Category Archives: 酒

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shochu, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Bar: Sachiho in Shizuoka City!

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Some famous Shizuoka Sake!

Service: Very friendly and informal
Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Shizuoka Sake of course!

At long last a bar that offers a wide range of Shizuoka sakes as a theme was opened last December in Shizuoka City!
And it is entirely non-smoking!

Mind you, since it opens at 5 pm, it is not always easy to take pictures outside or inside if you do not want to bother people with a flash!

It is conveniently tucked away in Takajo, Aoi Ku, a very busy place at night.
It also has the merit to be patronized both by ladies and gentlemen, mostly real Japanese and Shizuoka sake connoisseurs!

Ms. Sachiho Nagasawa/長沢佐線帆さん has shochu with her own label!

Plenty of sake on display but I know for a fact there are some hidden (better become a regular customer! LOL)!

There are only 7 seats at the counter.
No risk of a noisy crowd, although it might be a good idea to reserve!

The system is pretty simple:
Between 05:00 and 10:00 you must choose between the menus at 1,500 yen or 2,500 yen, all home-style food.
After 10:00 only drinks is ok!

A nice message on your paper napkin!

Now I like that! The sake is served in wine glasses for proper tasting!
Do confer with Sachiho San before choosing your sake!

All typical local homey food!
Shizuoka oden!

Salad.
Sorry for the fuzzy pictures.
It was my first visit and my “camera” did not agree with me!
In any case I will come again soon and I promise better pics!

Simmered sardine.

Stewed chicken and vegetables.

Savory salad.

Japanese pickles.

Don’t worry, I’ll be back there very soon!
I’m actually thinking of conducting some real tasting late at night there!

To be continued…

Sachiho Japanese Sake Bar
420-0389 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-49
Tel.: 054-255-6767
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays & Mondays

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India
Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

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

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Tokubetsu Junmai-Oni Otome Yume

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She looks cute, doesn’t she?
Actually, you should beware…
Oomuraya Brewery in Shimada City is celebrated for its brand “Oni koroshi/Kill a Goblin”, meaning that the sake is so good it would overwhelm a Japanese ogre.
Now, the brewery has come up with a dangerous “partner”, “Oni Otome”/ “The Goblin’s Sweetheart” and topped it with “Yume/Dream”! Brrrr….

Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Dryness: + 2
Acidity: 1.3
Amino acids: 1.2
Bottled in February 2012

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Assertive, fruity, sweetish and flowery.
Pineapple, vanilla, oranges.
Body: Fluid, slightly liquorish
Taste: A little dry attack backed up by junmai petillant.
Fruity and complex. Elegant. Pineapple, oranges, faint dark chocolate.
Lingers for a while warming up the palate.
Ending on a softer dry note with almonds and cherries.
Turns on a lighter note with food along an accent on oranges.

Overall: A sake probably best enjoyed on its own or as an aperitif.
Light and easy to drink.
Tends to a back seat with food.
A sake which should please the younger generation and ladies in particular.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India
Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

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

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Risshun Asa Shiborit Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu

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Another long name for an annual limited nectar by Oomuraya brewery in Shimada City!

Now, what does “Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Risshun Asa Shiboritate Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu” stand for?
“Wakatake” is the name of Oomuraya Brewery’s main brand name.
“Haru Asa Shibori” means this sake had just been pressed on a Spring morning.
“Junmai Ginjo” is a premium level for a sake to which no alcohol was added.
“Nama” means it was not pasteurized.
“Genshu” means that no water was added.
A sake as it came out of the pressing!

The paper envelope attached to the neck contains a five yen coin for good luck!

Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 17~18 degrees
Bottled in December 2011

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Puissant. Flowery. Fruity, banana, Macadamia nuts, vanilla. Pleasant alcohol
Body: Fluid
Taste: Strong attack backed up by pleasant alcohol and junmai petillant.
Fruity and complex: banana, oranges, vanilla, pears.
Lingers for a while warming up the palate.
Disappears on a dry note with almonds and macadamia nuts.
Great balance between fruit and acidity.
Changes little and drinks well with any food.

