Category Archives: レシピ

レシピ, Bistro, Coffee, Coffee Shops, 美食, Dessert, Desserts, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Fruit, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Ice Cream, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Fruit Tart, Ice Cream & Coffee Pot at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

October 27, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

First visit at tea time!

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb washroom in same building separated from the cafe.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Very generous cafe/bistro multi-genred gastronomy. Great variety. Great products. Entirely non-smoking in very modern atmosphere. Great books!

The typhoon was still raging when I decided to take refuge at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.
After lunch the previous day I also wanted to take the pulse of the place at tea time/cafe time.
Naturally it was almost full with the difference that this time customers were more of all ages.

nice atmosphere on a rainy day!

I also noticed that more people were taking the opportunity to browse the books on display and sale that you may read on the premises even if you don’t buy any!
I hadn’t had the time to take lunch so I confess I was a bit hungry and decided to opt for a big dessert!

I ordered a fruit to which I added a supplement of home-made framboise (raspberry) ice cream!
Beautiful colors and so appetizing!
I also ordered a pot of coffee, the equivalent of at least three cups, which made for great value!

I found their concept of a fruit tart both generous and intelligent.
They bake enormous marzipan tart beforehand and decorate them with plenty of fruit freshly cut and placed on a minimum of cream or custard which allows you to savor the fruit first and ten dig into the tart and washing it all down with plenty of coffee! Certainly a lot healthier than usual and with such a natural taste!

Beautiful cranberry sauce you could spread on the tart after you have you have devoured the fruit!

But raspberry ice cream for my sweet tooth first!
Beautiful balance there: plenty of fruit and not oversweet!

And plenty of hot coffee served the right way!

Now, I have two small problems:
1) It will take more visits at lunch and tea time before I can tackle dinners!
2) I will have to avoid making it a habit, or people will think I’m addicted! LOL

BLUE BOOKS cafe
420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den Bldg 1F (5~10 minutes walk straight ahead from Shizuoka JR Station North Exit, around the corner at the large crossroads)
Tel.: 054-280-7644
Opening hours: 11:00~14:30 (lunch), 14:30^17:30 (cafe), 17:30~23:00 (dinner)
Entirely non-smoking!

Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Twitter: @BlueBooksCafe

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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, Pierre.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: 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

レシピ, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, 豚肉, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Millefeuille Tonkatsu Lunch at Kiiro Izakya in Shizuoka City!

October 27, 2013 dragonlife 10 Comments

Service: Very kind and smiling
Equipment and Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. No shoes allowed inside. Very clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable considering the enormous portions!
Strong points: pork and tonkatsu!

I had been curious for some time about a new izakaya called “Kiiro/器いろ” which had opened this year just across my workplace. I had heard it used to be located in Ryogae Cho, Aoi Ku, before it moved to Takajo, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, considered as the new gastronomic area of Shizuoka City.

There is a general rule in Japan saying that one should try to eat and drink as far from one’s workplace as possible to protect one’s privacy, but it is simply impossible for me as I work just across a gastronomic treasure trove!

I hadn’t noticed they were also open for lunch so it was about grand time I investigated!

They are presently specializing in tonkatsu (pork cutlets and others) these days, although I heard later they used to serve udon lunches, which means I should hurry up before they change again!
The prices seemed a bit more expensive than those prevalent in lunch restaurants but the volume (200 g!) still guaranteed a good deal in the offing!

I was especially attracted by the dish called “Millefeuille Ｋatsu/ミルフィーユかつ”!

Authentic izakaya atmosphere inside!

The place is full of antiques!

Note that you are requested to leave your shoes at the entrance. The floors are covered with very soft and comfortable carpets, a bit unusual for this type of establishment!

I espied some sake from Shizuoka Prefecture, meaning I will have to visit the place again for dinner!

More antiques!

One reason I was particularly attracted was the fact that Kiiro uses only pork bred in Asagiri Plateau, north Izu peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Eat local whenever you can!
Incidentally the meat comes from Yoghurt Ton Pigs!

