Category Archives: 酒

Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Hamamatsu City, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mein Schloss Brewery-WEIZEN

January 26, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Mein Schloss Brewery in Hamamatsu City brews 4 regular beers and a few seasonal draughts.
They can be drunk only on site as the brewery does not sell any in bottles!

Product name: WEIZEN
Alcohol: 5.5%
Live yeast
Color: whitish golden, smoky
Longish head
Fine bubbles
Aroma: Discreet. Citruses

Tasting: Refreshing. Dry fruity attack. Lemon, citruses
Bayern-style beer.
Varies little with food but for a drier turn.
Very easy to drink.

Overall: Another thirst-quenching beer with more character than usual.

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

430-8691 Hamamatsu City, Naka ku, Chuo, 3-8-1
Tel.: 053-452-1146
Opening hours: Tuesdays~Fridays, 11:00~14:30, 17:00~23:00
Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, 11:00~23:00
Closed on Mondays
Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Car park available
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, 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: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Hamamatsu City, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mein Schloss Brewery-ALT

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mein Schloss Brewery in Hamamatsu City brews 4 regular beers and a few seasonal draughts.
They can be drunk only on site as the brewery does not sell any in bottles!

Product name: ALT
Alcohol: 5.5%
Live yeast
Color: Dark orange
Shortish head
Fine bubbles
Aroma: Discreet. Bread

Tasting: Refreshing. Deepish. Bread, dry citruses. Welcome acidity.
Dusseldorf-style beer.
Varies little with food.
Very easy to drink.

Overall: A thirst-quenching beer with more character than usual.

MEIN SCHLOSS BREWERY & RESTAURANT

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Bryan Baird Newsletter (2014/01/23): Seasonal Release: The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale

January 23, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

Seasonal Release: The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

We are pleased, for the twelfth consecutive year, to announce the release of a now iconic Baird Beer winter seasonal: Carpenter’s Mikan Ale.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Release:
*Carpenter’s Mikan Ale (ABV 6%):

The mikans used in this brew are fresh, succulent, and local — harvested on the Heda land and by the hand of our carpenter friend, Nagakura-san. The Baird brewers hand-process the harvested mikans, shaving off the outer skin of the peel and pressing the juice. Both peel shavings and juice are added to the brew during wort production and before fermentation. The mikans serve to add depth and complexity to an already sumptuous ale; their role is to complement, not dominate.

Once again the character of this year’s version is marked most notably by the succulent aroma and piquant flavor of sweet-tart mikans and their wonderfully symbiotic interaction with our selected hop varieties (Summit, Citra, Centennial, Cascade).

The Carpenter’s Mikan Ale is available for immediate release in both kegs and bottles (360 ml). It begins pouring at our Baird Taproom pubs tonight (Thursday, January 23). If you visit our Fishmarket Taproom in the coming days, you likely will find the Carpenter perched on his counter stool sipping his namesake ale. Be sure to say ‘hello’ and ‘thank you.’

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Hansharo 75 Weissen at AOI BEER STAND in Shziuoka City!

January 22, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Yesterday I noticed a new addition on the craft beer menu served at AOI BEER STANd’s FFACEBOOK!
I immmediately visited the establishment before the brew disappeared from the menu!

The second one on the board: Hansharo Beer (Izu Peninsula), 75 Wissen/反射炉ビール（伊豆）７５ヴァイツェン!
Hansharo Beers are brewed by Kuraya Narusawa Brewery in Izu no Kuni City in Northern Izu Peninsula (see below for details)!
AOI BEER STAND does often serve craft beers from guest breweries in Shizuoka Prefev\cture, therefore check their menu on facebook regularly!

Hansharo 75 Weissen
Kuraya Narusawa Brewery
Alcohol: 5%
Clarity: Comparatively clean
Color: Light orange
Fairly long head
Fine bubbles
Aroma: Assertive, complex. Bread, citruses
Taste: Refreshing dry attack.
Oranges, bread.
Stays deep all the time and lingers long enough in the back of the palate.
Takes a drier turn with the next sip before mellowing again on the palate

Overall: Deep, solid, reliable and refreshing. A lot of chaaracter
Very steady beer!

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

KURAYA-NARUSAWA

Located near Nagaoka Station, Izu no Kuni City, north of Izu Peninsula, it is also famous for looking after an important cultural asset, Hansharo, which has become the name of their 4 regular beers!
Izu no Kuni City, Naka, 272-1
伊豆の国市中272-1
Tel.: 055-949-1208
Opening hours (restaurant and souvenir shop): Monday~Thursday: 11:00~15:00, Friday: 11:00~22:00, Saturday, sunday, National holidays: 10:00~22:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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AOI BEER STAND: News of Forthcoming Brewery in Shizuoka City-Aoi Beer Brewery!

