Category Archives: 静岡県

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 Gastronomy, Meat, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Bryan Baird Newsletter (2014/02/20): Seasonal Releases: Two Winter Season Thirst Quenchers

February 20, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

Seasonal Releases: Two Winter Season Thirst Quenchers

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

All of the hullabaloo in the winter beer season is paid to potent lagers and warming ales. That is all well and good, but there remains a place for sprightly refreshing brews even at the height of the winter chill. We are proud to release today two such examples of thirst-quenching winter beer refreshment: Temple Garden Yuzu Wit and Winter Wit.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Temple Garden Yuzu Wit (5%):

This fruit-infused Belgian-style witbier is the happy result of an unfortunate situation: we couldn’t get our hands on enough fresh yuzu fruit to brew this year’s Temple Garden Yuzu Ale (one of the annual mainstays of our fruit beer brewing). We decided to use what little yuzu fruit we did get in such a way as to maximize its impact — as a dry-peel component in a wonderfully fruity and effervescent wheat-based witbier. And boy does the yuzu aroma shine bright! It is complemented perfectly by the subtle aromatics provided by just a pinch of sansho seed.

Temple Garden Yuzu Wit is available for immediate release in kegs ONLY.

*Winter Wit (6%):

Witbier is a Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with a high proportion of un-malted wheat from which it derives a whitish color. Typically it is a light, tart, crisp and refreshing ale of low-alcohol strength. Baird Winter Wit is a more robust cold-season take on this classic Belgian beer style.

Our grist is a blend of un-malted and malted wheat, floor-malted Pilsner and Maris Otter, and a touch of Caragold (contrbuting body and color). The hopping is light and performed with a combination of European varieties: Tradition, Hersbrucker, Styrian Golding. The magic occurs when this ingredient combination is then fermented with our Belgian yeast strain. The result is a pleasantly tart and spicy, sprightly carbonated ale with a hazy white-gold hue upon which sits a billowing head of virgin-white foam. The warmth comes in the finish, just enough to furbish without interfering with the refreshment. Winter has never tasted so glorious!

Winter Wit is available for immediate release in kegs as well as bottles (360 ml). You can enjoy both Temple Garden Yuzu Wit and Winter Wit fresh on draught at all of the Baird Taproom pubs beginning today (Thursday, February 20).

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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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

レシピ, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Asian (as of February 19th, 2014)

February 19, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Bain Seo, the Vietnamese equivalent, but a lot lighter, of a Japanese okonomiyaki at Annam, Shizuoka City!

Many people only have time to visit restaurants at lunch and it is certainly not easy to find a restaurant with a better lunch with all those cheap diners around!
Here is the sixth installment of a series of reports on recommended lunch restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture which will be classified as follows:
-French
-Italian
-Western (American, European, et al)
-Japanese
-Asian
-Vegan & Vegetarian
-Ethnic
-Healthy
-For families

CHAO CHINESE DINING

Service: Kind, smiling and attentive in spite of a crowded place!
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Shared washroom with Cenove Department Store but very excellent. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Mild but very healthy All-Chinese gastronomy

CHAO CHINESE DINING

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-1-1 Cenova Department Store, 5F
Tel.: 054-266-3095
Opening hours: 11:00~21:00
Private space possible for up to 7 guests
Parties welcome
Credit cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

——————————————

NAMASTE NIPPON

Service: Very friendly, polite and smiling
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Spacious washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: A great blend of Indian and Nepalese cuisines. More than sufficient drinks list. Vegetarian set or single dishes available. Very generous portions!

NAMASTE NIPPON Nepalese-Indian Restaurant
420-0845 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Oda Cho, 31-1, Ono Bldg, 1F (along the Kitakaido Street, 10 minutes walk from Cenova Department Store)
Tel. & Fax: 054-247-6775
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~22:30
Closed on Thursdays
Credit Cards OK
Paries welcome!
Take outs OK!

—————————————-

ANNAM

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb separate washrooms.
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive.
Strong points: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine prepared and served by Vietnamese staff. Great use of local products. Vietnamese shochu!

