-5-12 (2 minutes on foot from Gofuku Cho Scramble. Check map on homepage)
Tel.: 054-255-3683
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00 (from 15:00 on weekends and National Holidays)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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Cafes, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Cafe: O-cha Bokko in Ieyama, Kawane Cho, Shimada City!

July 22, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: very friendly and ever smiling
Equipment & facilities: basic but very clean
Prices: very reasonable
Strong points: home-made cakes. Crafts

The other day when I visited my good friend Osamu Kurosawa/黒澤修さん in Ieyama, kawane-Cho, Shimada City he told me I had to pay a visit to a good friend of his, Mr. Fujio Hino/飛野藤雄さん, who, after retirement, opened a very original cafe 9 years ago along a mountain road overlooking Ieyama!

The place looks like a pyramid having landing out of nowhere all surrounded with artifacts made from natural products and finds!

In good weather you can avoid the crowded interior and relax outside!

For cat lovers?

The atelier at the back!

Mr. Hino is more of a hobby artist than of a cafe entrepreneur!
Only coffee, tea and soft drinks are available, but if you give him a phone call beforehand you can bring you own alcohol (that he enjoys much, too!) and even your own food!

Succulent Japanese-style cake with Kawane=Cho green tea!

And the home-made chiffon cake is a real beauty!

Apparently many famous people left their signatures!

A minuscule counter for about 6 people right in the middle of an atelier!

Take your time and a good look at all the real and cute objets d’art created with local natural products!

A game for the kids!

Now, what is this?

Mr. Hino is capable to create real-life insects with hemp palm (棕櫚 in Japanese)!

He made those two just for me!

Don’t forget to look around!
A pagoda still in its making!

Pine cone owls everywhere!

Do pay him a visit any time!
The most original cafe in the whole Shizuoka Prefecture!

O-Cha Bokko Cafe
Owner: Mr. Fujio Hino/飛野藤雄

428-0104 Shimada City, Kawane Cho, Ieyama, 1806-15 (400 m above Owada Station along the Oigawa Railway Line.)
The SL Train will run past it at 10:20, 11:07 and 12:14
tel.: 09054977728
Opening hours: 10:00~18:00
Closed on Wednesdays
Small car park available
BLOG (Japanese)

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Ise Ebi, Japanese Spiny Lobster

Japanese Crustacean Species 5: Ise Ebi/Japanese Spiny Lobster

July 22, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Ise Ebi, or Japanese Spiny Lobster is one the Spiny lobster varieties so popular all over the World.
The Japanese variety is smaller, or more precisely is more popular under a certain size.

Also called Kamakura Ebi, it is caught off the shores of Chiba, Wakayama, Mie and Shizuoka Prefectures.

The best specimens are aught in Winter, although imported lobsters can be found at other seasons.

The annual catch is fairly stable at 1,000 tonnes a year.
Imprted specimens account for 10,000 tonnes, mainly from Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.
In the case they are also called Minami/South Ebi.

The Japanese appreciate their lobsters raw.

As o-tsukuri/sashimi plate they are quite spectacular!

For a closer look!

And of course as sushi nigiri!

Of course it is much appreciated in Western-style gastronomy!

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One Cup sake, Saga Prefecture, sake, Sake Brewery

Saga Sake Tasting: One Cup Series 1) Koimawari Brewery-NOMANNE THE SAGA Junmai

July 17, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

The other day once again thanks to her husband, my good friend Atsuko Kurata offered me this one cup sake from saga Prefecture!
This particular sake brewed by Koimawari Brewery a junmai!

Koimawari is a world famous pottery created in saga Prefecture, Kyushu Island!
Incredibly enough the brewery of the same name produces a special series of 5 one cup sake served in authentic koimawari pottery, all in different design!
A real collector’s item!

“Nomanne” stands for “let’s enjoy a drink” in local dialect!
“The Saga” is an interesting pun referring to the name of the Prefecture!

Rice : Saga no Hana
Rice milled down to 65%
Alcohol: 15 degrees
Bottled in June 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue, a little smoky due to the presence of white lees
Aroma: dry and fruity. Chocolate,
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and very fruity attack backed up a little junmai petillant.
Complex. Apples, pears, citruses with late hints of nuts and chestnuts.
Varies little with but for a drier turn.
Lingers for a little while before departing with more notes of dry citruses and dark chocolate.

Overall: a charming and elegant sake.
Should please of lovers of dry and fruity sake!
Quite complex at room temperature.
Would do well with cheese in particular!
Not only a great pottery design but also a lovely sake!

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Japanese warehouses, Kura, Shizuoka Prefecture

KURA: Traditional Japanese Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 25: Shimada City, Yokoi Factory

July 16, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

The other day I was exploring the south side of Shimada City when I discovered this enormous red brick kura near the Shimada Baseball Stadium.
As it was obviously part of a bigger complex I decided to investigate in earnest!

I walked around it for a few pictures first!
With all that ivy contrasting on the red bricks I could easily imagine a movie being enacted nearby!

Ivy!

The windows must have been locked for quite some time!

Apparently the ivy was not growing at that end…

It certainly looked old.
Red brick kuras are rare in Shizuoka Prefecture!

I finally reached the entrance to the normous complex where the kura was located.
It all belonged to the Yokoi Factory of Tokushu Tokai Seishi Kabushiki Kaisha (Special Tkai Paper Company)!

It was a Saturday and the company was closed, but the guard kindly informed me that the Kura, although presently unused due to its bad state, dated back to 90 years ago. He also old me that the original wooden office building of the same period could be found inside the complex.
He was also kind enough to tell me to come back on a week day when I could get official permission to visit it!