Category Archives: Bars

Bars, Cocktails, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bartenders Club Shizuoka 3: Masayoshi Tainaka at Bar Le Refuge

2 Comments

Service: Pro and very friendly, if a bit shy
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great Fruit Cocktails. Very quiet and relaxing bar. Difficult to find liqueurs.

The Bartenders Club Shizuoka was founded last month by 7 celebrated bartenders all owning their own cocktail bar in Shizuoka City to not only promote their businesses and make fruit cocktails in particular more accessible to customers but also to make products and their farmers better known to the public.
From January they will create cocktails from a designated Shizuoka producer and his/her fruit or vegetable at regular intervals.
Moreover, the producer will be introduced in blogs and bars to prove the traceability and safety of the delicious fruit or vegetables.

But let me continue the introduction of those seven “samurai” and their establishments with Masayoshi Tainaka at Bar Le refuge!

As its name says “Le Refuge” is an establishment away from the bustle of the center of town which offers an haven of tranquility and privacy.

The menu sign outside is welcome because this is a dark if every safe street at night!

As I do not use flash as a rule the establishment does look dark from outside!

But the inside is cozy with diffused lights.
When you learn that it used to be a car park it is certainly a great improvement!

The solid wood counter does not sit more than 9 and Masayoshi Tainaka/田井中正剛 does accept in groups of more than 3 so as to preserve the calm and welcoming atmosphere of his establishment!

Masayoshi already had 8 years of bartending experience in Shimizu Ku where he hails from before he opened his haven in May 2008.
An accomplished cocktail bartender he is always willing to venture into new concepts but his forte like his same-minded friends is fruit cocktails!

Kiwi Fruit Cocktail (coming in next article!)

Strawberry cocktail!

If you are of the lone night owl tribe, or if you wish yourselves away from it all with a special companion, Le Refuge is the place in the new “secret street” in town!

BAR Le Refuge
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma-cho, 9-15, Ribelute-Hirano 1F-B (within walking distance from Cenova)
Tel.: 054-221-0339
Opening hours: 18:00~02:00
Closed on Sundays
HOMEPAGE/BLOG (Japanese)

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

Bars, Brasserie, Cakes, Coffee Shops, 美食, Dessert, 観光, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Café & Brasserie: Patina in Shizuoka City!

6 Comments

Service: Very friendly and smiling
Facilities: Very clean. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: A true cafe where to relax and enjoy a good light meal any time of the day.

The fashion for a long time having been to patronize famous/notorious fast-food cafes with a dubious approach to gastronomy and atmosphere the more traditional cafes with a far more authentic cachet had all but disappeared.

Unfortunately Shizuoka City had not escaped from the trend and had, but for one or two establishments, become a barren land as far as coffee shops were concerned.

At long last some courageous individuals and companies are beginning to help reverse that sorry situation.
“Patina” opened on the 12th of December in increasingly fashionable Tenmacho for the pleasure of haven seeking patrons!

Right from the moment you enter you realize that the establishment is both different and reassuringly familiar as if you were traveling back to a more comfortable era.

The whole place is a comforting kind of jumble with seats for every taste from a personal table tucked in a corner to long sofa benches along the wall and mismatched arm chairs at the counter.

You will need quite a few visits before you elect to sit at the same place!

The place doubles up as a cafe and a light meal bistro/brasserie-style coffee-shop so much in evidence in any French city worth its salt. This implies you can either settle for coffee or tea or start drinking in earnest with food to accompany any time of the day!

The whole staff are ladies and the young Chef, Ms. Akiko Kondoh/近藤亜希子さん has plenty of experience and (dinner will come in another article) her elegant confectioneries are worth the visit!

Her apple millefeuille with ice cream is fast becoming a favorite!

And their teas and coffees are not only delicious but served the traditional and proper way!
I’ll meet you in the evening in front of a pâté de campagne and a glass of wine next time in the evening!