January 20, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Easy-going and friendly
Facilities: Very clean overall. Beautiful washroom inside Den Bulding.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Craft beers only!

Things are starting to move fast in Shizuoka City with Aoi Beer Brewery planned to start producing craft beer in early summer!

I ordered the Kurofune Porte by Baird Beer in Numazu City!

I paid a visit to Aoi Beer Stand in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, yesterday hoping to meet Naoki mando/萬藤直樹さん to have a chat about the progress of his new venture, namely Aoi Beer Brewery.
Unfortunately he was still away on a research trip but the present staff was more than helpful!

Kurofune Porter
Alcohol: 6%
Long head
Fine bubbles.
Color: dark brown
Very clean

Aroma: Bread, caramel
Taste: Refreshing attack. Deep and dry. Caramel, bread.
Varies little with food but for a sweeter turn

I can’t wait to dink Aoi Beers in such a glass!

Naoki Mando is not only creating history by starting the first craft beer brewery in Shizuoka City and central Shizuoka Prefecture, he is also contributing to the devlopment of the local economy by building his brewery on the very site of Yasumoto sake and soy sauce Shop, which used to produce soy sauce on the same premises for 151 years until 1962 (the shop since had been stocking rice, soy sauce, sake and others in their warehouse).

In Spring 2013, Naoki struck an agreement with its owner, Mr. Masatoshi Yasumoto/安本正俊さん to reform the warehouse, located near Sengen Shrine in Miyazaki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.
Actually Mr. Yasumoto had thought until then to eventually pull down the whole warehouse and transform it into a car park, but Naoki convinced him that the building was ound enough to be preserved and transformed into a craft beer brewery!
The outside facade will be preserved as such and only the inside will be reformed!
In Naoki’s words:”Beer is best enjoyed in its birthplace and if there is a supplementary story to the brewery and its buildings, so much for the better!”
For the moment Naoki is thinking of producing 6 types of craft beers including Pale Ale, Weissen, one very local with Shizuoka oranges and the like.

There is a new item on the menu these days!

“Very simple takoyaki”!

Simple maybe, but perfect with craft beer!

I had another craft beer before taking my leave:
North Island Brown Ale (Hokkaido)
Kurofune Porter
Alcohol: 5%
Long head
Fine bubbles.
Color: dark orange
Very clean, slightly smoky

Aroma: Oranges
Taste: Deep, refreshing,. Apricots, loquats
Lingers for a while with very dry citruses appearing later

Look forward to the next report!

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 観光, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Tottori Prefecture, Tourism

Japanese Craft Beer Labels: GeGeGe no Kitarō by Kumezakura Brewery in Tottori Prefecture!

January 19, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

I usually do not write about craft beers in other prefectures as I would have to start a new blog!
Actually, if there is a site I could recommend you, do visit Japan Beer Times who not only have a homepage/blog but also publish a bi-lingual magazine!

I was offered this bottle of craft beer by a good friend of mine who is a fan of beer when he come back from a trip to Tottori Prefecture!

GeGeGe no Kitarō (ゲゲゲの鬼太郎?) is a manga series created in 1959 by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. It is best known for its popularization of the folklore creatures known as yōkai, a class of spirit-monster to which all of the main characters belong. It has been adapted for the screen several times, as anime, live action and video games. A new anime series has been made every decade since 1968.

For more information have a look at GeGeGe no Kitarō for the English version!

But for a better view of the characters have a look at the Toei Films Presentation!

The craft beer itself is a stout at 5.5 degrees of alcohol that I will enjoy tonight!

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, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka Sake, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake tasting: Kumpai Brewery-Junmai Nama Genshu Fukuro Tsuri Shibori

January 19, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Kumpai might be the smallest brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture but they certainly produce some supreme nectars!

Incidentally the Ichikawa family produces their own labels!
You can see that 2014 is the Year of the Horse!