The Millefeuille Katsu Lunch Set!
Absolutely enormous!
Frankly speaking i had doubts as whether I could eat it all! (Of course, I did!)!
Really great value at 14 US $/13 euros!

Red miso soup!

A generous portion of home-made pickles!

Plenty of rice served in a nice earthenware bowl!

The millefeuille katsu served with a light tomato sauce! (BBQ Sauce is available!)
Enormous!
The plate must be around 20 cm in diameter!

The millefeuille katsu is made of many thin slices of pork rolled together before deep-fried.
The pork is henceforth very light, extremely tender and so easy to eat!
As for the taste, this is definitely superior pork!

So many vegetables for a superbly balanced lunch!
Mind you, I very much doubt you will be hungry in the evening!

And even an home-made pudding for dessert!
Difficult to beat such good value!

See you soon there again for dinner!

KIIRO
Shizuoka City, Aoi ku, Takajo, 2-3-2, Sun City Takajo, 1F
Tel.: 054-254-0453
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:30
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Bistro, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Hamburgers, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Foie Gras Hamburger Lunch at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

October 25, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

The love story between America, Japan anf France continues!

Very busy on opening day in spite of Typhoon No 27!

The center of Shizuoka City is definitely taking a big turn towards modernity with a completely renovated Den Building in Aoi Ku 5-10 minutes straight walk from the Shizuoka JR Station!

Entrance sign from indoors.

Taita Company opened its new venture of the first floor of Den building with a vast cafe cum book store with the name of Blue Books Cafe. This the 19th different restaurant or cafe (to which must be added 6 more stores) although the company has succeeded to conceive them all in different genres.

It is both a cafe restaurant for lunch, a cafe in the afternoon and a restaurant in the evening although you could easily combine two of them as you are welcome to stay as long as you want for a drink.
It also doubles up as a multi-genred bookstore of a higher level.

The books also make for great decoration!

One can choose (if available) a spot of his/her choosing for maximum enjoyment.

There is also a comfortable entrance/exit linking to the rest of the building and its shops!

Take a seat near the kitchen and bar if you are interested in the workings of the place!

Great decorations hanging on the red brick wall!

The menu is pretty large for lunch and is written in English (with very few typos!)!

Since it was my first visit I decided to have a go at one of the best offerings: Foie Gras Poele (not “poire” which means “pear”! LOL) and Berry sauce Burger!

Fresh leaves salad and drink included!

A real beauty. don’t you think? And really big!
At 17 US $ ridiculously cheap!

Home-made grilled hamburger steak with superior beef!

Real foie gras separately poeled/sauteed with a beautiful cranberry sauce and real cranberries! Top American gastronomy (with a French touch!)!

Plenty of absolutely fresh vegetables!

Plenty of chips!

Even the buns are worth the visit!

Great attention to details!

More articles coming soon as I will have to survey cafe and dinner time as soon as possible!

Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Twitter: @BlueBooksCafe

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Biscuits, 美食, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Recipes

“Mammaretti” (Traditional Amaretti) by Maria Filice!

October 25, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

I have had the pleasure to know Maria Filice (a first-generation Canadian-American Italian) for quite some time and even had to the honor to read and write a review on her first book, Breaking Bread In L’Aquila by Maria Filice, a book that I actually offered to one of my favorite Italian Restaurants in Shizuoka City, Japan, a City famed all over Japan for its superior gastronomy!

Just the other day I had another great surprise when I received the above beautiful box all the way from the US from Maria who kindly asked me to taste the contents and give my impressions!

A very elegant and yet so homey box for a great present!

Although I am French, our gastronomy have shared so much with Italy since the Renaissance that the two have become difficult to differentiate. We also share a great love for almonds and cakes, pastries and biscuits created with them as almonds are not only so beautiful in taste but also because they are a valuable ingredient in food, particularly in winter, and even maybe more crucial, almonds are an indispensable source of vitamins and fibers!

True artisanal gastronomy at its best!