PATINA, Café & Brasserie
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 17-9
tel.: 054-266-9500
Opening hours: 10:00~20:30 (last orders)
Holiday not decided yet
Non-smoking but for a small table away from the other patrons at the end of a long hall before the washroom

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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/12/28): The Dawn of a New Year

Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
bryan-sayuri.gif

The Dawn of a New Year

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

It has become a Baird Beer tradition to greet the dawn of each new year with a special “First Brewed” (Hatsujozo) seasonal specialty beer. At the stroke of midnight on the evening of December 31, we — along with a host of other Baird Beer retailing pubs/restaurants in Japan — pour this commemorative Hatsujozo and share it with our fellow beer enthusiasts in a toast to the New Year.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Release:
*Hatsujozo 2012 Strong Belgian Gold (ABV 8%):

This year’s “First Brewed” is a take on a Belgian-style strong golden ale: a base-malt grist (Maris Otter, Pils, Munich, Sour) buttressed by a mammoth addition of Japanese korizato sugar that yields a strong 17.3 Plato wort; a moderate hopping regimen (30 IBU) that is conducted in five separate additions and combines nine different hop varieties (Motueka, Tradition, Perle, Vanguard, Glacier, Sterling, Hersbrucker, Saaz, Tettnanger); warm fermentation with our house Belgian ale yeast; and secondary fermentation and natural carbonation in package with the same Belgian ale strain. 2012 promises great things; Hatsujozo 2012 Strong Belgian Gold is the first it will deliver!

Hatsujozo 2012 is available this year exclusively in kegs. It is meant to be enjoyed at a fine pub or restaurant on draught and in the company of friends, family, colleagues and all the great people we count as beer enthusiasts.

Kampai to 2012!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/12/22): A Time for Jubilation

Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
bryan-sayuri.gif

A Time for Jubilation

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Life is a fleeting thing. Each of us is here but a very short time. The older we get, the more clearly we comprehend this inexorable reality. And despite the sometimes awful travails and the always regular monotony of life, it remains a mysteriously beautiful thing. The end-of-the-year holiday season provides wonderful occasion for reflection and appreciation of the joy of living.

At Baird Brewing, 0ur appreciation of this joy is manifested in a celebratory Christmas-New Year season holiday ale which we call Jubilation Ale.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Jubilation Ale 2012 (ABV 7.5%):

This malty rich, festively red-hued ale derives its special character primarily from the addition of two wonderful local ingredients: (1) fully ripened and freshly picked figs (ichijiku) and (2) cinnamon twigs culled from a Japanese nikki tree. The full bodied character combined with the attendant alcohol strength will warm the flesh just as it brings jubilation to the soul.

Jubilation Ale will be available on draught and in bottles (633 ml) throughout Japan beginning Friday, December 23. Consumer purchases of bottles direct from the brewery are possible through our online E-Shop.

Holiday Season Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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, Cocktails, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bartenders Club Shizuoka 2: Wataru Matsumoto at Botanical

Leave a comment

Service: Pro and very friendly.
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Splendid washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great fruit cocktails. Always keen to learn from customers! Very comfortable cocktail bar.

The Bartenders Club Shizuoka was founded last month by 7 celebrated bartenders all owning their own cocktail bar in Shizuoka City to not only promote their businesses and make fruit cocktails in particular more accessible to customers but also to make products and their farmers better known to the public.
From January they will create cocktails from a designated Shizuoka producer and his/her fruit or vegetable at regular intervals.
Moreover, the producer will be introduced in blogs and bars to prove the traceability and safety of the delicious fruit or vegetables.

But let me continue the introduction of those seven “samurai” and their establishments with Wataru Matsumoto at Botanical!

Wataru Matsumoto/松本亙 at Botanical (Comfort Bar) is not only an expert at his trade but is always keen to venture onto new paths and promote his peers!
Actually his establishment has turned into the meeting point of officionados always ready to share their views and enthusiasm with their neighbors whatever their social standing. Botanical is the place if you enjoy a nice and productive chat with your fellow drinkers and Wataru!

