Category Archives: 美食

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

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!
-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:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Hamamatsu City, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hana No Mai Brewery-Tokubetsu Junmai Cenova 2nd Anniversary

October 13, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

hanan No Mai, located in Hamamatsu City, is the largest sake brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture and makes a good use of all events in our Prefecture to well their products.

Cenova Department store in Shizuoka City just celebrated its 2nd Anniversary and like for the opening and 1st Anniversary hana no Mai produced a tokubetsu Junami limited to 100 numbered bottles. I got No 11!

“Local Souvenir”!

Hana No Mai Brewery has a habit of printing the exact bottling date on their labels!

Rice locally grown
rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled on September 30th 2013

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Light golden hue
Aroma: Assertive and fruity. Custard
Body: Fluid, lightly sirupy
Taste: Soft attack at first, immediately followed by puissant junmai petillant warming up back of the palate.
Fruity and dryish. Custard, macadamia nuts, almonds, oranges.
Lingers for a while before softly disappearing with more macadamia nuts and ornages.
Takes a small back step with food on a slightly drier note with more dry oranges.
Away again from food sees a solid appearance by chestnuts.

Overall: A typical sake from Hana No Mai Brewery with a comparatively soft approach.
A sake probably best enjoyed before food.
Should please younger people and ladies alike.
A sake fit for beginners, too.
Would make for a beautiful sweet aperitif when chilled!

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, 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:

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

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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

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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:

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:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 観光, 農業, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Oktober Fest 2013 at Growstock in Shizuoka City on October 14th!

October 8, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: very lively and friendly.
Facilities: great cleanliness overall.
Prices: reasonable, good value.
Strong points: Beer from all over the world. Outside terrace. Local microbrewery beer available in some quantities.

Growstock (part of Beck Co Ltd. with Mando and Aoi Beer Stand) will hold its Oktober Fest for the 5th time running on October 14th!

October 14th is on a Tuesday, but since it is a National Holiday you are left with no excuse, especially in the light that it will held in the afternoon from 13:00 to 19:00.
Rerserve your seat outside on the terrace!

Advance all you can drink and eat Food & Drinks Tickets are sold for 4,000 yen. If you buy 4 tickets you will be offered a limited edition T Shirt!
Only 40 tickets available so hurry!
Otherwise all drinks and food can be bought for 600 yen a piece (tickets to be bought at the entrance only) on the premises on the day!

GROW STOCK
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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2013/10/08): The Flavors of Fall — Joie de Vivre Golden Ale & Fall Fest Lager

October 8, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

The Flavors of Fall — Joie de Vivre Golden Ale & Fall Fest Lager

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Fall is my favorite season. I love the clean crispness in the air and the brightness of the season’s colors. Fall is the season for celebration of nature’s harvest. We are honoring the autumn season this year with two special brews: Joie de Vivre Golden Ale and Fall Fest Lager.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Joie de Vivre Golden Ale (6.5%):

If beer is good at one thing it is helping people to feel the joy of the moment. The Belgians are perhaps the best at putting their beer and culinary culture to the service of joyful living. Joie de Vivre Golden Ale is our tribute to Belgium’s joyous beer culture. It is a richly hued golden ale of simple makeup — three base malts (floor-malted Maris Otter, Pilsner and Munich) and one sugar (Japanese sudakito). The hopping is more complex — five earthy, herbal varieties (Millenium, Sterling, Willamette, Fuggle, Styrian Golding) are added in combination both to the kettle and to the conditioning tank. Fermentation is warm (around 25 C), carried out by our house Belgian strain. Attenuation is high; the beer is dry. Each sip will bring a happy reminder of the joie de vivre.

Joie de Vivre Golden Ale is available for immediate release in both kegs and bottles.

*Fall Fest Lager (5.8%):

If the Belgians are best at putting beer to the service of joyful living, the Germans are a close second. Fall Fest Lager is our version of a classic German Marzen lager. The color is the amber-red of the fall foliage. Richly malty in flavor, the body is round and soft. The finish is clean and pleasingly unctuous. This is the taste of of autumn in Bavaria.