ANNAM
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Kooyamachi, 6-6, Mitduhisa Building, 2F
Tel.: 054-250-2266
Fax: 054-250-2323
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:30
Closed on Mondays
Parties welcome
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

—————————————————

SHIKINJO

Service: Friendly and attentive!
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overal. Clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Authentic Chinese gastronomy. Great dimsung/gyoza in 3 different forms!

SHIKINJO
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo Machi, 3-21-20, Kawai Bldg 1F
Tel. & fax: 054-2742727
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 11:30~13:30 & 17:30~22:00
Saturdays, Sundays & National Holidays: 17:00~22:00
Closed on Wednesdays.
Parties welcome
10 minutes walk from Shin Shizuoka Station in Cenova Department Store

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, Chinese Gastronomy, Chinese Restaurants, 美食, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Health, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Non-smoking restaurants, Recipes, Recommended Lunch Restaurants, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Healthy Chinese Gastronomy at CHAO in Shizuoka City (Cenova Department Store)!

February 19, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Avocado and Mushrooms Tianjin omelet rice!

When it comes to reasonable, healthy food in a clean environment Cenova Department Store in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka Citycan be a blessing even if it is crowded at times.
Dragon recommended me CHAO the other day and I paid it my first visit at lunch today.
The place was actually busy but I was ushered in with a smile and attention.
When I placed my order the waitress went as far as to inquire if I had ordered too much!
So, what did I order?

A set of five dimdung/点心!

Great colors!
I checked after my meal, they do not use any monosodium glutamate (MSG) or artificial coloring or seasoning!

From another angle!
Very tasty and light!

Umami tappuri ebichiri/Sweet and sour chili shrimps with plenty of umami!

Very appetizing indeed!

The shrimps tasted fresh. Very mild for such a dish but this is Japan and especially Shizuoka where people are not too keen on hot food! Fine by me!

Avocado and mushrooms Tianjin omelet rice!

Another good point for Chao is that they do try to offer food with a little originality. Their four dishes including avocado was a revelation!

Once again so healthy and tasty!

As service, egg soup made with real chicken soup!

Another visit is definitely on the cards!

CHAO

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Environment, 静岡県, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Manhole covers, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 26: Fire Hydrant Covers! (消火栓のマンホール) Part 1 (Firefighting & Regional symbols))

February 19, 2014 dragonlife 8 Comments

Fire Truck in Hamamatsu City!

Fire hydrant manhole covers, or more precisely manhole covers over water and water Tanks accesses for firemne were among the first to be decorated by municipalities with other water access manhole covers and come in three distinct kinds of motifs, either round or rectangular:
1) Fire trucks, firemen and Firefighter’ symbols
2) Regional symbols
3) Abstract symbols

Fire truck in Yaizu City!

Fire truck and fire fighter in Mikkabi, Hamamatsu City!

Fire truck in Iwata City!

Fire truck and fire fighter in Hamamatsu City!

Fire fighter in Tenryuu, Hamamatsu City!

Fire truck and fire fighter in Okitsu, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

Fire truck and fire fighter in Shizuoka City!

Fire Brigade Festival Hapi/jacket in Yaizu City!

fire brigade festival pole in Shizuoka City!

Fire brigade triple festival pole in Mariko, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

Fire brigade festival pole in Itoh City!

Fire brigade festival pole in Higashi Izu Cho!

Kaguyahime (The bamboo Cutter’s Daughter Legend) and Mount Fuji in Yoshiwara, Fuji City!
Arguably the most beautiful manhole cover in Japan!

400th Anniversary of Sumpu Castle in Shizuoka City, with Abe River and Mount Fuji!
A rare dated (2007) manhole cover in Japan!

Sakura Ebi/Cherry Shrimp and Mount Fuji in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

Cherry blossoms, wisteria blossoms and mejiro warbler in Fujieda City!

Soccer in Shimizu ku, Shizuoka City!

Soccer again in Shimizu ku, Shizuoka City!

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レシピ, Bistro, Cafes, 美食, 野菜, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Recommended Lunch Restaurants, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Healthy Gastronomy: Vegetable Sommelier Lunch at ICN cafe in Shizuoka City!

February 18, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Easy-going, kind and smiling
Equipment & Facilities: Overall very clean. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Healthy food. Great beer list. Can be patronized as cafe, restaurant or bar.

having to eat out for lunch also means a constant search for healthy food, otherwise….
Shichiken Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, is an area where you can find a few trendy cafes/bars/restaurants serving healthy and tasty food!
The latest is ICN cafe!