Kiwi cocktail (recipe in the next article!)

Wataru had already no less than 16 years in the trade in two different establishments before going independent with his cocktail bar Botanical (Comfort Bar) away from the bustle of central Shizuoka City on the 25th of July 2009.
His establishment looks like a European brick house with windows allowing for a discreet peek inside or outside ensuring both enough privacy and openness.

Wataru naturally will produce exquisite fruit and vegetables cocktails but will also please everyone with an enormous range of cocktails, fruit juices and even delicious coffe and tea for the non-drinkers you might encourage to come!

BOTANICAL (Comfort Bar)
420-0082 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 1-6-13, Shade Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-221-8686
Opening hours: 17:00~01:00
Closed on Mondays.
Credit Cards OK
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

Bars, Cocktails, 美食, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Fruit Cocktails by Masato Matsumura at Juillet (1): Squat Persimmon

Leave a comment

Service: Pro and very friendly, if a bit shy
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great fruit cocktails. Doubles up as a coffee-bar. One of the rare establishments selling top-class cigars!

Squat Persimmons, called jirou Kaki/次郎柿 in Japanese) were actually first grown in Shizuoka Prefecture back in the 19th Century!
There are in full season now and can be appreciated as fruits, vegetables for salads and of course as cocktails!

RECIPE

Ripe squat persimmon: 1/2 (one half)
Havana Club Rum (red): 40 ml
Orange juice: 15 ml
Home-made Star Anise syrup: 2 drops
Crushed ice: 1 tablespoon

Peel and cut the persimmon in quarters and drop all ingredients inside a blender bowl. Use blender or even better a bar mix blender to attain the right consistency. Do not overblend it as it will become too liquid.
Pour in a semi-long glass.

Very deep and fruity taste with a great balance between acidity and sweetness with a tangy note, the whole enhancing greatly the exotic flavors of the persimmon!

To drink slowly!

JUILLET
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 2-10-8, Passsage Takjyo, 1F
Tel,: 054-273-5755
Opening hours: 12:00^24:00 (~21:00 on Sundays)
Closed on Wednesdays
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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

Bars, Cocktails, 美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bartenders Club Shizuoka 1: Masato Muramatsu at Juillet

2 Comments

Service: Pro and very friendly, if a bit shy
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great fruit cocktails. Doubles up as a coffee-bar. One of the rare establishments selling top-class cigars!

The Bartenders Club Shizuoka was founded last month by 7 celebrated bartenders all owning their own cocktail bar in Shizuoka City to not only promote their businesses and make fruit cocktails in particular more accessible to customers but also to make products and their farmers better known to the public.
From January they will create cocktails from a designated Shizuoka producer and his/her fruit or vegetable at regular intervals.
Moreover, the producer will be introduced in blogs and bars to prove the traceability and safety of the delicious fruit or vegetables.

But let me first introduce those seven “samurai” and their establishments starting with Masato Muramatsu at Juillet!

Juillet is located in a very quiet neighborhood on the firstt floor the “Passage Takajyo” building in Takajyo, a district replete with higher quality great restaurants, izakayas and bars.

You will be forgiven if you think it is another fashion shop at first!
But newcomers will soon discover this is a little haven away from the crowds all in sober and elegant white surroundings.

Actually Juillet is open at unusual hours (12:00~24:00) as it doubles up as a coffee-bar all day, too, where one can savor Masato’s wife’s cakes and his own scones!

Before Masato, a native from Yaizu City, opened his cocktail bar in December 2010 he had already had spent 15 years in the trade in the Kansai region and Kyoto where he met his future wife!

Shizuoka squat persimmon cocktail (recipe in next article!)

Masato is not only an expert in fruit cocktails, but he will be happy to concoct fresh fruit juice for non-drinkers apart of coffee, tea and soft drinks!

And Juillet is one of the rare establishments providing cigars of the best class!

JUILLET
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 2-10-8, Passsage Takjyo, 1F
Tel,: 054-273-5755
Opening hours: 12:00^24:00 (~21:00 on Sundays)
Closed on Wednesdays
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/12/14): Holiday Season News: Beer Releases, Upcoming Events, Taproom Schedules

Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
bryan-sayuri.gif

Holiday Season News: Beer Releases, Upcoming Events, Taproom Schedules

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The end-of-the-year holiday season is upon us once again. Although 2011 has been a trying year in Japan, we hope everyone may enjoy more than a little peace and happiness during the Christmas and O-shogatsu season. We take great joy in our fortune to be able to celebrate this special season each year with our many customer-friends. We hope to provide you many reasons to get out and share the holiday happiness with your fellow beer enthusiasts. Let me list several of these reasons below.

New Baird Beer Holiday Seasonal Releases:
*Midnight Oil Export Stout (ABV 6.5%): In a change from tradition, we are moving up to December the release of our annually brewed foreign export stout, Midnight Oil. Why? I tasted a test bottle a few days back and felt it so richly delicious, and so appropriate to this warm and festive season, that I couldn’t hold back.

Export stouts generally are rich and roasty in flavor, moderately high in alcohol strength, and sport some noticeable hop character (normally registering in terms of bitterness and flavor). Baird Midnight Oil Export Stout enjoys a complexly layered roasted malt (barley & wheat) character that is balanced beautifully by just a kiss of caramel sweetness. An unctuous, oily smoothness brings about a perfect finish.

Midnight Oil Export Stout begins pouring from our Taproom taps today, December 14. It also will be available at other fine Baird Beer retailing pubs, restaurants and liquor shops beginning December 15. The bottle-conditioned version (633 ml) will also be available for purchase direct from the brewery through our online E-Shop.

*Upcoming Holiday Seasonal Releases: Mark you calendar for Friday, December 23 (which is a Japan national holiday). This will be the release date for our special holiday season spiced ale — Jubilation Ale. Brewed with Japanese figs (ichijiku) and cinnamon twigs (nikki), Jubilation Ale is a Christmas and O-shogatsu celebratory standout.

As many of you know, we also have established the custom of ringing the arrival of each new year with the December 31 stroke-of-midnight release of a special Hatsu-jozo (First-brew) beer. Hatsujozo 2012 is a strong golden ale fermented with our house Belgian ale yeast. Kampai toasts will be made with it at the countdown parties of many Baird Beer retailing establishments in Japan, including our own Taproom pubs (which will pour a complimentary glass to attending patrons to celebrate the first toast of 2012).

Upcoming Taproom and Beer Events:
*Special Cheese & Beer Tasting @ Nakameguro Taproom on Sunday, December 18 (1:00 – 3:00 pm): We are teaming with Nagano-based cheese expert, Ms. Tomoko Tsuyuguchi, to introduce a marriage made in heaven — six gourmet cheeses paired with a selection of Baird Beers. We’ll provide a bit of history and guidance (in Japanese); the fun part, though, will be arriving at your own conclusions with regard to the perfect beer/cheese matchup. Cost is 4,500 yen per person. There are only a few spaces remaining, so kindly RSVP to the Nakameguro Taproom staff as soon as possible (nakameguro-tap@bairdbeer.com or 03-5768-3025).

*Grand Opening of Goodbeer Faucets on Sunday, December 18: A brand new 40-tap craft beer pub in the heart of Shibuya called Goodbeer Faucets is opening its doors for business on December 18. In addition to other great domestic and international craft beers, this will be the first non-Taproom pub in Tokyo to pour the entire lineup (year-round and seasonal) of Baird Beer. These guys have a great concept in a great location. Check them out at http://goodbeerfaucets.jp.

*Christmas Celebration @ Nakameguro Taproom (Friday-Sunday, December 23-25): Opening at noon each day of this 3-day Christmas weekend, the Nakameguro Taproom kitchen will be featuring a special menu of Christmas dishes. Jubilation Ale will debut on Friday, December 23.

*Countdown Parties @ Nakameguro, Bashamichi and Fishmarket Taprooms (Saturday, Dec. 31): Each of these Taprooms will be hosting festive New Year’s countdown parties. Nakameguro will be featuring a tasty all-you-can-eat buffet @ 1,500 yen per person and pouring Baird Beer at our low Numazu prices. Chuck and Ken at Bashamichi are busy formulating their own special New Year’s menu as I write. At our Numazu Fishmarket Taproom, we will be hosting, per our custom, an all-you-can-eat Mexican food buffet (1,500 yen per person; served from 5:00 – 10:00 pm) which will be spiced up with a open-mic karaoke night. Hatsujozo 2012 will be tapped at the stroke of midnight and one complimentary glass will be served to all patrons.

Taproom O-shogatsu Schedules:
*Numazu Fishmarket Taproom: Closed on January 1. Open for special O-shogatsu service on January 2-3 (noon to 9:00 pm). Closed on January 4-5. Resumes normal hours on January 6.

*Nakameguro Taproom: Closed January 1-2. Open for special O-shogatsu service on January 3 (noon to 9:00 pm). Resumes normal hours on January 4.

*Harajuku Taproom: Closed on December 31 (Tokyo countdown party @ Nakameguro). Open for special O-shogatsu service on January 1-4 (noon to 9:00 pm). Resumes normal hours on January 5.

*Bashamichi Taproom: Closed January 1-2. Open for special O-shogatsu service on January 3-5 (noon to 9:00 pm). Resumes normal hours on January 6.

We are looking forward to celebrating the season together with you.

Warm Holiday Cheer,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 農業, Gastronomy, Japan, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/101/04): More Fall Seasonal Releases: Yabai-Yabai and Autumn Red

3 Comments

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
bryan-sayuri.gif

More Fall Seasonal Releases: Yabai-Yabai and Autumn Red

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The wait is over. Today we are releasing from our cellars the 2011 version of Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale! You should be able to find pints on draught at your favorite Baird Beer drinking establishment beginning Saturday, November 5 (and at our own Taproom pubs beginning today — Friday, November 4). Bottles (633 ml) too are available through our network of Baird Beer retailing liquor stores in Japan as well as direct from the brewery via our online E-Shop.

New Seasonal Beer Releases:
*Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale 2011 (ABV 8.3%):

Scotland, an historically important center of beer brewing, has a cool climate that favors cultivation of the hardy barley plant. Scottish Ales, thus, tend to feature the rich and robust flavor of malted barley. Baird Yabai-Yabai Strong Scotch Ale is, in a word, opulent! The color is a deep mahogany brown and the head is dense, creamy and tan. The aroma is one of soft fruit esters and warm fusel alcohols. The body is chewy and the flavor exhibits notes of molasses, caramel apples, rum cake and pit fruit. One hearty pint is enough to take the bite out of the late autumn chill. Two pints will leave you toasty, and blissfully, warm. Three pints and…. YABAI!

Today we also are pleased to announce the tapping of our latest small-batch real ale: Autumn Red Ale (ABV 5.2%). Brewed back in August with visions of the upcoming fall season foliage dancing in our heads, Autumn Red is finally ready to take its place in our Taproom hand-pump lineup. It manages to combine beautifully a hearty malt flavor with a sprite hop character (derived all from a single hop — U.S. Ahtanum). Autumn Red Ale is available only on hand-pump and exclusively at our Taproom pubs.

Cheers!

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Japan, Shizuoka, Tourism

Oktober Fest at Beer No Yokota Pub in Shizuoka City!

Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly if a bit shy
Facilities: Very clean. Superb toilets for a pub!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong Points: Baird Beer!
Entirely non-smoking!

All beer lovers, let it be known that Beer No Yokota Pub in Shizuoka City are holding an Oktober Fest!

The event will be held from September 17th (Saturday) through October 3rd (Monday)
The beer on tap for the whole period will be different from the usual!
They will offer no less than 15 beers on tap featuring 6 by Baird Beer (Numazu City) and other delicious nectars from Munchen, Nagano Prefecture and others. Plenty to explore for your palate!

And plenty of good grub to go with the beer will be available. Plan a long evening!

BEER NO YOKOTA PUB
420-0031 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku-Cho, 2-5-12 (2 minutes on foot from Gofuku Cho Scramble. Check map on homepage)
Tel.: 054-255-3683
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00 (from 15:00 on weekends and National Holidays)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

With a Glass,
POPCORNHOMESTEAD in Tokyo by Joan Lambert Bailey,
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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Numazu City, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/08/29): New Seasonal Release: Baird Belgian Wit

Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
bryan-sayuri.gif

New Seasonal Release: Baird Belgian Wit

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

The brief hiatus in Baird Beer seasonal releases is over. Today we are debuting of a first-time seasonal brew: Baird Belgian Wit.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:

*Baird Belgian Wit (ABV 4.7%):

Witbier means “white beer.” It takes its name from the extraordinarily light, white-hued color that is the by-product of mashing with large portions of un-malted wheat. Witbiers are seen as descendants of un-hopped medieval beers that were flavored with a blend of herbs and/or spices referred to as “gruit.” Today, the poster beer for this category is the Belgian brand Hoegaarden White, which is spiced with a combination of coriander and orange peel and is very lightly hopped.

Baird Belgian Wit is mashed with a grist consisting of 30 percent un-malted Japanese wheat. We added a pinch of homegrown coriander seed, which we lightly crushed, to the conditioning tank along with a dollop of orangey NZ Cascade dry hops. Fermentation was achieved with our Belgian house yeast, originally a Belgian witbier strain.

The result is a light, fragrant and effervescent brew that manages a surprising depth of flavor. This is a perfect libation to enjoy amidst the wanning heat of summer. Baird Belgian Wit is available on draught at each of our Taproom pubs as well as at other fine Baird Beer retailing establishments in Japan. A small inventory of bottles (633 ml) also are available for purchase.

In addition to the Belgian Wit, we also are pouring a new small-batch real ale from the handpumps of our Taproom pubs: Six Nations Hop Ale (ABV 5.2%). The name of this dry-hopped golden ale derives from the fact that it incorporates hops from six different nations: US Galena, New Zealand Motueka, German Tradition, English East Kent Golding, Slovenian Styrian Golding, and Czech Saaz. The resultant hop character can best be described as earthy, grassy and floral. This unique real ale is available exclusively at our Taproom pubs and quantities are limited so stop in for a pint soon.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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

Baird Beer, Bars, Beer, 美食, 観光, 農業, Gastronomy, Tourism

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter (2011/07/21)

Leave a comment

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin
bryan-sayuri.gif

New Summer Seasonal Releases: Hop Havoc & Japan Tale Ale

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Thanks to all those who joined us in Numazu over the holiday weekend for our Fishmarket Taproom 11-year anniversary celebration. It was a terrific party. The Hop Havoc Anniversary Ale was a particular hit and we thus are pleased to announce its release to the broader public today. In addition, we have another special release treat today — the return of our ume-laden Japan Tale Ale.

New Baird Beer Seasonal Releases:
*Hop Havoc Anniversary Ale (ABV 6.2%):

This hop-monster ale was brewed to commemorate the 11-year birthday of our first Taproom: Numazu Fishmarket Taproom. It was conceived in what I call a ‘Greenflash’ moment — Greenflash, of course, being the San Diego craft brewery renowned for its massively hoppy beers.

Hop Havoc Anniversary Ale enjoys a malt base similar to what one might find in a strong pale ale (e.g. 13.9 P made up of Maris Otter and Carahell), but the hopping is what one would see in a double IPA (e.g. 90 IBUs and double dry-hopping with Columbus, Citraand Cascade varieties). The hallmarks of Baird Beer, though, abound everywhere, from the unfiltered hop haze to the soft and natural carbonation to the powerful yet balanced and un-heavy flavor profile.