Overall: A traditional limited brew typical of Oomuraya Brewery’s approach.
A very solid and strong sake, but nonetheless elegant in its superlative balance between fruit and acidity.
A sake perfect with izakaya gastronomy!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India
Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Chestnuts, 焼酎, 美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shizuoka Shochu Tasting: Chestnuts Shochu-Onozukara Mizukara by Fujinishiki Distillery

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Fujinishiki Brewery/Distillery in Fujinomiya City is remarkable for the fact they are the such establishment in Shizuoka Prefecture to own the largest number of licenses to produce sake, shochu and liqueurs!
Not only do they have the licenses but they are also very active in promoting the products of our Prefecture!
This time they have just created a shochu with their own sake lees/sake kasu and chestnuts grown in Kakegawa City!

Note the simple and cute chestnut design on the presentation box!

Chestnuts Shochu-Onozukara Mizukara by Fujinishiki Distillery

Made from distilled rice (sake lees) and chestnuts
Alcohol: 25 degrees

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Transparent
Aroma: Mild attack with a late alcohol surge. Fruity. Chestnuts, oranges, faint banana
Body: Light and fluid
Taste: Beautiful attack with plenty of chestnuts backed up by very pleasant alcohol.
Refreshing.
Faint oranges appear later on the palate.
First tasting conducted straight.
Blends well with water for a deep and smooth but light approach.
Very refreshing with ice or water or chilled carbonated water.

Overall: A discovery!
A very refreshing shochu that can be enjoyed all year round.
Best drunk very slowly on its own over ice.
Great as a long drink, too!
Very elegant and distinctly fruity.
Could definitely used in desserts and ice creams!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Cheese, 美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Cheese, Wine and Sake Feast at the 2nd Mt. Fuji Network Forum in Shizuoka City!

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After having reported on the lunch boxes served at the 2nd Mt. Fuji Network Forum held in Granship in Shizuoka City I came back in the evening as the same doctors were enjoying a feast of cheese, wines and sake organized by Ms. Keiko Kubota of Gentil restaurant and her friends!

I wonder if the doctors realized they were sampling some of the finest and rarest sake in Japan made in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Ms. Keiko Kubota is the only Grand Chevalier de Taste Fromage in Japan!

Japanese wines brought by Nagashima Saketen Co.!

Mr. Denbei Kawamura, the Godfather of Shizuoka sake in great company!

The staff of the day, including some famous Shizuoka Gastronomes!

Almost ready…

I love blue cheese!

“Sakura”, elected the best cheese made in Japan, Tokachi, Hokkaido!

Charming bamboo cheese sticks!

Epoisses from my home, Bourgogne!

Fourme d’Ambert!

Italian cheese wrapped in Japanese cherry tree leaves!

Tempting, aren’t they?

Ms. Kubota serving some very lucky doctors!

About time I visit Gentil Restaurant!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Crustaceans, 甘エビ, 美食, 酒, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sashimi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, sushi, Tourism

Sushi: Kawahagi-Filefish Sashimi & Sushi at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City!

8 Comments

Service: Very friendly and always accommodating
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great use of local seafood. Will try hard to accommodate any requests!

Kawahagi, or Filefish or Leather jacket in the Land of Oz, must be one of the most underrated fish in the World!
Some people go as far as to say that penny for penny it is worth more than overpriced globefish/fugu!

As we sat at Sushi Ko, our favorite Sushi Restaurant in Shizuoka City we noticed “Kawahagi Tsukuri”/カワハギ造り/Filefish sashimi Plate written on the small board featuring the “specials” of the day!

The live filefish taken out of the tank by the chef!
The fish had been caught off Sagara in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Sushi Ko has a great list of local sake, but I had to order one from Masu Ichi Brewery in Shizuoka City as this might well be the last bottle as the brewery closed down following the untimely death of its owner/master brewer. An incredible loss for the Shizuoka Sake World!

Tuna Tartare as the snack for the first drink!

The filefish sashimi plate!

You roll the fine slices of filefish around some thin leeks before dipping it in its sauce!

The dip sauce!
It was made with the fresh raw liver of the filefish finely chopped and mixed with ponzu!
A true delicacy!