It is part of a concept combining show room, shop and cafe/bar which can also be booked entirely for private vents!

You will find some interesting items and collectibles!

Very modern and slightly zany kitchen!

You can patronize it all day a cafe or bar as well!

Very reasonable and plenty of variety for lunch!

Although the pasta, pizza and locomoco look delicious, I would recommend the Vegetable Sommelier Lunch for your first visit!

This particular lunch is designed with the help of a top Shizuoka vegetable Sommelier. Ms. Tomoe Amano!

And they also provide a full description of the dishes down to vitamins and all that!

My lunch!

Now, what did we have there?

Chinese cabbage, carrot and chicken soup!

Very tasty white rice with a few grains of black rice!

Chinese cabbage and rape flowers salad rolls!

Very original kabocha marinated with Shiozuoka Oranges and rosemary!

Chinese cabbage, rice flour and soy milk gratin!

And lemon tea to wash it all down!

Expect a few more articles as I have to not only sample their pizza, pasta and locomoco, but also Baird beer (Numazu City) among the 31 beers they have on the menu!

ICN cafe
420-0035 Shizuoka City, Shichiken-Cho, 5-8, 2F
Tel.: 054-273-8178
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (lunch, 11:00~16:45, Dinner: 18:00~)
Closed on Sunday evening and aal Monday
300 yen cover charge from 18:00~
Cash only

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM: hushtag: #ICNcafe
account: icncafe
Free Wi Fi service: spot-ICN

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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レシピ, Barbecue, Beef, Chicken, 美食, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Food, Fujinomiya City, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Pork, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

BBQ with local Chicken, Pork & Beef in Fujinomiya City! (under Mount Fuji!)

February 17, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

Yesterday was a lucky day!
I had the day entirely free but didn’t have a clue how to use iTt
Moreover the weather so good it felt like a balmy Spring day!
On a hunch I went to Shizuoka City JR Station to see where I could go.
I was looking at the station map when someone lightly tapped my shoulder.
I turned around to discover N., a very old chum of mine!
-What brings to Shizuoka Station? he asked me
-I wish I knew! And where are you going to yourself?
-Fujinomiya City! M. is having a small BBQ lunch party at his workplace and he just invited me?
-M.! (another old chum of mine!). I didn’t know he was holding a BBQ!
-Well, it was decided on a whim as he wants to celebrate his going back to New Zealand!
-Really? Could you call and see if he is ok with my joining!
……….
-He said, fine we are waiting for the both of you to join the fun!

Although it looks a bit far on a map, Fujinomiya City, especially Fujinomiya Station is not that far from Shizuoka City.
First you go to Fuji City and then change to a rain on the Minobu Line. Very simple.

Mount Fuji at Fujine Station!

If you want to take great pics of Mount Fuji this is the line to board!

A half Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya City!

Fujinomiya City is at the very foot of Mount Fuji, so people there have somewhat stopped noticing it!

Mount Fuji lost in aerial cables!

Red light Mount Fuji!

Pachinko Mount Fuji!

Our friend A., the back of A., another chum, J., a new friend, and Dino, another old pal!

A.’s workplace includes a small veranda where we can hold BBQ in the sun!

The LP gas operated BBQ gear, all imported from New Zealand!

Can be used in 4 different ways!

M. at work!

Greta chicken and pork!

Fujinomiya City is a major meat producing area and on that day all the chicken, pork and beef were local!

We had twoKiwis, one Ozzie, one Croatian, two Canucks, one Pom, two Yankees and a Frog on that day!
But we all spoke English!
And we all like our meet well cooked!

The beef was to be cooked later!

Just the minimum of greens on that day! LOL

M.’s is a great workplace where you can have a peek at Mount Fuji from all kinds of angles!

Time to grill the enormous beef steaks!

R,. M., M. the host, Dino and a Grateful Dead lover!

The beef is sizzling under the lid!

I shared my beef with N.! It was just too big!

M. and J. having a musical break!

I had an early switch from the beer to New Zealand Hawke’s Bay red wine!

R. having a peek!

Serious drinking business for R. and Dino!

Dino’s awful mixture!

Grateful Dead and R.!

We had a bit of a long way back home as some trains didn’t reach Fujinomiya City because of the recent snow storm!

When we changed trains at Fuji, I noticed the snow on the roof of the train we had just left!

Looking forward to my next trip to Fujinomiya City!

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, 静岡県, 静岡美食, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Sansai, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Prefecture, Vegan, vegetables, Vegetarian cuisine, Wild Mountain Vegetables

Wild Mountain Vegetables (Sansai/山菜): Five Mountain Vegetables in Japanese Pepper Miso Sauce (山菜五種盛り山椒味噌和え)-Vegan!

February 16, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

I was asked by new Czech Friend IVY if I could suggestsome Japanese recipes to accommodate wild mountain vegetables especially Urui/Hasta Monta and others.
Here is a simple recipe for for (A common wild mountain vegetables in Japan (Sansai in Japanese)) including five different varieties:
–Tara no me/たらの芽/Aralia elata
–Kosiabura/コシアブラ/Acanthopanax sciadophylloides (Japanese only)
–Udo/ウド?Aralia Cordata/ (Japanese only)
–Kogomi/コゴミ/Ostrich fern
–Urui/うるい/Hosta montana

The Japanese pepper/Japanes pricly ash is called sanshyou/山椒. In Japan we use both young leaves and green seeds, whereas in China they use the dried seeds.

INGREDIENTS:

Tara no Me: 5
Koshiabura: 5
Udo:1 medium sized
Kogomi: 5~6
urui: 3 stems

Fresh Sanshyou/Japanese pepper leaves: a few leaves
Miso (of your choice, but white or light brown is best): 1 tablespoon
Japanese sake: 1 tab;espoon
Sugar: 1/2 tablespoon

RECIPE:

Peel the udo. Cut into thin slices lengthwise. Rinse under cold running water.
Cut the root part away from the kogomi. Boil the kogomi and urui lghtly. Drain and sponge off excess water.

Cut the urui in same bits of the same size as the kogomi. Actually do try to prepare all the vegetables in same size if possible!
Boil the tara no me and the koshiabura lightly. Drain and sponge off carefully excess water in a dish lined with kitchen paper.
Separate the sanshyou leaves.
Chop or crucnh the sanshyou leaves finally and in a bowl mix them with the miso, sake and sugar.

Presentation:
Arrange the sansai in a dish as above and add the dressing.

Mix all vegetables and dressing together and serve as artfully as possible!

An easy, tasty and healthy recipe!

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, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Hamburgers, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka marine products, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Yaizu Burgers at Bakery Kiosk in Yaizu JR Station! Part 1

February 15, 2014 dragonlife 5 Comments

Yaizu slider!

Service: Smiling and kind
Facilities & Equipment: Overall very clean. Non smoking
Prices: Reasonable:
Strong points: Local ingredients!

What’s that billboard on the first floor of Yaizu City JR Station South exit?

BAKERY KIOSK?

Advertising local food?

Yaizu City being a major fishing harbor it is only normal that local shops come up with some interesting ideas using local seafood!

This is also very tempting but that will for the next time (very soon!)!

You can eat inside in a no smoking environment! Really appreciated!

Among 3 different burgers I decided to choose for the day: Maguro Katsu Burger/Deep-fried Tuna Burger/Japanesestyle slider!

Maguro Menchi Burger/ Minced tuna burgers!

My order!

Maguro Menchi Burger ingredienst clearly indicated!

Both traditional and unusual!

I had a good look at the simple ingredients before biting into the whole thing!

Very tasty and healthy, lighter than I expected but fulfilling!

The Japanese-style slider inside a very solid cellophane paper wrapper. Very safe for transport!
The shop will heat them first if you want to eat them on site!

All ingredients very precisely indicated whatever the product!

Yummy deep-fried tuna inside!

As good as meat!

See you there next time for the other items!

BAKERY KIOSK
Yaizu City JR Station, South Exit, 2F, right hand side
Opening hours: 07:30~20:30

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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美食, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Fish, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka marine products, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Japanese Gastronomy: Dinner at Tomii (February 2014) in Shizuoka City!

February 15, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Professional and attentive
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness, superb washroom
Prices: expensive
Strong Points: Refined Japanese gastronomy. Great list of Shizuoka Sake and drinks in general. Seasonal products.

It had been a very long time since I last visited Tomii in Aoi Ku in Shizuoka City the other night and I had been wandering how well the establishment had fared all that time!

Well I noted a great improvement with the drinks, especially sake, with no less than 8 brews from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Hakuin Masamune Homarefuji Junmai by Takashima Brewery in Numazu City!

First of all the appetizers:
Oonigyu beef Corned bee at the back, Matsumae at the front left and Nikomori/Globefish skin jelly terrine!

A light o-tsukuri/sashimi plate!

Akagai/Blood arkshell!

Bachi maguro tuna, madai/true seabream and shimesaba/marinated mackerel!

Now, what’s all that seasoning for (grated garlic, chopped scallions and grated ginger)?

Can you guess?

Sakua/Basashi/Horsemeat sashimi!
A delicacy!

A Shizuoka treat for dessert!

Beautiful matcha creme brulee!

To be continued….

TOMII
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa-cho, 1-2-7, Tomii Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-274-0666
Business hours: 17:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays

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, 観光, 農業, Fujieda City, Gastronomes, Gastronomic Photography, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Shizuoka Sake, Tourism

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sugii Brewery-“Yaoyorozu”Yamahai Junmai Homarefuji

February 14, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Sugii Brewery has been brewing this particular brand for some time and it is noteworthy for more than reason.
First of all it is a Yamahai, a variety of sake than many breweries conscientiously ignore as it is difficult to master its natural fermentation.
Interestingly enough “Shizuoka Yamahai” is tarting to get some deserved attention from the rest of Japan as many Shizuoka breweries have made it their challeng to tackle it.
And the results are certainly striking!

Another interesting aspect is that the rice is Shizuoka-grown Hoamrefuji, which is steadily earning its lettres de noblesse (fame)!

Rice: Homarefuji
Rice milled down to 70%
Dryness: + 5
Acidity: 2.0
Bottled in Novemeber 2013

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Light golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. bananas, custard.
Body: Very fluid
Taste: Dry deep attack.
Little junmai petillant.
Complex. Tends to show new facets in slightly wild and unpredictable fashion.
Fruity: dry oranges. Later dark chocolate and milk coffee.
Welcome acidity.
Disappears quickly enough with hints of dry coffee beans.
Becomes momentarily drier and deeper with food.
Takes on a sweeter turn immediately after food with strong hints of milk coffee.
Superbly marries with any food.

Overall: Although obviously conceived to be drunk with food, it is a thoroughly enjoyable sake on its own with intriguing facets enticing you to the next cup and the nest one beyoond.
A very dangerous sake in a sense as you don’t tire of it and feel obliged to discover a new facet!
A challenge, and a successful one at that be it on the brewer’s side or the drinker’s!

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, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 静岡県, 静岡美食, 観光, 農業, Japan, Japanese Beer, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Beer, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Bryan Baird Newsletter (2014/02/13): Special Valentine’s Day Release: Love Potion Lager

February 13, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin

Special Valentine’s Day Release: Love Potion Lager

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and we have crafted the perfect beer to celebrate this occasion of sweetheart love: Love Potion Lager.

New Seasonal Baird Beer Release:
*Love Potion Lager (5.5%):

Love Potion Lager is our version of a German-style Schwarzbier: a dark but delicately smooth bottom-fermented beer. The dark color stems from moderate additions of roasted malt to the grist which lend a subtle sweet-chocolate flavor. A long six-month lagering period has contributed to a clean and balanced roundness of character that is irresistibly seductive. Just a gentle kiss of hop flavor and bitterness in the finish will leave you in an expressive mood of tender love and heartfelt affection for that special someone.

Love Potion Lager is available in both kegs and bottles (360 ml) for immediate shipment from our Numazu brewery. It begins pouring from the taps of our Baird Taproom pubs on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 25: Mount Fuji Manhole Covers! (富士山のマンホール)

February 13, 2014 dragonlife 4 Comments

The mint Manhole Cover in Shimizu City before it was merged in Shizuoka City depicting the World Cultural Heritage of Mount Fuji and Miho Matsubara Beach!

