Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Cracked Fingers American IPA

AOI-55-2

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City has come up with a limited beer supposedly very bitter/acid!
Cracked Fingers American IPA (also accompanied by “55”)!

AOI-55-3

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt (England), Munich Malt (Germany), Crystal Malt, Chinook hop (USA), Cascade hop (USA), American ale yeast
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 6.5 degrees
IBU: 55
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: Longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white
Color: very deep orange
Aroma: rich, dry and fruity. Oranges, citruses
Taste: very dry and fruity attack.
Complex: oranges, bread, dry honey
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on more dry notes of oranges and ever increasing bitterness/acidity after an initial mellow start.
Varies little with food

Overall: splendid bitter ale/American IPA!
Fluctuates with time and sips and keeps surprising you.
Very elegant in spite of its bitterness surging after every sip.
For bitter ale lovers!
Suggested pairings: cold meats, nuts, hamburgers.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
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 Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Italian Gastronomy: Dinner at Soloio in Shizuoka City (June 2016)!

SOLOIO-THE-TEAM

The Team!
Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん/Sommelier Mieko Osawa/小澤三江子さん

Service: Pro and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable considering the quality
Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late!

SOLOIO-JUNE-16-A2

Time goes fast and I hadn’t realized I hadn’t visited my favorite Italian Restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely Soloio, for almost a year!
It certainly was time to make amends and enjoy some classics and new dishes concocted by Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん!

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The setting has somewhat changed for even better!

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You certainly won’t mind a stiff neck reading out some of the specials of the day overhead!

So, what did we have?

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Plenty of wine of course, but we started with a glass of this brilliant sparkling wine: Chardonnay “Le Vacanze” by Cantina d’Autore in the Veneto Region!

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Skillet-grilled aubergines/eggplants and duck raw ham salad!

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Wild boar (caught in Mikkabi, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture) terrine!
I would come any day just for that!

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Shizuoka prefecture madai/seabream carpaccio!
The vegetables include uri/gourd!

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Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん creates the best risotto in the whole Prefecture and the above one was no exception with Umbria summer truffles!

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Little jewels!

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A superb dish not on the menu!
Shizuoka Prefecture tachiuo/scabbard fish (also called cutlass fish) cooked on a skillet with avocado!
A true discovery!

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As we still wanted a light dish before the pasta (we have no respect for traditional order! LOL) we consulted the menu of the day again!

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Chicken thigh Rotoro/Rolled chicken thigh and stuffed with figs, marinated mushrooms and canederulli in carupione fashion/white-fleshed fish balls!

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The pasta!
Spaghetti Bolonese with beef stew sauce!

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By that time we were full but just for the fun we had a tiny dessert consisting of very sweet Shizuoka corn grilled on a skillet!

SOLOIO

Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん/Sommelier Mieko Osawa/小澤三江子さん

420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours:
Lunch: 11:30~13:30 (l.O.) (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Dinner: 17:00~22:00 (l.o.), 17:00~23::00 (Friday, Saturday)
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Yamanaka Brewery- Enshuu Yokosuka Aoitenka Junmai Ginjo Gaiden Yamada Nishiki

YAMANAKA-YAMADANISHIKI-2

It had been a long time since I could taste a nectar brewed by Yamanaka Brewery in Kakegawa City as they are not easy to obtain here in Shizuoka City!

YAMANAKA-YAMADANISHIKI-4

Even when considering this brew is concocted every year!
“Enshuu Yokosuka Aoitenka Junmai Ginjo Gaiden Yamada Nishiki”!
“Enshuu” is the old name for the Western area of Shizuoka Prefecture and “Yokosuka” one of its old districts. “Gaiden” means “Anecdote”!

YAMANAKA-YAMADANISHIKI-5

Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Dryness: + 4.8
Acidity: 1.4
Yeast: Kyokai 1501
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in May 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. banana, pineapple
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and very fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant
Complex: pineapple, faint pears and apricots.
Lingers for a while on the palate before departing on drier notes of custard and nuts.
Takes an even drier turn with food with notes of nuts and custard.

