Japanese Gastronomy, Japanese Restaurant, Restaurant, Shizuoka City

Japanese Restaurant: Kappa Dokiya In Shizuoka City!

July 29, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: shy but smiling and very attentive
Equipment & facilities: spotless clean. Superb wasroom. Entirely Non-smoking
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: donburi lunch sets! Traditional Japanese cuisine

No, “kappa dokiya” has nothing Turkish about its name!
“Kappa” stands for “河童/Water Goblin” and “Dokiya/土器屋” means “Potter”!

This popular Japanese restaurant used to be located in Shimizu Ku before it moved to “Gofuku-Cho, just behind the City Hall in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City a few years ago.
It is very popular, especially the lunch crowds, but its interior is comfortable enough, even when crowded. If you are on your own, take a seat at the counter!

The menu, although written in English only is easy enough to understand thanks to the photographs!

And if you are hungry, move to the right of the menu for a full set at a very reasonable price!

But there many other interesting offerings!

And bear in mind that the menu changes every day!

For that particular visit the Dragon ordered the Fresh Fish Sashimi Donburi Set!

Topped with no less than 7 different ingredients including tuna and sweet prawns!

Served with miso soup, tempura, pickles and cooked seawweed!

And some cute tempura!

As for me I ordered the Tempura Donburi Lunch Set!

Very generous portions including prawns, fish and vegetables!

Served with some succulent seasonal sashimi!

With miso soup and cooked seaweed!

Very satisfying!

KAPPADOKIYA/河童土器屋

420-0031 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-5-3
Tel.: 054-252-8232
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 11:00~21:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays
Closed on Monday (next day if Monday is a National Holiday
Cash only

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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

Chinese Cuisine, Hamamatsu City, Japan, Restaurant, Shizuoka Prefecture, Wine Bar

Gastronomic Wine Bar: “BEBER” in Hamamatsu City!

July 25, 2016 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Smiling, friendly and very attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Overall spotless clean. Small but beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable~a little expensive
Strong points International wine list. Japanese whiskeys including one from Shizuoka Prefecture. High standard Chinese cuisine. Bistro gastronomy

With the ever increasing number of visitors, the City of Hamamatsu City is quickly changing and you do need local friends’ help to keep abreast of the new developments!
One such establishment is BEBER which opened only a few weeks ago!
Incidentally “beber” in Portuguese means “drink”!

A good friend, himself restaurateur, took us there last Thursday just before it got crowded by all kinds of customers, some of them really influential citizens in Hamamatsu City.
It does not prevent the Master of the Place, Mr. Toshio Iguchi/井口敏郎さん, to be equally attentive and welcoming to all his customers, whatever the status!

As it is first of all a wine bar, it does have a fine international list!
We started the celebrations with a “vino tinto” from Argentine, TERRAZAS de los Andes, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005!
Lots of red fruit! A discovery!
Have a good look at the drink menu as it also includes some fine whiskeys, even featuring “Fuji Sanroku” distilled in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture!

Chinese-style fresh salad!

Although they have all kinds of bistro favorites from terrine to foie gras, their chef is a talented Chinese Cuisine specialist whose creations are simply perfect with wines!

Juicy Xiaolongbao/小龍包!

A exquisite steamed dim sung with lettuce!

Cold spicy ramen!

The wine was quickly disappearing and we ordered this reliable Bourgogne Chardonnay (20139 by Jean Bouchard, not far from my very own birthplace!

Now, this deep-fried chicken in sweet and sour sauce was definitely way above average!

Talk about global gastronomy: Chinese-style fish and chips with cheese!
The British cannot come up with such a fine rendition!

A first but very short visit which will definitely warrant many more!

BEBER

430-0944 Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Ta Machi, 331-13
Tel: 053-452-5711
Opening hours: 18:00~last customer
Closed on Sunday
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK

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Cafe, Mochimune, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Cafe: Kissa Ahiru in Mochimune, Shizuoka City!

July 17, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service:shy but smiling and very attentive
Equipment & facilities: Overall spotless clean. Small but superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: fresh drip coffee. Home-made sandwiches

Although cafes were to be seen everywhere before the invasion of notorious chain establishments, they almost completely disappeared not so long ago.
Fortunately for the sake of true cafe lovers, a revival seems, albeit still timidly, on its way and it has become a good idea to be on the lookout for new cafes as they tend to appear in unusual places!