The chef had kept apart a little sashimi and liver for two more morsels!

A nigiri with chopped thin leeks under the fish topped with its liver!

A gunkan/”mother ship” with the sashimi topped with its liver and chopped thin leeks!

And the deep-fried jowls of the fish you eat with your fingers (that you lick later!) to cap it all!
Have I convinced you to look for that fish next time you see it on a market?

“Pon kara maguro”/deep-fried tuna cubes with grated daikon seasoned with chili pepper!

Of course the filefish was only the beginning of our dinner.
So for the record here we go including the above picture!

Maguro Zuke/Marinated lean part of tuna!

Hotate/Scallops!

Amaebi/Sweet shrimps!
(sorry for the fuzzy pic, as my mind was getting a bit fuzzy with all the sake!)

Geso karaage/Deep-fried squid tentacles!

The same, to eat with your fingers!

Ankimo/Frogfish liver or “Japanese foie gras”!

Anago to kyuri maki/Broiled Conger eel and cucumber roll!

Ika shiso to mentaiko maki/Squid, perilla leaf and cod roe pickled in chili pepper roll!

Shirako yaki/Baked cod sperm sacs!

Rainbow California Roll!

Containing: avocado, tamagoyaki/Japanese omelet, salmon, salmon roe, prawn, cucumber and akami/lean tuna! Seven of them of course!

Kanpyou maki, the roll for the vegetarians and vegans!
Kanpyou is made with the shavings of a gourd, first dried and then marinated in sweet sauce!

Asari miso shiru/Miso soup with cockles!

To be continued…

SUSHI KO
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho. 2-3-1 (Aoba Koen)
Tel.: 054-2512898
Business Hours： 17:00~25:00. 17:00~23:00 （Sundays）
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London
Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Bars, Charity Event, Cocktail, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Rainbow Charity Cocktail Rally 2012 in Shizuoka City March 11th~April 11th!

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The BCS/Bartender’s Club Shizuoka will organize a Cocktail Rally from March 11th to April 11th to raise some money for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami which devastated the north east of Japan last year on March 11th!

The method is very simple:
Tickets for 3,500 yen are on sale at the 7 different bars of the Association or on the telephone or through friends. Check the bars information at the end of this posting!

The ticket includes a map for better orienteering!
Keep it with you at all times!

The ticket includes 7 coupons, one for each bar.
Each coupon can be used only once at the bar indicated on it.
It will entitle you to one original cocktail.
Note that the bars also charge a 500 yen cover charge. At about 1,000 yen for the first drink, it a great bargain!
500 yen for each whole ticket will go to charity!
No better way to get acquainted with the best cocktail bars in Shizuoka City!

Bartender’s Club Shizuoka, the 7 Samurais!

JUILLET
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-10-8
Tel.: 054-273-5755
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Wednesdays

BAR BOTANICAL
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae Cho, 1-6-13, Shade Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-221-8686
Opening hours: 18:00~02:00
Closed on Mondays

BAR ALCHEMIST
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 22-1
Tel.: 054-251-7356
Opening hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays and National Holidays

BAR LE REFUGE
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 9-15, Liberte Hirano Bldg, 1F-B
Tel.: 054-221-0339
Opening hours: 18:00~02:00
Closed on Sundays

BAR NO’AGE
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 8-6, ACT7 Bldg., 2f
Tel.: 054-253-6615
Opening hours: 17:00~01:00 (16:00~24:00 on Sundays)
Closed on Tuesdays

BAR-CODE
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 1-2-1, Friend Kuki Bldg., 1F
Tel.: 054-221-1999
Opening hours: 18:00~03:00 (18:00~05:00 on Fridays & Saturdays)
Closed on Sundays

BAR SHAMROCK
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken-Cho, 8-6, ACT7 Bldg., 1F
tel.: 054-252-1600
Opening hours: 18:00~03:00

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japanese Gastronomy, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Izakaya Gastronomy: Dinner at Waga (2012) in Shizuoka City!

5 Comments

Succulent plate of sashimi!

Service: Very friendly and easy-going! Slow food!
Facilities: Very clean overall. Large and clean washroom.
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Great list of sake and shochu. Typical izakaya gastronomy with a personal touch!