These Amaretti called “Mammaretti” for all her mother’s love are Maria’s latest creation in line with the beautiful recipes already introduced in her Breaking Bread In L’Aquila book.
Being fully aware of my own bias, I asked no less than nine friends (in only two days), all Japanese but truly cognizant of Italian gastronomy, to taste them and share their impressions!

Just the right size !

Japanese people in general do not really appreciate really sweet cakes or confectioneries, and my friends’ first reaction was to compliment on the great balance of the biscuits with the perfect sweetness and the truly intricate taste of the almonds inside them.
“So simple and so sophisticated!” was the overwhelming comment.
Not only adults but two 9 year old children tasted them (the children asked for more, of course!).
The children greatly appreciated the softness of the Mammaretti and its recognizable taste.
On the other hand, adults were also truly impressed and agreed this would make the perfect biscuit to eat at any time of the day, but more particularly with a rich coffee or even a light green tea! Bear in mind that the Japanese eat biscuits all day long!

As for me, these Mammaretti were simply a great discovery to cherish at all times.
This is genuine artisanal gastronomy and a direct visit to forgotten tastes and their lands!
I’m convinced that Maria puts a lot of love remembering her mother all the time when she prepares her little beauties!

A personal recommendation?
Do try them with a small glass of Amaretto Almond Liqueur!

“Mammaretti”, a little treasure to keep within hand’s reach all the time!

MAMMARETTI By Maria Felice
30 US $ per box (plus shipping and handling)
Orders can be diretly placed throughMaria Felice HOMEPAGE or e-mail to ff@foodandfate.com

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Beef, 牛肉, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, 豚肉, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Pork, Recipes, Restaurants, sake, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism, Wagyu Beef, 和牛

Wagyu Beef at Sumpu No Nikudokoro Restaurant (Lunch) in Shizuoka City!

October 23, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Friendly, attentive and smiling
Equipment & Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Beautiful and modern gender-separated washrooms
Prices: Reasonable (wayuu is not cheap anywhere!)
Strong points: Almost completely local ingredients. High class beef and pork. Great local sake and shochu list! Non-smoking at lunch time!

I had been curious for some time about a new restaurant which had been opened this year above a convenience store of all things this year when the far corner across Cenova Department Store in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, was reclaimed for development.

The name of the restaurant is “Sumpu No Nikudokoro/駿府の肉処”. Sunpu stands for the old name of Shizuoka City and Nikudokoro means “the place for Meat”!
Pity they don’t take the pains of at least writing the English pronunciation when you hear that Shizuoka Prefecture and City have recently declared to promote tourism more actively…

I had noticed this advert for a single donburi/bowl dish priced at 800 yen/8 US $/6 Euros for quite a while and I had thought that the place was maybe a very reasonable and simple restaurant subsidized by the Shizuoka Prefecture Government, the Agriculture Department in particular. I was proved slightly wrong!

Frankly speaking the lack of explanations and introductions on the ground floor was a bit frustrating and I was somewhat surprised to find out after climbing nondescript stairs to stand in front of small but elegant entrance!

An the surprises only continued after I had stepped inside!
Wow! Special Wagyu certified from Shizuoka Prefecture!
Actually no less than 12 breeders have been awarded the distinction in our Prefecture!

hey were not shy about exhibiting the meat used in the restaurant, a sure sign of superior quality!

Then I started to understand!
Wagyu is horribly expensive in Japan, wherever it is produced and moreover if it has received the label ‘Special Choice” by the Government!

The restaurant is owned and run by the Shizuoka JA (Japan Agriculture), the biggest Agricultural Association in Shizuoka Prefecture (and also heavily subsidized by the country!)!
Now, I knew why the prices were still comparatively reasonable, even for local products!

The establishment is absolutely spotless clean with a direct view into the kitchen! Talk about superior hygiene!

Not only the meat, but most of the sake and shochu are also brewed in Shizuoka Prefecture!