The s\name of this sake makes for another long reading:
Junmai: No alcohol added
Nama: unpasteurized
genshu: no water aded
Fukuro Tsuri Shibori: the sake was poured inside cloth sacks hung over a tank to let the sake flow out naturally

Rice: Hyakumangoku
Rice milled down to 55%
Dryness: 0
Alcohol: 18 degrees
Bottled in Decmeber 2013

Clarity: Very clean and smoky (white lees)
Color: Golden hue
Aroma: Assertive. Dry. Fruity
Hints of French Pernod, thick nashi pears
Body: Fluid
Taste: Strong attack backed with puissant junmai petillant.
Alcohol softer tan expected.
Strong bubbly feeling.
Soft and complex: liquorice, pears, nashi.
Very easy to drink in spite of its nama and genshu status.
Changes little with food but for a sweeter turn.

Overall: A thoroughly enjoyable limited quantity sake that might be very difficult to obtain (I ordered it directly from the brewery!)!
Chilled, it makes for a superb aperitif.
Could easily replace a liqueur!
Should definitely please ladies in spite of its “rough” status!
If you must eat with it, do try it with blue cheese or chocolate!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Culture, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Bryan Baird Newsletter (2014/01/16): Seasonal Release: Shikoku Wit

January 16, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

~~Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin~~

Seasonal Release: Shikoku Wit

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Experimentation in brewing is one of the great joys, and perks, of being a craft brewer. Recently, it is the Belgian Witbier style that has captured my attention and become the focus of some of our experimental brewing. My keen interest in the style is an outgrowth of three facts: (1) our house Belgian ale yeast has a Witbier pedigree, (2) the key grain used to brew Witbier, raw wheat, we are able to source in Japan, and (3) I enjoy drinking the style.

Today we are pleased to release our most recent iteration on the Witbier style: Shikoku Wit.

Seasonal Baird Beer Release:
*Shikoku Wit (ABV 5%):

‘Wit’ means ‘white’ which characterizes the hazy milk-hued color of this wheat-brewed ale. 25% of our grist is raw wheat grown in Kagawa prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku. The proteins from the raw wheat interact with the unfiltered resident yeast to produce the milky white color. The wheat also contributes a wonderfully zesty and tangy flavor. Shikoku Wit is very lightly hopped, as Witbiers tend to be, just enough to promote a good flavor balance. Unlike most Witbiers of today, Shikoku Wit contains no spices or fruits. The bright fruity flavor is delivered as a courtesy byproduct of fermentation by our Belgian Witbier yeast.

Shikoku Wit is available for immediate release in both bottles (360 ml) and kegs. It begins pouring from all Baird Taproom taps tonight (Thursday, January 16).

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Sake, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Kansawagawa Brewery: Shosetsu Junmai Shiboritate Nama

January 16, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Winter is a great time to taste all those shiboritate/just pressed sake as they will also give you a good idea of what to expect from a brewery every year!

People usualy tend to have difficulties rememembering the difficult name of kansawagawa Brewery in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, but their brand name, Shosetsu, is famous all over Japan!

Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in December 2013

Clarity: very clear
Color: Very faint golden hue
Aroma: Assertive, fry and fruity
Taste: Well-rounded attack. Dry and fruity. Complex.
Apples, pears, apricots, macadamia nuts.
Discreet junmai petillant.
Disappears fairly quickly with late hints of macadamia nuts, almonds and oranges. Coffee beans appear later.
Comparatively elegant and easy to drink for a nama/unpasteurized sake.
Takes on a drier turn and more junmai petillant with food.
Elegantly marries with food.
Insistently calls for the next cup!

Overall: A very fine sake, subtler than expected for a nama.
Chilled, makes for a superb aperitif.
Beautifully drinks with any food, although thoroughly enjoyable on its own!
A sure value!

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, Drinks, 酒, 野菜, 金沢市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Kanazawa City, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, sake, Tourism

Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 4: Miyuki Honten Izakaya!

January 15, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly, informative and always ready for a great chat!
Equipment and facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Local gastronomy. Oden. Great sake and drinks list. Great use of local products. Long history and faithful local clientele.

Miyuki Honten is a true Kanazawa City izakaya with a small entrance easy to miss!
The reason is simple enough: like many such establishments in this cold part of Japan, it is all in length with a narrow entrance to keep the cold out!

Even at 17:00 it is a busy place and you had better reserve in advance, not like us who were very lucky to find once again the best seats at the counter because we entered very early!

They certainly need a many staff with so much on the menus!
We were told they use 14 part-timers in shifts of threes to be added to the husband, wife and son team (and probably a hidden cook or two!)!

like all good izakayas you will have a good idea of the gastronomy served with all the appetizers lined up in front of the counter!
Mind you you can take a seat at a table or away from the crowd on a tatami!
But again like in any good izakayas conversation with the owners can be so great fun!

have a good look at the exhibited food before delving into the menu!