Fall Fest Lager also is available for immediate release in both kegs and bottles.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

美食, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, Fish, Food, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, sashimi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, sushi, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya & Seafood Restaurant: Senbon Ichi in Numazu City!

October 8, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but attentive and kind
Facilities: Traditional but very clean. Very clean washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Local fish directly from the harbor. Excellent local sake list

Senbon Ichi is a very traditional Japanese izakaya which specializes in fish as it is located in the middle of Numazu City fishing harbor, a major in Japan that Tokyo couldn’t do without!

The draft beer served there, although not by a Shizuoka Brewery, is brewed in Shizuoka Prefecture!

As the Numazu harbor has been recently completely renovated I paid it a short visit before planning a longer one for an extensive report. I still took the time to eat lunch at Senbon Ichi (which has two establishments under the generic name of Minato Ichi/湊一).

I want this poster of all the fishes caught in Japan!

At lunch time the main dining room is non smoking. Take a seat near the windows and you shouldn’t be affected by the smokers at the counter!

Great take-out deep-fried seafood available at reasonable prices, too!

Very good point in their favor: they serve no less than 14 local sake!

We decided to order the two specialties of the season and share them!

Dragon ordered the sakura ebi kakiage donburi/sushi rice top with deep-fried cherry shrimps, the specialty of Shizuoka!

A real beauty and plenty of it!

I pinched a few to eat with the beer! Great snack, I assure you!

The interesting thing is that there is a layer of grilled horse mackerel under the shrimps!
Actually Dragon was also provided with hot tea to mix it with some of her donburi for a great o-cha-zuke!

As for me, I ordered a sushi donburi topped with local fish and seafood only!

A photograph for my gastronomic collection!

Raw shirasu/sardine whiting, sardine, horse mackerel, negitoro/grated tuna!

Amberjack and a rose of tuna!

Tamagoyaki, seabream and prawn!

You will find a layer of finely chopped dry seaweed between the sushi rice and the sashimi!
So healthy!

SENBON ICHI
410-0845 Numazu City, Senbon Minato Cho, 101, 3rd and 4th F
Tel.: 055-952-0025
Fax: 055-952-0022
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30 (11:00~15:30 on week-ends and National Holidays), 17:00~21:30
Closed on Tuesdays (except on National Holidays)
Groups up to 80 OK
Credit cards OK
Free taxi service for groups of 7, 9 or 14 from and to Numazu, Katahama and Mishima JR Stations upon phone bookings!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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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!

1) Wok-fried at Annam Restaurant, Vietnamese Cuisine!

2) Fried and steamed vegetables appetizer at Aquavite, Italian Cuisine!

3) vegetables Terrine at Caravin, French Cuisine!

4) Steamed vegetables at Cham, Chinese Cuisine!

5) Japanese pickles at Kawakatsu, Japanese cuisine (this is an exception as it is located in Fujieda City!)!

6) Steamed and stir-fried vegetables appetizer at Pissenlit, French Cuisine!

7) Steamed and sauteed-baked vegatables appetizer at Tetsuya Sugimoto, French Cuisine!

8) “Goro goro” stir-fried vegetables at Uzu, Japanese Izakaya Cuisine!

9) Vegetables Sashimi Plate at Yasai tei, Japanese Izakaya Cuisine!

10) “Eggplant Vegetables Steak” at Tetsuya Sugimoto, French Cuisine!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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Food & Drinks Bloggers in Japan (amended October 2013)

October 6, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

The number of foreigners and Japanese nationals who write about the food and drinks in Japan in English (or at least answer comments in English) has remarkably increased lately.
I thought it was about time to start some kind of round-up to help people discover these deserving foodies and their blogs!The list below is far from exhaustive, but I’m planning to update and announce it regularly!
Of course if you know more foodies residing in Japan, do please direct them to me and I will introduce them gladly!

HOKKAIDO TRIBE

(Hokkaido Island)

Meishu no Yutaka by Carlin
The Best of Sapporo by Ben!