There are three types of seating: A counter by the window, very practical for individual guests of\r couples, benches and tables for 4 people apiece and a dig-in kotatsu Japanese room you can partly or completely reserve for a meal away from other guests’ sight (500 yen extra per person in the case). The Japanese room can be completely reserved for up to 8 guests. Otherwise parties up to 26 guests are accepted. Total reservation can be insured for up to 66 guests.

The sliding doors of the private Japanese-style room.

My first was for lunch at which you can a choice of single bowl dishes between 800 and 980 yen (very popular with office workers and doctors working nearby!), and three meat lunch sets between 1,200 yen and 3,000 yen. I chose the latter, which at 30 US $ is still very reasonable!

Next time I will strongly suggest that they write an English translation!

Not only the wasabi (of course!) but even the salt is local!

Supreme fat to coat the BBQ plate with before grilling the meat and vegetables! Extravagant!

Absolutely beautiful!
Now, what do we have?

Two kinds of wagyu and Kinton-o pork form Shizuoka prefecture!
Actually our Prefecture is nationally know for its supreme pork!

They need to translate that, too!
It does make for good reading, actually!

In the bckground lean Wagyu Beef and in the forefront Kinton-O Pork!

Great attentions to detail: served with grilled garlic slices and chopped thin scallions!

Naturally the vegetables are exclusively local!

Local vegetable salad and Shizuoka green tea as a bavarois with jelly!

Shizuoka-grown Koshihikari rice! A real beauty!

They should translate that too in English:
Shizuoka Koshikari rice is the earliest to be harvested in the island of Honshu: planted in April, rice grains appear in July and the rice is harvested end of August!
It is nicknamed “Pearl Rice”!

A light soup, perfect to wash all that good food down!

100% Shizuoka orange juice! The real article!

You grill everything at your own pace and order!

So tender and so juicy wagyu beef!
What else can you ask for?

Look forward to more reports as I want to investigate some of the ridiculously cheap meat bowl lunches and of course a full dinner with local sake and shochu!

Sumpu No Nikudokoro
Shizuoka Sodachi
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Oote Machi, 2-15, MRK Bldg., 2f (across Cenova Dept. Store above 7 eleven convenience store)
Tel.: 054-251-4129
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:00~23:00
Closed on third Wednesday of each month
Credit Cards OK
Reservations highly recommended for dinner!
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Crafts, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Fish, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Crafts, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Fruit, Shizuoka Sake, Shizuoka Seafood, Shizuoka Traditonal Handcarfts, Tourism

Shizuoka City Products & Crafts (and more!) at Shin Yoo Bank!

October 17, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Don’t get me wrong! This is not an advert for a bank nor a suggestion that you should deposit your money there!
In fact my accounts are not held in this bank!

But if it is your first visit, or if you wish to know a bit more about our City, walk straight ahead from Shizuoka JR Station, past the main crossroads with Egawa Street and you will find Shizuoka Shin Yoo Bank/静岡信用銀行 on your right just before reaching Shizuoka City Hall!

Have a good look at their display windows. It is definitely worth the attention! Actually if it rains or if it is too hot you could see the main posters inside. The bank welcomes casual visitors!
If all banks were emulating it Shizuoka city would certainly be an even better place for it!

Plenty to look at or read!

And even more!
Shall we have a look at them in detail?

Mount Fuji including views from Yui, Nihondaira and miho Beach!

Shizuoka City Highlights: Nihondaira Zoo, Daidogei Street Performance World Cup, Umegashima Hot Springs, Yui Honjin Park!

Shizuoka City History: Kunozan Toosgoogun Shrine, Seigen temple, Toroi Ruins, Sumpu Castle Park!

Top to bottom: Daidogei Street performance World Cup, Sakura Ebi/Cherry shrimps. Sengen Shrine, and Mount Fuji view from Nihon Daira!

Shizuoka Prefecture Designated Product: “Shikibu” clog!

Green Tea lacquer Box!

Wooden Bilboquet Shoe, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

A Clock, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

Soccer Ball Lacquer Bowls, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

A Mount Fuji Dyed Cloth bag, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

“Mana” Beach sandals, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

“Tuna Fishing”, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

“Lady Eyes Miso Soup Bowls”, which won a special prize at the Shizuoka Dream Design Contest!

Shizuoka Prefecture Designated Product: Bamboo lattice Craft Box!

The display window!

Citruses, Sumpu Castle, Mount Fuji view from Yui, Mount Fuji View from green tea fields!

Actually, the posters inside are different!

Shizuoka City products: Hina dolls, Geta/Wooden clogs, Suruga Bamboo Lattice Crafts, Suruga Lacquerware!

Shizuoka City Gastronomy: Tuna, Wasabi, Tororo Jiru/Grated Yam, Abekawa Mochi Wagashi cakes (vegan!), Shizuoka Oden!

More shizuoka Gastronomy: Green Tea, Oranges, Strawberries, Shirasu/Sardine Whiting, Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps!

Actually, there is so much more!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, bbq, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shimada City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shimada Obi Festival 5: The Food Stands!

October 17, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Brochettes, brochettes, brochettes!

I finally went to watch the Shimada Obi Festival today where I took literally hundred of pictures and have to divide this report on of the strangest/unusual festivals in Japan into many parts!
This report is about the food the Japanese take for granted at a Japanese Festival or such events! It becomes nothing less than a giant BBQ!

Like any city worth its salt in Japan and furthermore staging a major festival or event a very large space will be made available for visitors to refresh and feed themselves (as well as relieve themselves).
This space in Shimada City is either used for open-air events, festivals or as a supplementary car park.
As cars are prohibited form entering the town center during the the 3-day festival, the space is just ideal.
The sign reads: “”One of the Three Unusual Festivals in Japan. Welcome. 107th Shimada Big Festival/Obi Festival”!

Not only the city provides the space for the food stands to be erected along its perimeter but it also provides the tents, chairs, tables and plastic white table cloths for visitors to eat and drink comfortably under the searing sun in day time or eventual rain!

They also install large trash boxes regularly emptied and cleaned all day long by city workers!
The trash boxes are divided for “Bottles (glass) & Cans”, “Burnable Trash”, “Trash to be Incinerated (heavier than the former)” and “Plastic Pet Bottles (soda, etc,)”!

OK, let’s go around the food stands!

Charcoal-grilled “ayame” trouts!

Naturally sausages are a must!

It is also a good time to sample specialties from all over Japan: Oita (Kyushu) style stir-fried chicken!

Hiroshima-style noodles, pasta, Yaki, Okonmiyaki!

Yakitori!

Fujinomiya City has made Shizuoka famous all over the country for its Yakisoba/Stir-fried noodles!

These disappear within a blink of the eye!

Plenty of draft beer available!

Tai Yaki (seabream-shaped pancakes containing anko/sweet meat beans) for the kids and sweet teeth!

Giant nikuman/large dumplings made of steamed bread and pork. I had the bottom one made with Shizuoka tea!

Fried sweet potato and potato sticks!

Whirly sausages!

Spicy stir-fried chicken!

I also had one of these Osaka-style takoyaki/dumplings containing octopus!

More pork kushiyaki/brochettes!

Cotton candy!
In France we call them “daddy’s beard”!

Not a food stand actually, but a soft drinks and kids game stand!

Another BBQ staple: deep-fried potato brochette, broiled corn and deep-fried sweet potato sticks!

This particular charcoal-grilles sausages and pork brochetttes stand had a constant 20-people queue stretching in front of it!

Chorizo sausage pizzas!

Giant crepes! Sweeeeeeeeeet!

Oden! A shizuoka specialty!

Karaage/Deep-fried chicken!

Baked sweet potato cakes!

Drinks! Including Shizuoka sake! Shimada city is famous all over Japan for its “Onna Nakase/Make a Woman Cry” sake brand!

Mexican sausage and potato tortilla!

Kawane green tea!
Shizuoka produces more than 45% of all green tea in Japan!

These two ladies were having a ball selling miso mochi!
Just another proof that sexiness is ageless!

We will go back to the action in Part 6: “The Clash Of The Chariots”!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka marine products, Shizuoka Seafood, Tourism

3rd Shizuoka Gourmet Kingdom Fest 2013 in Shizuoka City (October 19th & 20th)!

October 16, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

On october 19th (Saturday) from 11:00 to 20:00 and 20th (Sunday) from 11:00 to 19:00 everyone will be able to discover how extravagantly rich is our City of Shizuoka at 3rd Shizuoka Gourmet Kingdom Fest 2013!

It will be held in Aoi Ku behind (west entrance) the Shizuoka City Hall and all along the Aoba Street/Aoba Symbol Road!

Can you guess what is produced, caught and bred in our City?
See the list below (not exhaustive!):
-Shirasu/Sardine Whiting
-Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimps
-Beef
-Vegetables (impossible to count)
-Wasabi (it was born in Shizuoka City!)
-Strawberries
-Pork
-Poultry
-Tuna (did you know that? Especially Albacore/Binnnaga Maguro, also nicknamed Shizuoka Tuna!)
-Hanpen (dark sardine paste cakes)
-Oranges and citruses

Frankly speaking I already know that to show all products of Shizuoka City would require a far bigger space, but I’m sure there will be enough to overwhelm you!

Local sake brewed in this city will be represented by the following breweries: Haginishiki, Suruga (Tonko), Eikun, Kanazawagawa (Shosetsu), Kumpai and Sanwa (Garyuubai)!

Naturally all the major Japanese beer companies will also be represented as guests as they know you will be thirsty on these two days! LOL

For more information call 090-6469-0597 (Japanese)

Report coming!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, 美食, 静岡市, 観光, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Scallops, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Seafood, sushi, Tourism, 寿司

Sushi: “Birufeuille” or Millefeuille by Chef kenta Birukawa at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City!

October 15, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Pro and very friendly
Facilities: Very clean. Excellent toilets
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great variety of seafood from Shizuoka Prefecture and the rest of Japan. Great list of sake and shochu

On our way back from the Shimada Obi Festival we decided to have dinner at Sushi Ko Sushi Restaurant in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City last night!
I and Dragon took the opportunity to challenge Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん into an new cretioon!

Actually Dragon made the suggestsion.
Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん is famed for his Sushi Millefeuille and Spicy Scallops Roll!
Hence he was asked to combine the two!

Can you guess what ingredients were used?
Well, the main part consisted of three layers of shari/sushi rice with one layer of raw scallops which had been seasoned with mayonnaise and spices beforehand and a layer of thinly sliced crunchy Japanese cucumber.

A view from the top may help!

Well, the top was garnished with pieces of scallops, tempura kasu/tempura batter bits for more crunch, scallions. ikura/salmon roe and akami/red lean tuna!

For a closer view!

More scallops and other tidbits to avoid any disputes between Dragon and I!

What happens when yo start demolishing the edifice!

Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん who had conceived his creation for a photograph first interrupted us to add the missing mayonnaise and other seasoning!

Even half broken it still looked a beauty!

SUSHI KO
420-0032 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 2-3-1 (Aoba Park Street)
Tel.: 054-251-9701
Business Hours： 17:00~25:00. 17:00~23:00 （Sundays）
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (in Japanese)
Smoking allowed. Private room can be arranged for non-smoking (4 people)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, 美食, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Okra, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Okra Flowers Tempura at Jacuzzi awabar in Shizuoka City!

October 11, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly, polite, but easy-going
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: All kinds of bubbly drinks. Very healthy and tasty food snacks made with local products.

okra are becoming very popular in Asia and Europe although it originated from Central Africa.
It is also extensively grown here in Japan but it is somewhat eaten in a manner different from that in Africa.
For one, the flowers are edible and can be prepared in many ways.

Since this is Japan one manner that would come to mind is tempura although the Japanese would eat okra in any form even raw!
What is more uncommon is cooking the flowers.
Unlike comparatively robust zucchini flowers okra flowers will wilt very quickly as they bloom for only one day.