And you must try the local oden, an unending conversation topic!
The place was opened 46 years ago. The original owner is still alive and at 87 decided to open his own little karaoke bar for his personal fun and leave everything to the very capable second generation!

As for the many sake don’t hesitate to consult the owners or staff if you are tourists like us!

lightly cooked local na no hana/rape flowers as the appetizer with the first drink!
Already a good sign of the above-average quality!

Simmered cuttle fish!
They do serve excellent sashimi, but as a non Japanese their cooked seafood should be a delight if you are not keen on anything raw!

Great oden!
A local discovery: they serve shumai in oden in Kanazawa City!

Now, we parctically heard all the customers order the above steamed grated lotus root ball!
Delicious and very local in concept!

Home-made potato and vegetables salad!
Perfect with beer or sake!

One my favorites!
Cod milt tempura, another specialty of the house!

Home-made specialty that everyone ordered too: white satsuma age/deep-fried fish paste! A must!

Beef suji/tendons and tofu nikomi/stew!

Nanban-style deep-fried chicken!

Pity there was a limit on our stomachs and that we had to go home the next day!
I plan to come back to Kanazawa City again and Miyuki Honten is first on my list!
One of the very best izakayas in all Japan!

MIYUKI HONTEN
920-0981 Kanazawa City, Kata machi, 1-10-3 金沢市片町１丁目１０－３
Tel.: 076-222-6117
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Sundays and national Holidays
Cash only
Reservations recommended!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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Gastronomic Destinations: Kanazawa City 2: Itaru (Honten) Izakaya!

January 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Sashimi plate, all local fish!

Service: Friendly and very attentive
Facilities and equipment: Very clean overall. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable (considering the quality)
Strong points: Local fish, sashimi or cooked, crab and seafood, local vegetables. Great sake list!

In Kanazawa City winter means early and cold nights.
People tend to go earlier to their favorite haunts and it is always a good idea to reserve as good or popular establishments are full by 6:00 p.m.!

For our first night we chose to visit Itaru (Honten, there is another one)!
We came early enough and were lucky actually to get the best seat at the corner of the counter with a full view of the kitchen!

In such a cold part of Japan, entrances are deceptively narrow to keep the cold out, but once inside you usually find yourself with plenty of space!
But it is still cold for some and knee blankets are available!

Such a spot by the counter does not seem that popular there and we were really glad to grab it, which allowed us not only to watch the chefs at work but to share a chat with them!

Of course I ordered local sake!

In Kamazawa City, izakayas are proud of their heritage and always have plenty of local sake on their menu!
The above was Tengu no Mai!

O-shino/home-made pickles!
Kanazawa is also famous for its countryside providing a wealth of vegetables!

Local seafood for our sashimi plate:
Octopus, tuna, sweet shrimps, yellow tail and seaweed marinated seabream!
Interestingly enough the freshly grated wasabi is made with roots from Izu peninsula!

from another angle!

A local grilled fish: Nodokuro/Black throat!

Expensive, even in Kanazawa!

Another local specialty: Lotus root chawanmushi!

Another local sake. Sorry, I forgot to note down the name!

Another local specialty: hako crab sushi donburi!

And to finish pork and vegetable stew!

tasty, comforting and healthy!

ITARU (Hontenn)
Kanazawa City, Kakinokibatake, 3-8
Tel.: 076-221-4194
Opening hours: 17:30~23:00
Closed Sundays
Cash only
English menus available

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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Food & Drinks Bloggers in Japan (2014, January)

January 12, 2014 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)

Hokkaido Kudasai by Melinda
Meishu no Yutaka by Carlin
The Best of Sapporo by Ben!
Handshakes And Hellos

TOHOKU TRIBE
(Northeastern Japan: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima)
Cooking with Mama Miyuki in Sendai
A Picky Eater’s Guide To Sendai Grub

KANTO TRIBE

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

Japan-Australia
Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo
Life in the Land of the Rising Sun by Kate Minor in Saitama
Cooking in Japan
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
Watch Japan by Mike Kato in Tokyo.
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
Follow Rory
Food For Life by a Myanmar resident
Good and Bad Japan’s Blog
Hello Sandwich
Japan Newbie
Japanese Snack reviews

CHUBU TRIBE

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

Navigating Nagoya by Paige
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)

Heart of Japan (Hyogo Prefecture)
MANNIYOT by Manokan in Osaka
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!
English Bento Box
Dojo Bar in Naha
Eating Okinawa
Okinawa Hai!
Total Okinawa

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, 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: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Bloggers Bloggers in Japan Drink Bloggers in Japan Food Bloggers in Japan Gastronomes Gastronomy Japan Recipes Restaurants Tourism

Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Gotemba City, Japan, Japanese Beer, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Mori No Biru Brewery (Gotemba Koogen)-Winter Seasonal Oogon Fuji

January 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Mori No Biru which iathe brewery of Gotemba Koogen Beer Company owned by the Yonekyu Company in Gotemba City does produce some seasonal brews in the craftbeer fashion!

The company for all its big size is still new as it was founded in 19797!

The regular beers are not craftbeers but this one is!

Product name: Winter Winter Seasonal Oogon Fuji
Unfiltered
Ingredients: barley malt, hops, yeast, water from a well dug 50 meteres deep into Mount Fuji!
Volume: 400 ml
Alcohol: 5.5%

Clarity: Very clean and slightly smoky
Color: Light yellow orange
Aroma: Bread, oranges
Bubbles: Fine and light bubble
Longish head
Taste: Dry attack.
Deep and somewhat complex.
Bread with hints of citruses.
Refreshing and easy to drink.

Overall: Thirst-quenching but better than average such beers.
Satisfying. To be enjoyed with snacks!

Mori no Biru Brewery (Gotemba Koogen)
421-0046 Gotemba City, Hodosawaji, Sumiyakisawa, 1015-1
Tel 0550-89-7611
Gotemba Koogen Homepage

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, 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: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer Beer Breweries Crafstbeer brewery Craft Beer 美食酒静岡 Food Gastronomes Gastronomy Gotemba City Gotemba Koogen Gourmet Japan Japanese Beer Japanese Cuisine Japanese Gastronomy Microbreweries Mori no Biru Brewery Tourism World Cuisines

美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, Fujieda City, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Okabe, Photography, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka Sake, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-Goku Ginjo Hyogetsu

January 11, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

Hyogetsu is brand by Hatsukame Brwery in Okabe, Fujieda City, which have been known practically all over the world from the day its bottle recived the Best Bottle Design Award!

Even the case is a beauty!

Great stopper!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Preefcture9
Rice milled down to 50%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 3.0
Acidity: 1.35
Yeast: 1801 KA-1
Bottled in September 2012

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Elegant. Pears, nashi
Body: Fluid
Taste: Well-rounded attack backed by a discreet junmai petillant
Dry and fruity. Pears, bananas.
Lingers for a while with dry dark choclate, almonds.
very complex, almost mysterious.
Very satisfying and so easy to drink.
Changes little with food but for a drier turn with the appearance of very dry oranges.
Beautifully marries with food, especially light fare.
Tends to show new facets with next sip, with or away from food.

Overall: Best enjoyed slightly chilled and on its own although it combines so well with food.
Thoroughly enjoyable any time of the day and night, by yourself or with great company!
A superb present for a very important one!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, 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: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Agriculture 美食酒酒造静岡 Fujieda City Gastronomes Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese Cuisine Japanese Gastronomy Japanese History Okabe Sake Breweries Shizuoka sake Tourism World Cuisines

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, Beer Brewery, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Bryan Baird Newsletter (2014/01/09): Winter Seasonal Release: Dark Sky Imperial Stout

January 9, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

Winter Seasonal Release: Dark Sky Imperial Stout

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Happy New Year! 2014 promises to be an eventful year at Baird Brewing as we move into our new brewery home in Shuzenji later this spring. We also are undertaking major redesigns of our website, e-shop and newsletter. These changes will be unveiled also in the spring. One thing that won’t be changing is our classic winter seasonal ale: Dark Sky Imperial Stout.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Release:
*Dark Sky Imperial Stout (9%):

This foreboding stout is a beer lover’s winter dream. It is pitch-black in color, unctuous in body, elusively complex in flavor, warming in alcohol and piquantly hoppy. If you want to take the nip out of winter, this is your brew!

Dark Sky Imperial Stout is available for immediate release both in kegs and bottles (360 ml) and is now pouring from the taps at each of our Baird Taproom pubs.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, 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: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Baird Beer Baird Brewery Baird Brewing Beer Beer Breweries Crafstbeer brewery Craft Beer 美食酒静岡 Food Gastronomes Gastronomy Gourmet Japan Japanese Beer Japanese Cuisine Japanese Gastronomy Microbreweries Nakameguro Taproom Numazu City Tourism World Cuisines

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