Overall: Another discovery as made every year!
Dry and extremely fruity.
Elegant and easy to drink.
Will please both genders of any age!
Eminently enjoyable on its own or with any food at any temperature.
A sake for all seasons!
Suggested pairings: stews, oden, cheese.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Peruvian Cuisine and Cheese at Fiesta Garcia Beer Bar & Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

Service: Ever-smiling and very social
Equipment & Facilities Overall very clean. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Peruvian traditional Cuisine. Home-made Peruvian Cheese. Craft beers.

FIESTA-GARCIA-2

Ima koko Building First Floor Alley in Shichiken Cho, Aoi ku, Shizuoka City is steadily filling up with cozy and small bars and restaurants!

FIESTA-GARCIA-3

The newest place to move in is “Fiesta Garcia” Beer Bar & Restaurante owned and managed by a Shizuoka City Peruvian citizen going by the name of Fredy Garcia!

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A very open and welcoming place indeed!

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A small corner of the Andean country!

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A smiling skull is looking after you over a small counter!

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The place is tiny and every available space is used!

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Bottled craft beers from all over the world are in front (and behind) of you!

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My beer for this (too short) first visit!

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Do have a good look at the drink you!

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And have an even longer look at food menu!
There are quite a few unusual things in wait for you!

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Now, this is quite unusual, and would be anywhere in Japan because Fredy and his older brother make their own Peruvian-style queso/cheese in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
Don’t worry, I will soon interview them at work at their dairy!
The above is fresh queso blanco, a bit similar to semi hard cottage cheese cut into wedges and pan-fried on a little oil and served with mayo sauce, hot mayo sauce and yuzu koshio!

FIESTA-GARCIA-13

And this is even better:
Top, left, queso blanco  in queso fredo style/fresh cheese (the same as the fried one).
Top, right, manchego-style cheese processed in a different way and matured for some time.
Bottom left, queso albino where white wine was added to the milk when making the rice and later washed in red wine!
Bottom right, home semi-dried tomatoes!

The menu might be short, but it will give me plenty of reasons to come back and visit my new friend, Fredy Garcia!
Stay tuned!

FIESTA GARCIA Beer bar & Restaurante

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, Ima Koko Building, 1F
Tel.: 080-6924-3379
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00
15:00~22:00 (Sundays)
Closed on Tuesdays!
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Boy Meets Girl Amber Ale

AOI-BOY-GIRL-4

A new very limited craft beer has appeared on tap at Aoi Beer Stand in Shizuoka City.
Originally it is part of a collaboration fora Shziuoka Souvenir Set marketed by Isetan Department Store in Shizuoka City: Boy Meets Girl Amber Ale!

AOI-BOY-GIRL-3

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt (England), Munich Malt (Germany), Crystal Malt, Black Malt, Tettnang hop (Germany), Challenger hop (England) pale ale yeast yeast, nutmeg, coriander
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 5 degrees
IBU: 23
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: Longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, light brown color
Color: very dark orange
Aroma: pleasant, dry, spicy and very fruity. Nutmeg, honey, bread.
Taste: dry, fruity attack.
Complex: bread, honey, nutmeg.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on an increasingly acid note and more dry bread and honey.

Overall: a craft beer with a lot of character!
Might not please everyone because of its precise taste.
Personally loved it to the point of not needing food to accompany it!
Pity it is a very limited craft beer!
Suggested pairings: pork meats. cold or hot.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

“Kan Kan Musume Corn” with Nana Hayakawa & Top Hat Group in Shizuoka City!

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Top Hat is an agricultural venture led by Mrs. Nana Hayakawa and her husband in Kikugawa City in collaboration with other young farmers in Shimada City and Makinohara City.

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Private orders!

In Shizuoka City they already made their names with their “Kan Kan Musume/Sweet Girl” Corn which they sell in front of Ogushi Shrine across from Parco Department Store a few minutes walk from Shizuoka JR Station!

KANKAN-3

This year they sell their extravagant corn (1000 yen for 5 or 6 depending on size) from 11:00 a.m., until July 19th, but you had better hurry as they will have sold their daily 1,000 ear by lunch time!
The reason of their popularity is simple enough: reliable, traceable and exquisitely tasty products harvested the very morning!

KANKAN-1

Nana Hayakawa (left) and one of her staff!

They sell their corn from June 4th to July 19th on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
They also sell their fresh products in Yaizu City in front of Comeda Coffee Shop Yaizu Inter on Saturdays an Sundays from June 11th to July 10th.

Top Hat also offers:
Lettuce from early November to early May
Tomatoes from early November to early May
Sunny Lettuce from mid October to mid April
Green Leaves from mid October to mid April
Edamame from early June to mid July
Romaine Lettuce from mid October to mid April
Cucumbers from mid June to early Octber
Okra from mid June to mid August
Broccoli from late December to mid May
Green tea all year round

TOP HAT
Tel.: 090-2574-0025
E-mail: taiki2525n@gmail.com
Fax: 0537-36-6666
FACEBOOK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Aichi Sake Tasting: One Cup Series 1): Kin Shachi Brewery-Kin Shachi Cup

KINSHACHI-CUP-2

“Kin Shachi/金鯱” is the name of the golden fish seen on top of the roof of the Nagaoya Castle in Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture. No wonder I found this One Cup Sake in Nagoya JR Station Shinkansen Lin platform booth!
Kin Shachi Brewery is located in Handa City in Aichi Prefecture!
The sake contained in the cup is a honjozo!

KINSHACHI-CUP-3

Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice milled down to 70%
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.4
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in March 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: assertive, dry and fruity. raisins, muscats, smoked nuts.
Body: fluid
Taste: Strong dry and fruity attack.
Complex: raisins, muscats, smoked nuts, persimmon.
Lingers for quite a while on the palate before departing on more notes of smoked nuts and faint oranges.
Turns slight sweeter at first with food before quickly becoming dry again with notes of dry chocolate.

Overall: a solid, dependable sake fit for food, especially izakaya fare.
For dry sake lovers!
Can be enjoyed at any temperature!
Suggested pairings: bento/oden/stes/broiled fish and meat.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Morimoto Brewery-Sayogoromo Amakuchi Tokubetsu Junmai

MORIMOTO-AMA-2

Hitosi Morimoto, owner nad master brewer at Morimoto Brewery in Kikugawa City has always been considered a maverick by his peers.
This time he decided to produce a sake called Sayogoromo Amakuchi. “Amakuchi” stands for “sweet” and knowing that sake in Shizuoka Prefecture are generally very dry it was a bit of a provocation although it was not that sweet by the standards of other Prefectures in Japan!

MORIMOTO-AMA-3

Naturally, it is a very limited brew!

MORIMOTO-AMA-4

Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: – 4
Acidity: 1.6
Bottled in April 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: drier than expected. Discreet and fruity. Raisins
Body: fluid
Taste: Gentle and fruity attack backed with puissant junmai petillant.
Drier than expected.
Complex: raisins, muscat, custard, honey, castella.
Lingers for a while before departing on drier notes of castella.
Will turn sweeter with food before turning back suddenly to a drier note later.

Overall: drier than expected but very deep and fruity.
Drinks like a sweet white sherry.
Probably best enjoyed in place of a dessert wine!
Suggested pairings: cheese, chocolate.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Suruga Elegant Ale (2016 Version)

AOI-SURUGA-1

Aoi Brewing’s 2016 version of their Suruga Elegant Ale is at last available on tap!
It is made with Shizuoka-Grown “Ama Natsu” Oranges!

AOI-SURUGA-2

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt (England), Topaz hop (Australia), Tettnang hop (Germany), French Saison yeast, Ama Natsu oranges
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
Acohol/ABV: 5 degrees
IBU: 17
Production: 450 l
Bubbles: Longish head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: orange
Aroma: sweetish and fruity. Sweetish oranges.
Taste: dry and very fruity attack.
Plenty of oranges. Faint dry honey.
Lingers enough on palate for true tasting before departing on drier notes of oranges.

Overall: a very elegant indeed fruit craft beer!
Purely local at that!
A craft beer for all seasons!
Suggested pairings: mixed nuts, cold pork meats, mixed salads.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Bandai Brewery-Izu Banyou Junmai Ginjo Homarefuji

BANDAI-HOMARE-2

Bandai is a very old brewery located in ancient hot spring city of Shuzenji now merged to Izu City in the centre of Izu Peninsula.
As Bandai Brewery it is not the oldest brewery in the Prefecture but it has existed under other names for more than 500 years!