One way to circumvent that problem is to cut the flowers just before they open and leave them in the fridge where they will open and conserve longer.

Last night I had the pleasure to savor both the okra pods and flowers organically grown by Mr. Baba in Fujinomiya City at the foot of Mount Fuji at Jacuzzi awabar, the newest gastronomic bar in Shizuoka City!

As tempura goes this is both teasingly simple and sophisticated.
Crispy, so tasty, almost sweet!
You must try it! With a glass of French bubbly rose wine!

JACUZZI awabar
]420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-11-10-2
Tel.: 054-269-5992
Opening hours: 15:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays
Credit cards not yet!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, Conger eel, 美食, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Square Bean, Tourism

French Gastronomy: Land & Sea/Conger Eel & Winged Bean at Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

October 11, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat and caught fish. Very inventive French gastronomy.

Shizuoka Prefecture being practically “sandwiched” between sea and land in the mildest part of Japan occupies the most favorable location for a constant supply of fresh produce from the sea, the land and the mountains all year round.
It is more a question of finding new ideas to combine such products in season than to look for a rare product and try to arrange it.
Shizuoka conger eels or anago/穴子 are famed all over the country and can be sampled at many Japanese Restaurants.

Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん being Japanese but first and foremost a French cuisine chef came up with the idea of preparing conger eel almost in Japanese manner by first sauteed and baking it to a crisp and seasoning with a sauce combining both traditional Japanese and French sauce ingredients (secrets, I’m afraid!) I can only guess, but the result leaves you baffled in between two traditions for your utter gustative pleasure!

Now, the wing bean (also known as the Goa bean and Asparagus pea, Four-angled bean and Winged pea) placed symmetrically atop the conger eel is actually called “Square bean/Shikaku Mame/しかく豆” in Japanese.
Would you believe it is a tropical legume plant native to Papua New Guinea?
It is a very valuable vegetable when it comes to all kinds of beneficial elements.
It has recently acquired a big reputation here in Shizuoka and is presented and eaten in all kinds of sizes.
The one used Tooru is still small and young.
Not only it is a tasty and healthy vegetable but it also offers all sorts of design idea thanks to its fresh color which helps enhance the darker colors of meat or fish!
Incidentally this winged bean was organically grown in Fujinomiya City at the foot of Mount Fuji!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, 美食, Desserts, 静岡市, 観光, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Halloween, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

10 Halloween Treats in Japan (Shizuoka Prefecture actually!)!

October 10, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for its melons!

Halloween is around the corner and all shops have certainly turned orange, the color of pumpkins!
It can sometimes become boring but if you try to stay positive there are many pictures to take and many ways to celebrate!

Here are 10 of my favorites here in Shizuoka Prefecture!

1) Halloween Bento!
Note the orange pumpkin inside it to justify the name!

2) Halloween Chou!
The Japanese cannot imagine a dessert without some kind of chou, chou a la creme, or chou cream popping up in their heads!
This particular ones are filled with chocolate custard. All home-made!

3) Halloween Donuts!
Discovered in a department store in Numazu City!

4) Halloween Melon!
This is my favorite! I couldn’t introduce it just after the top picture!
Shizuoka Prefecture is known all over Japan for its melons!

5) Halloween Gratin!
A large one for he whole family!
If you want the recipe, I’ll be glad to send it to you!

6) Halloween Kabocha Croquettes!
Sophisticated French gastronomy in Japan!

7) Halloween Kabocha Gratin!
A bit of a repeat, but the design is so cute!
I can also send you the recipe on request!

8) Halloween Apples!
Taken during the Daidogei Street performance Festival!

9) Halloween panckes!
Another way to prepare pancakes with kabocha!
I can send you the recipe on request!

10) Halloween Pop Corn!
The ultimate American Junk Food!

For a better view!

Wait until Christmas for another surprise!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, Bars, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Gastronomic Bar: Jacuzzi awabar in Shizuoka City!