The other day, having a few hours in my sleeve, I decided to take a stroll in Mochimune, aoly two stations away from Shizuoka City.
I noticed a change around a corner a few seconds away from the station exit.
There used to be a cafe there, but it seemed to have changed completely!

It is called “Kissa Ahiru”.
The owner, Mr. Hideaki Tokunaga/徳永秀秋さん opened it in April this year!
A small but cozy cafe, it sits about 7 people at three small tables and four more at the counter.
It is spotless clean and it was a pleasure to learn it was entirely non-smoking!

The menu is simple enough with three types of coffee, but all drip-style!
Other drinks such a black tea, cocoa, cafe au lait, royal milk tea are also on offer with soft drinks.

You can also have coffee or tea refill for half price.
If you order a sandwich with your drink, 200 yen will be taken off the total bill.

Hot avocado sandwich!

If you are hungry the hot generous sandwiches are good value!
All in a haven of peace away from the crowds and the smoke!

KISSA AHIRU

Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Mochimune, 4-3-27, Oomi Bdg, 1F (1 minute on foot from Mochimune JR Station)
Tel.: 090-9937-7699
Opening hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Thursdays
One beer night every month!

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City, Craft beers, Hansharo Beer, Japan Craft Beers, Nirayama, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Kuraya-Narusawa/Hansharo Beer-“Yoritomo” Porter

July 16, 2016 dragonlife 1 Comment

If you are lucky enough to find out, AOI BEER STAND in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Sizuoka City sometimes runs out of its own beer and takes the opportunity to introduce a craft beer from another brewery, preferably that of a Shizuoka Prefecture-based establishment!
That is when the other day I discovered this craft beer by Hansharo Beer Co. in Nirayama, Izu City, Izu Peninsula!

Served on tap
Barley, malts, hops, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5%
Bubbles: Long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, light brown color
Color: dark brown
Aroma: dry, strong and complex. Coffee beans, dark caramel, dark toast
Tasting: dry, deep and very pleasant attack.
Not as strong as expected.
Complex. Coffee beans, dark caramel, toast.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on a slightly drier note.
Coffee beans will linger long on the palate.
Varies little with food.

Overall: very pleasant and easy to drink craft beer.
Excellent balance.
A light porter for all seasons!
Suggested pairings: nuts, cold meats, pizza.

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

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Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Takashima Brewery-Hakuin Masamune Tokubetsu Junmai (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

July 9, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

I don’t mind repeating it all the time but I prefer conducting sake tastings in the right environment but not many places are propitious for that exercise or willing to help.
But La Sommeliere in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City is certainly becoming a habit as not only I can conduct my tasting in the best conditions possible but also exchange views at the same time!

This time we tasted a nectar concocted by Takashima Brewery in Numazu City!
Hakuin Masamune Tokubetsu junmai!

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in June 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. Custard, banana, dry passion fruit, gardenia jasmin, almonds, immature persimmon
Body: fluid, slightly sirupy
Taste: dry and very fruity attack with only a little junmai petillant.
Complex: dark chocolate, coffee beans, almonds.
Lingers for a while before departing on drier notes of almonds an apricots.
Oranges perk up with rise in temperature.

Overall: dry but so elegant!
Drinks more like a complex white wine than a sake!
Tends to show new facets according to its temperature.
Almost tropical aroma.
Can be enjoyed with any food. Chilled, would make a supreme aperitif while becoming a soft digestif at room temperature.

Suggested pairings: Chilled-Aquapaza, flatfish or cuttle fish sashimi (seasoned with salt, not soy sauce!), sakamushi, chawanmushi, scallops.
At room temperature-yakitori (seasoned with salt, not soy sauce!)

LA SOMMELIERE

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 7-5, Aiseido Bldg, 1F
Tel. & Fax: 054-266-5085
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00, 12:00~18:00 on Sundays & National Holidays
FACEBOOK (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

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Japanese Gastronomy, Pork and Egg Roll, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tonbo

Osaka-style Pork Egg Roll at Tonbo in Shimada City!

July 8, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: shy but very kind and smiling
Equipment & facilities: Old but very clean. Clean washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: takoyaki and okonomiyaki and other traditional izakaya foods. Local sake

Having some time on hand before an assignment in Shimada City I decided to make a quick visit to Tonbo, a popular Osaka-style restaurant near the JR Station and sample something new!
“ふわふわ卵ロル”/”fuwafuwa tamago roru/””fluffy egg roll! Interesting!
It came in two varieties, one with “ぶた”/”buta”/”pork” and “ぶたチーズ”/”buta chiizu”/”pork and cheese”!
I opted for the pork one this time!

