All posts by dragonlife

Robert-Gilles Martineau hails from Bourgogne/Burgundy, France and presently resides in Shizuoka/Japan
Cafe, Mochimune, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Cafe: Kissa Ahiru in Mochimune, Shizuoka City!

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AHIRU-2

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

AHIRU-3

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!

AHIRU-4

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!

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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.

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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.

AHIRU-7

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!

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

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

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

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HANSHARO-PORTER-2

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!

HANSHARO-PORTER-3

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

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

Numazu City, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture, Takashima Brewery

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

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SOM-HAKU-1

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!

SOM-HAKU-3

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

SOM-HAKU-6

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

SOM-HAKU-7

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!

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

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

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

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TENBO-TAMAGO

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-7

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!

TENBO-TAMAGO-1

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!)!

TENBO-TAMAGO-2

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-3

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!

TENBO-TAMAGO-4

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-5

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-6

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-8

Done!

TENBO-TAMAGO-9

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-10

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

TENBO-TAMAGO-11

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!

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

Izakaya, Japan, Shizuoka City, Vegan Gastronomy, Yasaitei

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

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YASAITEI-2

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.

YASAITEI-3

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!

YASAITEI-4

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?

YASAITEI-5

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

YASAITEI-6

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

YASAITEI-7

Sliced daikon resting on fresh perilla leaves!

YASAITEI-8

Crunchy Japanese cucumber!

YASAITEI-9

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

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

sake, Sake Brewery, Sanwa Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

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

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SANWA-GINJYO-1

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

SANWA-GINJYO-5

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

SANWA-GINJYO-4

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.

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

Craft beers, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Cracked Fingers American IPA

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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 Cuisine, Restaurants, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Soloio

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

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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

Kakegawa City, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanaka Brewery

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

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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!

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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

Bar, Cheese, Peruvian Cheese, Peruvian Cuisine, Restaurant, Shizuoka City

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

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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.

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

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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!

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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

Craft beers, Japan, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City

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

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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!

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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

Corn, Kan Kan Musume Corn, Kikugawa City, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture Vegetables

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

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KANKAN-5

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!

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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!

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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

Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Kin Shachi Brewery, One Cup sake, sake, Sake Brewery

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

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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

Kikugawa City, Morimoto Brewery, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Morimoto Brewery-Sayogoromo Amakuchi Tokubetsu Junmai

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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!

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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

Craft beers, Japan Craft Beers, Shizuoka City

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

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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:

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-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
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ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
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-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