It is not easy to socialize equally with all the good restaurants and izakayas in Shizuoka and arrangements have to be done sometimes! LOL
Anyway, to cut a long story short I managed to persuade the Missus to pay our first visit of the year to Waga, one of our favorite izakayas in Shizuoka City!

Waga is a great place, totally unpretentious, and laughing faces serving you efficiently without a fuss and with plenty of interesting explanations!

The snacks served with the first drink set the tone right away: Fried salmon in sweet and sour sauce!

Always check the specialties of the day!
If you cannot read the menu, no worries as the young staff is recruited in local universities who should manage some English!

The sashimi is top class at Waga and at a reasonable price! This is not Tokyo!
Madai/Seabream in front, Maguro akami/lean tuna, Kanpachi/Greater amberjack and Salmon!

We always order the daikon katsu at Waga!

Waga-style sauteed beansprouts in sesame oil!

You must sample Waga’s (large ) prawns fried in hot sweet and sour sauce!

They come also with great comfort dishes in winter!

Soba with plenty of vegetables and soft pork!

not only so delicious but so comforting and body-warming!

To be continued…

WAGA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, takajyo, 2-1-20, Kuroyanagi Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-271-7121
Business hours: 17:30~23:30, 17:30~26:00 (on Fridays, Saturdays and National Holidays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Izakaya: Dinner at Uzu In Shizuoka City! (Winter 2012)

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Kan sawara/寒鰆/Winter Spanish Mackerel Sashimi!

Service: Excellent and very friendly. Very Japanese atmosphere.
Facilities: Excellent washroom facilities. Great cleanliness overall
Prices: reasonable.
Strong Points: Great sake from Shizuoka and Japan Great Shochu. Home-made umeshu. Mainly local products, especially organic vegetables.

Izakaya are the best places to visit in Japan if you wish to know and taste local food and products.
Naturally they come at different prices and levels, but here in Shizuoka it is a true embarrassment of choices!
We are lucky to have recently moved near arguably the best izakaya in Shizuoka Prefecture, Uzu, so it is only a question of visiting it regularly for a dinner of Shizuoka (and elsewhere) specialties!

It is located away from the busy center of town and not easy to find, although really famous!
The day’s specialties are always announced in calligraphy outside!

Some of the great sakes waiting for you inside!

Uzu!

A beautiful noren/暖簾/entrance curtain!

The snack coming with the first drink!
For once we sat at the counter in front of the kitchen!

While the Missus had her wine I ordered a 5-sake sampling set! You can choose your sakes when ordering such a set!

Most of the earthenware used for serving are locally made!

likewise for individual plates and bowls!

The sashimi is always superlative in Uzu.
So what did we order?

Kan sawara/寒鰆/Winter Spanish Mackerel Sashimi!
This is a difficult fish to find in Shizuoka Prefecture and Uzu serves one a year. We were surely lucky!

For a closer look!
It was served slightly seared for more savors!

Rainbow Trout from Kunugi Rainbow Trout Farm in Fujinomiya City!

For a closer look!
So tender and served with grated wasabi from Umegashima, up the Abe River in Shizuoka City!

After the sashimi it was time to sample some meat!
Mangenton pork cutlets with plenty of chopped leeks!

The pork from Sanoman Co in Fujinomiya City is served as deep-fried cutlets!
I know a lot of friends abroad who would jump in the sea for that!

Uzu always serves extraordinary local organic vegetables: Giant burdock (oura gobo) roots chips salad!

This burdock comes from Matsuki Bio Farm in Fujinomiya City!

We followed this with a vegetable of the sea: Mozuku/水雲、海蘊 、藻付、海雲/an edible weed that comes by the name of Cladosiphon okamuranus

A very thick variety from Okinawa!!

We were still a bit hungry and opted to order the Giant Hokke!
Hokke/法華 goes by the unusual name of Arabesque Greenling and comes from Hokkaido! Ours was a truly enormous sample!

Grilled to perfection, it is savored with grated daikon, soy asuce and lime!
It certainly needed the two of us to finish it!