Mount Fuji is partly in Shizuoka Prefecture as many in Yamanashi Prefecture will rightly if somewhat insistently point out, but we also have the Miho Matsubara beach which is included in the World Cultural Heritage!
Mind you, I will be extremely happy to add Mount Fuji manhole covers from Yamanashi prefecture anytime if someone is kind enough to send them to me!
As for people who think that Mount Fuji lies in Kanagawa Prefecture or Tokyo, I’m sorry to disappoint them although they also have the cahnce to see it on bright days!

The same found in Sodeshi, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

The same but for rain waters instead of river waters without the colors!

The same as above but with “Shizuoka City” instead of “Shimizu City”!

Found in many places in Shizuoka City!
A rarity in a sense as it is dated in “2007”!

Also found a bit everywhere in Shizuoka City!

Found in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
Note the sakura ebi design for which Yui is nationally known!

The same as above in blue!

A beautiful mint manhole cover for Fuji City, a city named after Mount Fuji!

The same design but in different colors!

The same without the colors!

The same again, but half size!

The same as a mint manhole cover but in different design and colors!

Arguably the most beautiful manhole cover in Japan found in Yaoshiwara, Fuji City, depicting Kaguyahime of the Legend, The Bamboo Cutter’s daughter!

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Fujieda City!
Although the City includes “Fuji/藤”, it means “Wisteria”, not “Mount Fuji/富士”!

The same as found on a pavement in Fujieda city!

Another mint of the same but in different colors!

the same as found on a pavement in Fujieda City!

Found in Gotemba City!

Beautiful mint in Shimizu Cho at the foot of Mount Fuji!
Not to be confused with Shimizu Ku in Shizuoka City!

Found in Nirayama merged with Izu no Kuni City!
Famous for the Hansharou Foundries and strawberries!

Beautiful mint manhole cover for Yaizu City, a fishing port city known all over Japan!

The same as found on a pavement in yaizu City!

The same without the colors!

Still looking!

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Kura: Japanese Traditional Warehouses in Shizuoka Prefecture 10

February 13, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Partly stone-built kura in Yoshiwara, Fuji City!

“Kura” (in Japanese 蔵 or 倉) means “warehouse” or “Storehouse”.
In traditional Japan, especially during the Edo Era, as most of buildings and urba/village structures were made of wood, fires were the bane of society by and large.
However well-protected a fire would consume a house or buildings and all its properties within minutes.
Hence a special building or warehouse was needed to protect goods and properties against such a catastrophe.
But erecting a storehouse solely made of concrete, stones and some metal cost a vast amount of silver and gold and only rich merchants and nobility could afford them. Even castles could not be built entirely of stone then.

This very old kura I discovered along the street leading to Bishamonten Myouhouji Shrine/Temple in Yoshiwara, Fuji City, has the particularity to have walls covered with chiseled stone slabs, an unusual occurence in our Prefecture!

Although the iron window and door curtains are very old it is still used as demonstrated by the recent water drain pipes!

Another unusual feature: a very small window not leading to the actual inside of the kura but into its foundation!

Looking at it from the side it is practically double-walled.
Very solid, indeed!

I discovered this small-sized cocncrete block kura south of Yaizu City JR Station!

It certainly looks old but the concrete blocks would denote its date just after WWII!

It is still used as a warehouse. After all Yaizu City is a trading and fishing port city!

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Guiness World Record: Kappa Collection at Tach-chan’s Kappa Museum in Yaizu City!

February 12, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

We do hold quite a few records in Shizuoka Prefecture but in Yaizu City one can discover a most unusual world record: The biggest collection of Kappa in the World!
First of all, For more information on Kappa/河童, read HERE!
At the time Mr. Tatsuo Kitano/北野龍雄さん got official recognition as a Guinness World Record he had already collected no less than 7,000 items, but after more than 50 years spent chasing them he has accumulated more than 10,000 of them, all exhibited in one single place!

Mr. Kitano had this house built for the sole purpose of housing his collection!

Guinness record!

there are crowds of them having fun in the water or welcoming you!

This was my first visit but writing abut 10,000 kappa in a single report being impossible I will have to go there on a regular basis for quite some time!
This time is only an introduction!

Welcome!

There is even a mock kappa temple/shrine and cemetery!

Kappa under blossoming plum trees!

A real Kappa post box!

A more solemn welcome!

The two floors are filled to capacity down to the entrance lobby!
Mr. Kitano or his wife will be there to welcome you and introduce everything all during your visit!

Kappa hapi/festival jackets!

Mr. Kitano has been recognized by all kappa to be one of them!

The official recognition as a Guinness World Record!

Kappa wearing a scallop shell as their cap from Iwate prefecture, supposedly the birthplace of the Kappa!

A bear-like kappa from Hokkaido!

Ladies soccer match between Japanese and American Kappa!

Note their head caps!

kappa playing baseball under the watchful eyes of their Goddess!

Kappa Philarmonic Band!

In this river scene the human baby is Mr. Kitano who affirms he is one of the few humans having seen real kappa!

Apparently Kappa in Kyushu are well-endowed!

Rural fun-loving kappa!

Dragon-riding kappa!
Actually “Dragon” is half of Mr. Kitano’s forename!

kappa drawings collection!

Kappa at soba satnd!

kappa playing with a “Tach-chan kite in front of Mount Fuji!

Flower-viewing party in front of Mount Fuji!
Remember that sake is the Kappa’s favorite drink!

kappa family’s picnic near Mount Fuji under the cherry blossoms!

Apparently all these lady kappa are trying to force their way into a park where a single male kappa is fishing!

Cute kappa girls!

Kappa trophies from Taipei, Taiwan!

Rewards and letters from friends and fans!

The upper floor!

A Kappa painted by an American artist!

American Kappa?

Kappa fan collection!

A donated sign for the museum!

Painting by a very famous Japanese artist!

Dangerous Kappa!

Kappa procession!

Modern Kappa ladies?

Kappa dance!

Cute kappa girl!

Kappa stories!

kappa befriending animals!

Kappa masks!

Kappa portable phone pendants!

kappa ladies at a hot spring!

kappa playing with an eel!

This beautiful lady has lost her soul and become a kappa!

Beautiful Kappa Ladies!

A lady Kappa as I like them! LOL

Dragon-flying Kappa!

Kappa trying to look after cranes and explain the situation to an unhappy carp!

Another grand Kappa flying a Dragon!

A colorful Kappa Family!

The serious business that is to all Kappa: Sake or shochu drinking!

These kappas can be found hiding in an izakaya!

Kappa sake bottles!

Kappa One Sake Cups!

Kappa imbibing with fellow monsters!
Can you spot it?

here he is!

Should be going back there soon!

TACH-CHAN’S KAPPA MUSEUM/龍ちゃんのカッパ館

Shizuoka Prefecture, Yaizu City, Daibashira, 746-2 (Get off at Nishi yaizu JR Station South Exit and get off the bus at Dai bashira Stop/大住バス停
静岡県焼津市大住746-2
Tel.: 054-629-7171
Opening hours: 10:00~17:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Entrance fee: 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
Call in advance if you are a big group!
Ring at entrance to be let in first!
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Traditional Japanese Houses: Shimizu Bank Branch in Kakegawa City!

February 11, 2014 dragonlife 2 Comments

In Kakegawa City on the way to the Kakegawa Castle you will discover and old traditional house with some interesting story!

On a bright day it does provide a great sight for photography!

All facades will show you a different facet of the architecture!

Wait for the green light before crossing! LOL

This is a story which was actually the source for the name of a local sake brand!
Kazutoyo built Kōchi Castle. His life spanned the closing years of the Sengoku period, the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and the beginning of the Edo period.
Just four years after he became Lord of Tosa, Kazutoyo died without issue aged around 60, and was succeeded as Lord of Tosa by his nephew Tadayoshi.
Chiyo, as a wise and beautiful wife, helped her husband Yamauchi Kazutoyo up from an ordinary samurai to the governor of an entire province, Tosa.
In 1590, Lord Yamauchi Kazutoyo 山内一豊, a great horse lover had been looking for a special mount of his own.
His wife spent untold time and efforts until she found, brought and gave a great horse to her beloved husband.
The story is also the source of the 45th NHK Taiga drama (2006), a dramatization of the life of Kazutoyo, with his wife Chiyo as the central character!