Hop Havoc is available in limited quantities in both keg- and bottle-conditioned form. Order fast.

*Japan Tale Ale 2011 (ABV 6.2%):

Brewed with a host of indigenous Japanese ingredients (un-malted wheat, korizato sugar, fresh ume plums and, of course, lovely soft Numazu water) Japan Tale Ale is lightly hopped, pleasantly tart and extremely refreshing. It’s hazy, milky-white color and snow-white foam collar are reminiscent of a Belgian witbier. It drinks, though, like a beer version of a well-made ume sour (a popular drink served in traditional Japanese pubs that is made with distilled shochu and plums and served carbonated on ice).

Japan Tale Ale 2011 is now pouring from the taps of each of our Baird Beer Taprooms and will be available both on draught and in 633 ml bottles at Baird Beer retailing pubs and liquor shops throughout Japan.

Upcoming Taproom Events:

Please mark your calendar for Friday, July 29. On this day, we plan to unveil, at long last and at all four of our Taprooms, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief collaboration beer brewed in San Diego by Stone Brewing, Ishii Brewing and Baird Brewing. The beer is called Japanese Green Tea IPA and by all accounts in the U.S., where it already has debuted, it is a real treat. 100 percent of the sales revenue generated by this beer at all or our Taproom pubs will be donated to charities dealing with Tohoku disaster relief.

More beer, event and charity designation details will be upcoming in the next bulletin.

Cheers,

Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

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, Beer, 美食, 野菜, 観光, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Pork, Shizuoka, Tourism

1st Agrigraph Japan Brew Bar in Shizuoka City!

6 Comments

At long last after 2 months of intensive preparations Agrigraph Japan opened its first Brew Bar/Open Air Beer Hall on Saturday July 16th on Aoi Space just behind the Shizuoka City Hall!

This event followed a new concept:
The food was provided by 6 izakaya/bars in Shizuoka City: Uzu, Mando, Hana Oto, Yasaitei, Odakkui and Growstock.
Furthermore, the food was conceived with agricultural products of Shizuoka Prefecture including vegetables and meat. The latter was provided by Sanoman Company from Fujinomiya City!

The whole staff of Agrigraph with the help of people working for Suntory and Subway Companies were put to work including some pretty (?) ladies!

Everyone had gathered in the intense heat at 12:00 to erect the tents, place and lay the tables, etc. Even the IT and translating staff contributed! I can tell you they neeeded plenty of water when I visited them first around 13:00!

Sweaty work to erect that tent!

Shaping up!

Ice porters?

Pretty (?) ladies posing again for posterity!

Precise work!

Now, these ladies are pretty!

The man in charge of the engines!

Hands off!

Call for the last meeting.

Animated discussion on last-minute changes!

The Rainbow machines which will dispense cool mist all over the site. Real Hi-tec!

The dustbins! Low tec but indispensible!

Things certainly looked different when I came for my second visit at 15:00!

Map and photos of the producers contributing their food to the event! What about that for traceibility for such an event!

The same event will be held again on Friday July 22nd and Saturday July 23rd!

All the (very reasonable considering the quality!) prices were clearly indicated!

Mrs. Yuriko Kato, President of M2 Labo and Agrigraph Japan and Mr. Kenya Yoshimura, owner of Uzu izakaya! (in hots discussion?)

Everything at the ready!

Mr. Sano from Sanoman!

Mr. Takeshi Hirai, General Manager of Beck Company (Mando & Growstock)!

The last (hot) pep talk!

The last details being checked!

The venue was about to start when I left at 13:00. When I came back after 18:00 the place was still quite busy!

It was still very hot and the Rainbow cool mist machines were running at full speed!

Still plenty of work to do!

Mangenton Pork sausages from Sanoman!

Comparing notes!

Great healthy vegetable pickles from Shizuoka Prefecture! Perfect with beer!

Staff at the Pump Station!

Not ready to leave yet!

Just had enough time to savour those cute healthy sausages! One of them incudes Shizuoka Wasabi!

Looking forward to next week!

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

Bars, Cocktails, 美食, 観光, Gastronomy, Japanese Gastronomy, Tourism

Fruit Cocktails by Wataru Matsumoto: 14-Jaboticaba No1

2 Comments

Service: very professional and friendly.
Facilities: great washroom, great cleanliness overall.
Prices: reasonable, good value.
Strong points: Fruit cocktails. Cozy and a comfortable, for ladies and gentlemen alike.

This is the fourteenth recipe of a (hopefully long) series of cocktails concocted by Wataru Matsumoto, owner/bartender at BOTANICAL (Comfort bar) in Shizuoka City.

We called this particular cocktail “Jaboticaba No1” as I plan another visit to Nishikawa Garden and bring back more of these rare (in Japan) fruit!
You will find them only in a few orchards in Kyushu and Okinawa Islands and only one more away from these islands in Shizuoka City!

INGREDIENTS

-Jaboticaba: 5~6
-Tanqueray Gin: 1 measure
-Creme de Cassis: 1 dash
-Cointreau: 1 dash
-Cranberry Juice: 1/2 measure
-Ice

RECIPE

-In the glass half of a Boston shaker, drop the jaboticaba inside after having cut them in halves and taken out their pips.
Crush them as much as you can with a pestle.

-Add the Gin, Cassis, Cointreau and Cranberry juice.

-Pour ice in the metal glass of the Boston shaker. Drain any excess water. Transfer the ice into the glass half of the shaker. Close and shake well.

-Pour into a Martini glass through a strainer. Decorate with a Jaboticaba fruit.

Another very refreshing cocktail for hot summer evenings. Beware of the alcohol amount as it also disappears quickly!

BOTANICAL (Comfort Bar)
420-0082 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 1-6-13, Shade Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-221-8686
Opening hours: 17:00~01:00
Closed on Mondays.
Credit Cards OK

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

Bars, Cocktails, 美食, 観光, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Tourism

Fruit Cocktails by Wataru Matsumoto: 13-Leaf Ginger & Watermelon

7 Comments

Service: very professional and friendly.
Facilities: great washroom, great cleanliness overall.
Prices: reasonable, good value.
Strong points: Fruit cocktails. Cozy and a comfortable, for ladies and gentlemen alike.

This is the thirteenth recipe of a (hopefully long) series of cocktails concocted by Wataru Matsumoto, owner/bartender at BOTANICAL (Comfort bar) in Shizuoka City.
No worries about copyrights as Mr. Matsumoto is only too happy to share his secrets!

Now this cocktail conceived as a kind of Salty Dog is very much a Shizuoka-style cocktail as the leaf ginger and watermelon were grown in our Prefecture!

INGREDIENTS:

-Fresh leaf Ginger: 1 (if unavailable use as fresh a root as possible or pure ginger juice)
-Watermelon 1 wedge
-Beefeater gin: 1 measure
-Ice cubes : 1~2 large
-Salt

RECIPE:

-Apply salt over the rim of a large glass like one in the picture above. Drop large cubes of ice in it.

-Grate the fresh leaf ginger to extract its juice.

-Cut the watermelon into small pieces (discard the seeds!)
Reduce to pulp (you must be able to almost “eat” the watermelon.

-In a large tumbler pour the gin, leaf ginger juice and watermelon.
Mix well and pour over the ice for a good chill.

A very refereshing cocktail for hot days and nights.
Beware, it tends to disappear quickly!LOL

BOTANICAL (Comfort Bar)
420-0082 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 1-6-13, Shade Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-221-8686
Opening hours: 17:00~01:00
Closed on Mondays.
Credit Cards OK

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