To be continued…

UZU
Shizuoka City, Otowa-cho, 3-18
Tel.: 054-249-6262
Business hours: 17:00=23:00
Closed on Mondays and first Tuesday
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 酒, 陶器, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Pottery, sake, Tourism

Gastronome Dragons (3): Sires Robert and John

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Komagata Shinto Shrine, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, japan!

Dragons are not evil creatures.

You may find some specimens akin to the fallen angels exposed in civilizations which misunderstood their true character and talents, but true dragons have the happiness of mankind in their hearts and ceaselessly contribute to its nurturing whenever they can or are allowed to as shown in this story.

As far as their gender is concerned some are attracted by their opposites while others feel content among similar denizens of their worlds. But plenty are satisfied enough with their own lot and do not feel the obligation to entertain intimate relations with their own kin.

Dragons by essence are long lived creatures with an unequalled wealth of knowledge and experience, which explains why they are so keen on their hedonisitic pleasures.
A true dragon will not bother amass and sleep over riches like some of their poor misled copies in faraway lands.
It, she or he will be constantly in search of new pleasures to share with like-minded souls for the betterment of this sometimes sad World of our own.

This particular dragon is taking this opportunity, while writing in this grimoire in a lair hidden under an extinct volcano in an island famed for its morning sun, to introduce other dragons working hard for the expansion of gastronomic pleasure thanks to the humans who finally started to grasp the art of communicating through the magic of instant scrolls!

SIRE ROBERT

Sire Robert’s Fine Japanese Pottery Shop in Kyoto!

Sire Robert whose ancestors flew from a country ravaged by conflicts to the Land of Promise swam across the oceans to establish himself in this island where he first resided in a lair hidden at the foot of an extinct volcano but established a shoppe to sell and make known the insular great pottery and the artists creating it.
To improve on an already great fame he recently moved to the most venerated city in this island for the pleasure of his customers be they from this island or the whole world thanks to the use of incomparable scroll sending magic!
Do visit his magic grimoire and shoppe where you will find every pottery to grace your home and gastronomic table!

SIRE JOHN

The Magician himself!

Sire John was born in the Land of Promise and flew over the oceans undetected to this island revered for its rising sun quite some time ago.
After observing the denizens of this country he felt enamored with their national drink: Sake (All self-respecting dragons indulge themselves in fine nectars!)!
He then embarked on a mission to make this incredible nectar known to the whole World.. Not does he help people to acquire and savor the beautiful spirit but also offers tours, free magic scrolls, and incredible information on its secrets!
An unassuming Dragon, he has nonetheless achived world fame and happily lives under the alias of World sake Master!
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RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Negami Brewery-Kinmei Shiboritate Junmai Genshu

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Negami Brewery has the particularity to be situated at a height of 550 meters on the slopes of Mount Fuji!
This means the water used for brewing their sake gushes out of the very mountain!

I love the traditional Japanese design!
The crane and turtle/tortoise in Japan are symbols of good luck!

Rice milled down to 55% (extravagant!)
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees
Bottled in December 2011

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Strong, sweetish and fruity. Elegant. Oranges and nuts
Body: fluid
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed up with soft junmai petillant and pleasant alcohol.
Complex. Oranges tend to dominate with some nuts and dark cherries.
Disappears fairly quickly on a drier note.
Varies little with food, although make a short turn to sweetness but will turn back again very swiftly to a drier note once away from food backed up with more oranges and dark cherries.

Overall: A very pleasant sake, if a bit strong, to enjoy on its own or with any food.
Despite its extravagant millage (55% for a junmai!) it is a sake most suited for food thanks to its high alcohol contest!
A sure value at any time!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, Dragons, 酒, 観光, 農業, Fantasy, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Tourism

Gastronome Dragons (2): Dame Nami and Sire Argentum Vulgaris

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Komagata Shinto Shrine, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, japan!

Dragons are not evil creatures.

You may find some specimens akin to the fallen angels exposed in civilizations which misunderstood their true character and talents, but true dragons have the happiness of mankind in their hearts and ceaselessly contribute to its nurturing whenever they can or are allowed to as shown in this story.