The chef first of all fried some pork rashers on a very hot plate and seasoned it with his special sauces (one secret chefs will never tell you!)!

Once the pork has been cooked he pushed aside onto a cooler part of the plate.

He then spread beaten eggs (3, I think) and started working quickly as obviously the eggs should not be overcooked. For all its simplicity it does need a quick and experimented hand!

Then the eggs are carefully lined with the pork near the inside edge.

Then the inside edge of the eggs is carefully rolled over the park with the help of metal spatulas.

The chef keeps rolling the lot carefully as quickly as possible.

Done!

The top of the roll has been pasted with at least three sauces and sprinkled with fine herbs.

You are provided with a metal spatula to cut it yourself along to your liking!

At 670 yen, very good value when you consider the volume sufficient for two and the simple and great taste!
To be savored with beer or local sake!

TONBO

427-0029 Shimada City, Hinode-Cho, 1-1 ( few minutes’ walk straight from Shimada JR Station North exit)
Tel.: 0547-35-7635
Opening hours: 17:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays and national Holidays.
Orders on the phone and take-out OK!

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Izakaya, Japan, Shizuoka City, Vegan Gastronomy, Yasaitei

Vegan Japanese Gastronomy: Vegetable Sashimi Plate at Yasaitei in Shizuoka City!

July 7, 2016 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Excellent and very friendly
Facilities: Very clean, Beautiful washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Vegan and vegetarian Cuisine possible any time, Izakaya gastronomy, local products, oden. Good list of sake, shochu. Wines also available.

A nice cup of icy shochu and some edomame (cooked on site!)!

It had been some time since my last visit to Yasaitei in Shizuoka City!
This is the ideal place in summer when you are in a bit of a hurry. Just sit at the counter (But come early!) and order some fresh vegetables with a cup of icy shochu!
In Yasaitei not only you know where all the vegetables come from but they are also of utter freshness!

Now, vegans (I’m not) will be happy to know this is one of the rare places in town where they can not only order vegetables but also consult the owner as for their cooking!
In summer I would definitely recommend a sashimi plate of the vegetables of the day!
Well, what did I have the pleasure to savor this time?

As for the dressing, do not worry!
You will be served a small plate containing sesame oil, rock salt and red miso paste!

Ice plant, celery (Shizuoka Prefecture produces half of the Japanese crop!) and plum tomato!

Sliced daikon resting on fresh perilla leaves!

Crunchy Japanese cucumber!

Myoga ginger!

So simple, but so tasty!

YASAITEI/やさい亭

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa-Cho, 1-6-2 Green Heights Wamon 1-C
Tel.: 054-2543277
Business hours: 17:30~22:00
Closed on Sundays
Reservations highly recommended
Seating: 6 at counter + 14 at tables
Set Courses: 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 yen
Individual orders (carte) welcome
Parties welcome

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sake, Sake Brewery, Sanwa Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sanwa Brewery-Garyubai Junmai Ginjo “Ryoofu Kashu”

July 6, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

It is the time of the year when Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City puts out its summer limited sake!

Its name?
“Ryoofu Kashu/涼風夏酒”, that is “”cool wind, summer sake”!

Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 6
Acidity: 1.3
Bottled in June 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Dry bananas, dry melons, apricot
Body: fluid
Taste: strong, dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: dry melons.
Lingers for a short while on palate before departing with dry notes of apricot, banana and flowers.
Tends to show more facets with further sips such as faint coffee beans.
Varies little with food.
Peaches and plums will appear with rise of temperature.

Overall:: very dry and elegant sake. Drier and more masculine than usual although ladies will also appreciate it.
Can be enjoyed at any temperature on its own or with any food.
Suggested pairings: salads, asparaguses, oden.

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SHIZUOKA GOURMET

Monthly Archives: July 2016

Japanese Restaurant: Kappa Dokiya In Shizuoka City!

Gastronomic Wine Bar: “BEBER” in Hamamatsu City!

Shizuoka Cafe: Kissa Ahiru in Mochimune, Shizuoka City!

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Kuraya-Narusawa/Hansharo Beer-“Yoritomo” Porter

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Takashima Brewery-Hakuin Masamune Tokubetsu Junmai (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

Osaka-style Pork Egg Roll at Tonbo in Shimada City!

Vegan Japanese Gastronomy: Vegetable Sashimi Plate at Yasaitei in Shizuoka City!

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sanwa Brewery-Garyubai Junmai Ginjo “Ryoofu Kashu”