BANDAI-HOMARE-3

In spite of being the sole brewery left in Izu Peninsula somewhat isolated in Shizuoka Prefecture, making it difficult to find their bottles, it keeps abreast of modern ideas and has used Shizuoka-grown Homarefuji sake rice for some time.

BANDAI-HOMARE-5

The name of this particular brand, “Banyou/満燿” is linked to the origin of the brewery back in 1497 as mentioned by Houjyou Souun/北条早雲, himself a native of Izu Peninsula!

BANDAI-HOMARE-4

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees
Bottled in January 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: discreet, dry and fruity. Melon.
Body: fluid
Taste: very dry and fruity attack backed up by puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: apricot, melons, muscat.
Lingers for a while on the palate before departing on a drier note of muscat and nuts.
Sweetness will increase with temperature along the discovery o more “facets”.
Varies little with food.

Overall: A bit of a discovery although I have known the brewery for quite some time.
Ought to be better known in spite of the distance to travel to Shuzenji.
Very complex and fruity.
Can be enjoyed on its own or with food at any temperature.
Pairings: oden! (Japanese pot-au-feu)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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

Gastronomic Destinations: Matsuki Sushi In Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-2

Service: Shy but smiling and attentive.
Equipment & facilities: Traditional but very clean. Excellent and modernized washroom
Prices: Reasonable considering that Gifu Prefecture has no direct access to the sea.
Strong points: Sushi of course, but also all kinds of traditional side Japanese dishes. Good selection of sake including many local. All kinds of drinks available

MATSUKI-SUSHI-3

Matsuki Sushi/松喜すしis a bit far from Takayama City JR station but still in the night entertainment part of the town and is certainly worth the search.
When they saw entering us entering they immediately asked us if we needed any help and advice on what foreigners would enjoy. They had not needed to worry with my staying 40 years in the country but I did appreciate the concern.
There is a good drink menu, bu apart of the sushi prices being advertised (in Japanese) on small wooden slats above the long counter there is o food menu. You need to talk about it with the staff who are very patient and smiling indeed!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-4

They have some good local sake indeed and we chose one by Watanabe Brewery (Takayama City). The sake made in the north mountains of Gifu prefecture tend to be on the sweet side but without being cloying.

MATSUKI-SUSHI-5

We asked the chef to bring us his own selection of sashimi first.
All the seafood came directly from the Japan Sea, that Toyama and Ishikawa Prefectures!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-6

Aji/鯵/Horse mackerel, Maguro chu toro/鮪中トロ/semi fat part of tuna, and amaebi/甘海老/sweet shrimps!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-7

Hirame/平目/Sole or flat fish, and ankimo/アンキモ/sake seamed frogsih liver. Also called Japanese foie gras!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-9

Grilled hotategai/帆立貝/scallops wrapped in dry seaweed!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-10

We then agreed on a six-piece sushi set for each of us!
Once again all seafood from the Japan Sea and a special local morsel!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-11

Baigai/バイ貝/Japanese ivory shell or Japanese babylon!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-12

Lightly seared Hda Beef from Takayama City!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-13

Shiroebi/白エビ/white shrimps in gunkan fashion!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-14

Anago/穴子/Broiled conger eel!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-15

Hirame/平目/sole!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-16

Maguro Chutoro/鮪中トロ/semi-fat tuna!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-17

Afer a long day spent walking all over the place we were still hungry and asked for a couple of side dishes: Chawanmushi/ 茶碗蒸し/steamed salty Japanese pudding!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-18

Geso karaage/ゲソ唐揚げ/deep-fried squid tentacles!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-19

Recommended!

MATSUKI-SUSHI-20

We were kindly served a parting present upon asking for the bill: home-made azuki ice cream!

Definitely highly recommended, especially if you don’t have the time to vist the prefectures nort of Gifu Prefecture!

MATSUKI SUSHI/松喜すし
Owner: Kazuhiko Nakasai/中才一彦さん

506-0007 Gifu Prefeture, Takayama City, Sowa Cho, 1-40
Tel. 0577-34-4766
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~23:00
Open all year round
Credit Cards OK
HOOEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
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