October 8, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

I had been on the lookout for this place for quite a while since the owner of Taky’s Cakes and Cafe owner decided to move to new and larger location (report next month I hope).

I had to surprise to find out it had opened on the very day I chose to have a better look and visit!
Actually, another surprise was waiting for me inside!

Keisuke Ohta/太田圭祐さん is in fact an old acquaintance of mine in spite of his relatively young age. Some one year ago he left his previous employment to open a successful wine bar called Vin Vino in Ryogae-Cho, Aoi Ku before starting this second venture!

The small place is an incredible example of Japanese ingeniousness making the most of what small space was available.
6 guests can sit on chairs at the counter while 10~12 more people can stand at two tables and 3 half tables against the wall.
Even so, two staff can work at ease behind the bar and cook without nay hassles.

Incidentally you can use their beautiful business cards as coasters!

The counter bar.
Actually very little change was brought to the place except for the seating!

The lighting is modern but diffused.
As a customer if you want a little privacy sit at the counter or stand at one one of the half tables against the wall.
If you want to be seen and see stand by one of the two tables behind the bay window!
Mind you, depending on the kind of customers it can either be very quiet or definitely raucous!

I started with a dry wine from the Cotes du Rhone in France with no bubbles, but one can enjoy, beer, sake, cocktailes, liqueurs, spirits, whiskey, wine by the glass or bottle, fizzy or flat, soft drinks, soda and light meals!

Now, the food is definitely of a higher level but reasonable!
All the vegetables are organically grown by Mr. Baba in Fujinomiya City at the foot of Mount Fuji!
The above vegetables exquisitely cooked as “frites” (actually an elegant tempura) are worth the visit alone!

From a different angle two kinds of eggplants, a square bean and other beauties the staff take pride in meticulously introducing!
There are plenty of other tasty morsels available but that will be for the next report!

And do not forget to explore the wine list including such unusual offerings as this pink fizzy wine from Yamanashi Prefecture!
See you soon there again!

JACUZZI awabar
]420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-11-10-2
Tel.: 054-269-5992
Opening hours: 15:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays
Credit cards not yet!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, 美食, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Meat, Recipes, Tourism

10 “Leg” Foods of the World!

October 8, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

What are these?
They were served in my hometown, Chalon Sur Saone, Bourgogne, France!
See below last picture!

I had been wondering for quite a while what people all over the world did with the legs of the many animals they eat and decided to do a little research to find at least 10 of them. There are more of course, but let’s say these are my favorites!

1) Chicken Legs in Tikka fashion.
INDIA!

2) Snow Crab Legs just before being cooked in Shabu-Shabu Style.
JAPAN!

3) Leg of Duck Roasted with Wine Sauce.
CANADA!

4) Leg of lamb Roasted
USA!

5) Leg of Pheasant Roasted
UK!

6) Leg of Pork Roasted.
CUBA!

7) Leg of Quail Roasted in Spices.
SPAIN!

8) Legs of Turkey Roasted.
GERMANY!

9) Leg of Venison in Moscovite Sauce with Pumpkin Varenyky.
RUSSIA!

10) Frog Legs Sauteed.
FRANCE!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: 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!
-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

レシピ, 美食, 野菜, 観光, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

My 10 Best Vegetables Dishes in Japan

October 7, 2013 dragonlife 1 Comment

To give a little help (actually he helps me!) Russell Deasley, the mastermind of a superior Homepage/Blog with the name of THE TOP 10…of Anything and Everything! I have been thinking what could be the different “10”, be they the best, worst or whatever, I could come up with. And the ideas are coming fast and thick!
I’m not a vegetarian or vegan but I love vegetables and I’m always keen to check what the chef at any restaurant I visit (and I visit quite a few because this is one of my occupations!) can achieve with vegetables only!
Here are what I would consider the best 10 vegetables dishes I ever had (so far!) in Japan. Mind you, they were all enjoyed inside Shizuoka City, a bias helped by the simply mind-blowing number of varieties grown in Shizuoka Prefecture!