TOHOKU TRIBE
(Northeastern Japan: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima)
Cooking with Mama Miyuki in Sendai

KANTO TRIBE

(Eastern Japan: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa)

Erik in Nihon
Adventures in Japan
TOKYOBLING BOG
Japan-Hub.Com
Japan Eat’s Videos
Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton
Watch Japan in Tokyo
Little Japan Mama in Tokyo
Japan Eats (featured on request)
47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities By Sara and Roshni in Tokyo
Eating Out in Tokyo with Dominic
Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass by Melinda Joe in Tokyo
Tokyo Foodcast by Etsuko Nakamura in Tokyo
Tokyo Food Page
Sake World by John Gauntner in Tokyo: The inernational Reference for Japanese Sake!
Tokyo Terrace by Rachael in Tokyo
Gaijin Tonic in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture
Nonjatta by Chris Bunting in Tokyo
The Soul Of Japan in Kanagawa Prefecture
Sake, kimono and Tabi In Tokyo
Tokyo Kawai, Etc… in Tokyo
Blue Lotus in Tokyo
The Japanese Food Report by Harris Salat in Tokyo
The Sake Chronicles in Tokyo
Watashi to Tokyo by Mari Kanazawa in Tokyo
Japanese Food-Food Lover’s Guide by Yukari Yamamoto in Tokyo
Gaijin Life by a Canadian gentleman in Tokyo (in Japanese)
Leo’s Japan Food Blog in Tokyo
Eating Out In Tokyo With Jon
Fugu Tabetai in Tokyo
Japan Style in Tokyo
COCO’s Oriental Kitchen by angela Cooper in Tokyo
Free Online Japanese Food Recipes in Tokyo
Reminiscence in Tokyo
Cooking Japanese Style By Naoko, in Tokyo
Japan Farmers Market in Tokyo by Joan
Ramen By Shoe
Rameniac
In Praise of Izakaya
Onsen Addict

CHUBU TRIBE

(Central Japan: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi)

Passport, Tickets and a Suitcase by Hiedi in Shizuoka City
Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonbayashi in Shizuoka City!
Damonde Life by Matt Ryan in Hamamatsu & Enshu, shizuoka Prefecture
Mangantayon in Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka Gourmet, Shizuoka Sake, Shizuoka Sushi, Shizuoka Shochu in Shizuoka Prefecture
Bryan Baird’s Beer & Brewery in Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture
A Modern Girl from Niigata and all over Japan!

KANSAI TRIBE
(Western Japan: Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Kyoto, Wakayama)
Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
Yellin Yakimono Gallery by Robert Yellin in Shizuoka Prefecture, just moved to Kyoto!
Colorfood Daidokoro in Osaka (English & French)
Nagaijin in Osaka
Kyoto Foodie in Kyoto
Our Adventures in Japan by K and S Minoo in Osaka
Japan Food Addict by Mai in Kyoto
Kyoto Food Page
Osaka/Kobe Food Page

CHUGOKU

(“Central Country”: Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi)

“Made in Matsue” in Shimane prefecture
San’in Monogatari by Buri Chan in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
Get Hiroshima Blog in Hiroshima
The Wide Island Review, The JET Programme Webzine Of Hiroshima Prefecture (includes food & drink articles)

SHIKOKU

(Shikoku Island: Kagawa, Kochi, Ehime, Tokushima)

Obachan’s Kitchen & Garden Balcony in Kochi Prefecture
Still Clumsy With Chopsticks in Kochi Prfecture (Continuation of Obachan’s Kitchen & Garden Balcony)
Rocking in Hakata by Deas Richardson

KYUSHU

(Kyushu Island: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima)

Finding Fukuoka
Food from Fukuoka, Kyushu and Japan by Fumiko Soda
Fukuoka Sake Guide by Daisuke Ito
Quixotidienne in Kagoshima Prefecture
Christine Molero in Kyushu & elsewhere
Alishan on the Move in Fukuoka

OKINAWA

(Okinawa Archipelago)

HWN Pake in Okinawa in Chatan, Okinawa
I’m sorry to say that Nate has just passed away and that his blog has disappeared, but I’ll keep it there as it is in his memory!
Dojo Bar in Naha
Eating Okinawa
Okinawa Hai!
Total Okinawa

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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!
-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

Food & Drinks Bloggers in japan Food & Drinks in Japan Gastronomes Gastronomy Japan Japanese Culture Japanese Gastronomy Japanese Restaurants Restaurants Tourism

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Mishima City, Recipes, Restaurants, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya: Hinayaoshi in Mishima City!

October 5, 2013 dragonlife 1 Comment

IZAKAYA RANKING: +3
Service: +3 Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: +3 Overall very clean. Beautiful washroom
Prices:+1=+2 Reasonable
Strong points: Sake, Shochu, Umeshu, local seafood, yakitori

See “Izakaya Ranking” system at bottom of article!

Chef Nobeteru Oota/太田のべてるさん opened Inayoshi 12 years ago in Mishima City and moved it to its present location 6 ears ago 7 minutes walk from Mishima JR Station south exit.

Even after 6 years of constant cooking and serving the place is spotless clean!
When you realize he has only his wife and sometimes his mother-in-law to help, Nobeteru must be extremely busy morning to night ordering, buying and taking back home the day’s fish, vegetables and what else!

With an incredible ist of 50 sake including about 25 from Shizuoka Prefecture, an unending list of shochu (even some featuring Shizuoka!), awamori and umeshu, this must be the place to go drinking in the east of the Prefecture,
You will soon understand how the place is so deservedly popular as it is full by 6:30 pm! Make sure to reserve beforehand!

The sashimi is simply first-class and would be impossible to pay in Tokyo as the fish comes directly from the major fishing harbors of Numazu City, Shimoda City in Izu Peninsula! The plate above even includes rare Shizuoka Botan ebi/large sweet prawn and Tobiuo/flying fish from Shimoda! Moreve,r Nobeteru makes a point, even when the place is full, to introduce each fish and its origin to each customer!

This time we sampled only tsukune/chicken balls and shiri/chicken tail, but you must come again just for the yakitori!
Actually it would be hard to try everything the first visit so be warned!

The raw fish is extraordinary and the cooked fish sublime such as the “negima” above with tuna and amberjack served with yuzu koshio and grated daikon and ginger!

If you like tofu you must ask for agedashi dofu, a must-try japanaese delicacy!

The soup is just perfect! No wonder that in these times of economical crisis the establishment is full with local regulars!

Seafood and vegetables steamed in Seikyou Miso! The wife will first open it for you, eventually let you take a photograph and mix it for you!

This was our first visit, but since it is so worth spending on a train ticket expect more articles soon!

HINAYOSHI Sakakura
411-0036 Mishima City, Ichi Bansho, 3-22
Tel.: 055-991-7171
Opening hours: 17:30^23:00
Closed on Sundays
Reservations a must!
Credit Cards OK
Parties for 4 to 18 guests welcome!
Full courses from 3,500 yen
Menu a la carte available and immense drink list!

IZAKAYA RANKING SYSTEM
IZAKAYA RANKING:
+1 ought to be visited at least once
+2 could be become a regular visit
+3 must visit!

Service:
+1 standard
+2 pleasant
+3 very good

Equipment & Facilities:
+1 standard
+2 excellent
+3 Superb

Prices:
+1 cheap
+2 slightly expensive but good value
+3 expensive but good value

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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!
-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

Agriculture Gastronomes Gastronomy Izakaya Japan Japanese Culture Japanese Gastronomy Japanese Restaurants Mishima City Restaurants sashimi seafood Shizuoka Tourism Yakitori

Cakes, 美食, Donuts, 観光, Food, Food Humor, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Humor, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Junk Food, Mr. Donut, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Junk Food: Halloween Donuts by Mr. Donuts in Numazu City!

October 4, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

There might more ways to frighten you on Halloween but this is one surely bound to make you think twice about what you are going to eat for Halloween! More of a trick than of a treat!

I found it in the same small department store I visited yesterday in Numazu City!

Great Japanese marketing! They entice collectors to buy the limited edition box with the Kitty character for a whopping 10 US $!
No need to mention what you will have to pay to your dentist later or even worse to the doctor treating your diabetes!
Oh, well, I must admit they are pretty!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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!
-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

Donuts Food humor Gastronomes Gastronomy Halloween Humor Japan Japanese Culture Japanese Gastronomy Junk Food Mr. Donuts Shizuoka Tourism

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