As far as their gender is concerned some are attracted by their opposites while others feel content among similar denizens of their worlds. But plenty are satisfied enough with their own lot and do not feel the obligation to entertain intimate relations with their own kin.

Dragons by essence are long lived creatures with an unequalled wealth of knowledge and experience, which explains why they are so keen on their hedonisitic pleasures.
A true dragon will not bother amass and sleep over riches like some of their poor misled copies in faraway lands.
It, she or he will be constantly in search of new pleasures to share with like-minded souls for the betterment of this sometimes sad World of our own.

This particular dragon is taking this opportunity, while writing in this grimoire in a lair hidden under an extinct volcano in an island famed for its morning sun, to introduce other dragons working hard for the expansion of gastronomic pleasure thanks to the humans who finally started to grasp the art of communicating through the magic of instant scrolls!

DAME NAMI

Mom’s Shrimp Ball

Dame Nami originates from the same Island as this Dragon but she swam across (instead of flying over) vast expanses of ocean to reach the Land of Promise where she presently resides with her soul mate.
A very shy Dragon she has taken upon hereself to impart her knowledge of the gastronomy of her birthplace and adoptive land.
Her shyness is only a wise foil and she imparts an untold wealth of secrets to her apprentices tharough a clever use of modern magic allied to her inherent powers and those of her ancestors!

SIRE ARGENTUM VULGARIS

Witches Brew!

Argentum Vulgaris is a venerable Dragon (like this one?) who may not reveal his true name as he is an archivist.
Although his main interest tends to fall on Things That Fizz & Other Stuff, he scours the universe from the other side of this World in search of gastronomic knowledge to record it on his public grimoire accessible to all.
Having amassed an inimaginable hoard of treasure for all to share during his incessant voyages and meetings with creatures of all genres and births he is nonetheless quick to belch fire on anything ot anybody he does not deem fit to appear in front of him.
A Dragon to treat with care and respect but quite endearing in this Dragon’s eyes!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, Dragons, 酒, 観光, 農業, Fantasy, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Tourism

Gastronome Dragons (1): Dame Sissi and Sire Charles!

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Shuzenji, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka, Japan.

Dragons are not evil creatures.

You may find some specimens akin to the fallen angels exposed in civilizations which misunderstood their true character and talents, but true dragons have the happiness of mankind in their hearts and ceaselessly contribute to its nurturing whenever they can or are allowed to as shown in this story.

As far as their gender is concerned some are attracted by their opposites while others feel content among similar denizens of their worlds. But plenty are satisfied enough with their own lot and do not feel the obligation to entertain intimate relations with their own kin.

Dragons by essence are long lived creatures with an unequalled wealth of knowledge and experience, which explains why they are so keen on their hedonisitic pleasures.
A true dragon will not bother amass and sleep over riches like some of their poor misled copies in faraway lands.
It, she or he will be constantly in search of new pleasures to share with like-minded souls for the betterment of this sometimes sad World of our own.

This particular dragon is taking this opportunity, while writing in this grimoire in a lair hidden under an extinct volcano in an island famed for its morning sun, to introduce other dragons working hard for the expansion of gastronomic pleasure thanks to the humans who finally started to grasp the art of communicating through the magic of instant scrolls!

DRAGON SISSI

Brittany Pucks, or Palets bretons

This Dame Dragon, apparently always holding a glass in her talons, seems to show a great predilection for strong nectars!
Her lair lies in a land surrounded by many mountains under a thick blanket of snow in winter and many green pasturages in summer.
She is a very inquisitive creature who never tires of exploring the food and drinks of faraway regions that she reproduces with profound magic for the joy and pleasure of many friends over lands and oceans!
If you wish to make her acquaintance be prepared for a lot of questions and comments on your magical grimoire!

DRAGON CHARLES

Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns)

Dragon Charles used to hide in a faraway island populated with proud people before he flew over the sea to land near a splendid Castle and Gardens in a nation famed for its long and rich gastronomy.
Living beside such an opulent monument does not prevent him to research great food for a small price so as to help less affluent humans.
Actually Sire Charles has a dream: to be able one day to show his art on a giant scroll floating in the sky for all to see and emulate!
I forgot to mention that Charles has a very long sweet tooth (fang!)!

To be continued in the next scroll…

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Five Euro Food by Charles
With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 酒, 観光, Gastronomy, Hamamatsu City, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hana No Mai Brewery-Homare Fuji Junmai-Designating Mt. Fuji as a World Cultural Heritage Site

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This must have been the longest title for introducing a sake made in Shizuoka Prefecture!
There are plenty of reasons for that! LOL

Hana No Mai Brewery in Hamamatsu City made a point to tell everyone this is a true local sake as the rice is Homare Fuji sake rice grown only in Shizuoka Prefecture and as the water and yeast are also all from our Prefecture!

The Homare Fuji Sake Rice label was originally designed in the shape of Mount Fuji by a University student!
Hana no Mai Brewery is also advertizing the fact that Japan has applied for recognition of Mount Fuji as a World Heritage Site, both in English and Japanese!
Incidentally, February 23rd has been designated at Mount Fuji Day!

Rice: Homare Fuji 100%
Rice milled down to: 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled on October 12th, 2011

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Very faint golden hue
Aroma: Light and fruity. Vanilla, macadamia nuts, dark chocolate
Body: Fluid
Taste: Fruity attack backed by strong junmai petillant and pleasant alcohol.
Well-rounded, soft and straightforward.
Slightly liquorish.
Varies little with food except for turning a little drier.
Junmai petillant makes a strong comeback with oranges and coffee beans after food.

Overall: A sake obviously designed for food.
Typical of Hana no Mai Brewery in that it will please young people and ladies.
No wonder it is a popular sake in local izakayas patronized by young people!
A sake to be appreciated chilled, at room temperature or lukewarm/nurukan!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Five Euro Food by Charles
With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Tourism

Shizuoka sake Tasting: The Last Bottle? Yoshiya Brewery-Chuumasa Daiginjo

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Almost two years ago the owner of Yoshiya Brewery in Shizuoka City invoked the retirement of his Brewmaster, Mr. Haruki Nakajima from the Nanbu School in Iwate Prefecture, as a reason to stop production and sell his license to the new Brewery in town called Suruga Brewery. The truth is that his wife had wanted him to leave the trade for a long time and develop their big property into a large apartment building.. (How do I know that? She told me in person during an interview!)
The whole 250 years old brewery has disappeared from the surface of the earth to leave way to ugly development, but fortunately Suruga Brewery not only bought all the sake created by Masterbrewer Haruki Nakajima with the license but also continued using the brand names of Chuumasa, Abekaidou and Onigoroshi!

Suruga Brewery bottled this Chuumasa sake created by Brewmaster Haruki Nakajima in 2007 in November 2011!
Unfortunately I already know that it has been practically sold out…

Rice: Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture
Rice milled down to 40%
Brewmaster: Haruki Nakajima (Nanbu School)
Dryness: + 5
Acidity: 1.3
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees
Brewed in 2007
Bottled in November 2011

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Very faint golden hue
Aroma: Fruity and elegant. Pears, oranges.
Body: Fluid
Taste: Fruity and liquorish.
Complex with pleasant alcohol attack (practically a genshu).
Oranges, almonds, pears, dark chocolate and coffee beans
Elegant and softer than expected in spite of its high alcohol content.
Quickly disappears.
Gets drier with food with a big kick from the alcohol.
Tends to make a sweet comeback with more oranges away from food.
Surprisingly marries well with any food.

Overall: Very elegant sake.
Complex and ever pleasant.
A rarity in the sense that it is a daiginjo that ladies should find to their liking for its soft approach in spite of the high alcohol content.
Unfortunately a sake masterpiece that will live in the past…

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
Clumsyfingers by Xethia
Adventures in Bento Making, American Bento, Beanbento, Bento No1, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box, My Bento Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat; Bento Lunch Blog (German); Adventures In Bento; Anna The Red’s Bento Factory; Cooking Cute; Timeless Gourmet; Bento Bug; Ideal Meal; Bentosaurus; Mr. Foodie (London/UK); 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: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery