Category Archives: Food

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Stick Senior Broccoli and Red Pepper

O-toushi/お通しis actually a bit difficult to translate.
In a Japanese (in Japan) izakaya it is an appetizer that is served with the first drink and that you pay for in general in lieu of a cover charge.
I have nothing against such a notion as it gives you a good idea of the chef’s skills!

O-toushi does not have to be conceived as a rich dish but is basically a way to entice you into a meal and drink!
Stick Junior Broccoli is becoming a very popular vegetable in Japan as the Japanese love to eat it especially when the flowres are about to open.
It is somewhat confusing as in Japan very often rapeseed, broccolini and Stick Junior Broccoli are often sold under the same name!

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Dragon boiled some Stick Senior Broccoli in salted water, cut it and marinated it in mentsuyu.
Mentsuyu (めんつゆ, also 麺汁) is a condiment made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin and sugar. Mentsuyu is most often eaten as a dipping sauce with sōmen, soba, udon and hiyamugi.
It can be bought ready anywhere although she is very particular about the variety she uses.
Having arranged the Stick Senior Broccoli cuts with the flowers on top she placed two thin slices of red pimento for decoration.
Really simple but appetizing.
The right thing to awaken your buds!

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

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Pork Soboro, Onsen Tamago & Cheese Muffin!

O-toushi/お通しis actually a bit difficult to translate.
In a Japanese (in Japan) izakaya it is an appetizer that is served with the first drink and that you pay for in general in lieu of a cover charge.
I have nothing against such a notion as it gives you a good idea of the chef’s skills!

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Dragon last night came up with an idea to finish the last muffin left in the bread basket!
It looks more like an American snack, but it isn’t!

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First she grilled the muffin.
She then spread pork soboro (minced pork fried the Japanese way into a kind of caorse powder) over the muffin.
She added some crumbled onsen tamgo (Japanese style boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce, etc.).
Finally she spread some melty cheese over and grill the lot again!

Great with bee, wine and Japanese sake!

The series is going on!

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

Scary Food Stories: Apples

Note: The “picture” was borrowed but the “stories” are my own!

WILLIAM TELL

William let the quarrel fly.
But Walter who had been too hungry couldn’t resist taking the apple from atop his head to have a bite before replacing it back.
But William’s aim was not true.
The quarrel bounced again the side of the tree behind his son.
The quarrel punched into cruel Albrecht Gessler’s throat with a sickening thud
William pondered: “I won’t need that second quarrel, after all…”

THE WORM IN THE APPLE

The Worm had had a good breakfast inside his apple this morning.
He suddenly felt a need from fresh air.
He poked its head outside the tunnel he had eaten out of its abode.
The sun made in blink.
This was the last thing it remembered before it heard a bird’s gleeful cry: “Worm!”

ADAM’S APPLE

The big apple chunk got stuck behind his Adam’s apple….

SNOW WHITE

The Young Prince bent down to kiss Snow White’s lips.
She woke up all of a sudden with a big hiccup.
A piece of apple shot through from her mouth into her new lover’s mouth.
The Young Prince dropped dead….

DOCTOR’S DELIGHT

One apple a day keeps the Doctor away.
Ten apples a day keeps you locked away (inside the toilets!).

APFELSTRUDEL

The lady customer dubiously looked at the cake.
“What is that cake?” she asked.
The Chef readily answered: “The healthiest apfelstrudel in Wien, my good lady”!
“What is it made of?”, she retorted.
“Apples for vitamins and worms for proteins!”

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

(Great) Sex Before(Great) food, or (Great) Food Before (Great) Sex? (2014 and beyond)

Now, if you are not stuck with monosexuality (the fourth gender after heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality?), you may have your word to add!

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How many times have I read and seen (on screens!) about those great meals being the preamble to great love?
I’ve always wondered about the truth, if not the feasibility, of such perfection…

Mind you, like Gerard Depardieu, you may not have to worry about such earthly concerns (“This wine is the only thing that can make me aroused these days!”)!

Now, I fully understand the risks of (re-) posting an article on this somewhat contentious issue:
-“He’s doing this to get more views…”
-Some spammers will not resist from jumping on the bandwagon. They’ll be disappointed!
-Some bloggers with overriding precepts will complain (loudly)…
I hope before that I would not have to erase too many comments. But this time I might be willing to fight it out! LOL

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In spite of my “maturity”, I enjoy (relatively) good health and endeavour to enjoy my life to the full.
But there are limits.
The Romans might have developped the right way by eating and making love on the same couch, but knowing how these orgies (have you checked the real meaning of this word?) ended up in later years, I’m not really convinced.
Honestly speaking, have you tried and reaaaaallllllyyyy appreciated sex with a full stomach and a swirling head?

Many of us do have to consider inescapable issues:
At some time in our lives we were brainwashed into thinking that sex should occur at night (Shut those lights down, will you?).
The hippies had it right in 1960’s as they were making love when and where they wanted. That is, until they settled into comfortable lives…
On the other hand, nights are no longer the frightful period of of your daily life as in the Middle Ages when humans had to comfort each other in the dark.
Interestingly enough, in Japan “love hotels” are full at lunch times for two reasons: 1) difficult to find out. 2) Skipping a meal for bed fun might be healthier!

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One overriding reason for avoiding sex after a great meal is that strenuous physical exercise after consuming a good amount of food and drink is fraught with high health risks, whatever our age or gender. Ask the doctors! (although some will consciously avoid the issue!)

Alright, if you need a more prosaic excuse, have you ever realized that, unless you had a good scrub and plenty of perfume beforehand, how you and your spouse/partner/lover look and smell after ingesting a significant volume of food and drink, whatever the quality of the latter?

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The French might have it right with their “demon de midi/noon demon”, meaning that mature people will skip lunch in favour of (sometimes illicit) sex. The Japanese do too as proven by the attendance at “love hotels” between 12:00 and 14:00…, but I have already mentioned that!
Incidentally, do not forget that the “noon demon” does not care about genders! Men, beware….

-“But I’m too busy working in day time!” you will say.
There is a solution to that:
Share that great food early enough and settle down for a long contented moment to allow your body metabolism to recuperate (keep talking, don’t doze off!)
Why do you think the “digestif” (the last drink to help your digestion!) was invented for?

I some time ago read an interesting survey held by “L’Express” magazine, which says that, among other data, 61% of ladies attach great importance to a shared meal against 46% of gentlemen before eventual sexual relations!

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Ladies do seem to prefer sex after a great dinner (or a great drink), or at least at night when they can doze off inside their loved one’s arms (who am I to say that?) ….

But women can suddenly wake up with strong yearnings.
Have you ever heard this (allegedly true) story about Napoleon and Josephine:
The Emperor’s first wife was a notoriously highly sexed individual.
One night she could not wake up her illustrious spouse to assume his marital duties.
She got up and took a piece of particularly pungent cheese from a tray on the bedroom table and brought it under Napoelon’s nose.
The Emperor, not bothering to open an eye, muttered:
-“Sorry, not tonight, Josephine!”
When sex can be associated with food…

My own recommendation/preference?
The “noon demon”, of course! LOL
But don’t ask me where! (You might be shocked!)

The Japanese twist!

The Japanese have come with their own (but more sophisticated) version of the old Roman orgy:
Nyotaimori!
Wikipedia definition for people who think I make it all up!
Nyotaimori (Japanese: 女体盛り, “female body presentation”), often referred to as “body sushi,” is the practice of serving sashimi or sushi from the body of a woman, typically naked. Nantaimori (Japanese: 男体盛り) refers to the same practice using a male model. This subdivision of food play is originally an obscure Japanese practice not common in Japanese culture but that has attracted considerable international media attention.

There is no limit as per gender or numbers, but keep in mind that if you want to start your own version:
1) Male models need more food (for covering)!
2) Beware of hairy models!
3) Hot (opposite to cold) and spicy food are to be avoided!

NOTE:
The food and drink depicted in this article have no aphrodisiac properties whatsoever!
Sorry to disappoint those who expected sausages and meatballs!
Or leeks and onions for the vegans/vegetarians!

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

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

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Avocado and Mushrooms Tianjin omelet rice!

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

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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?

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A set of five dimdung/点心!

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

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From another angle!
Very tasty and light!

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

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Very appetizing indeed!

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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!

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Avocado and mushrooms Tianjin omelet rice!

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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!

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Once again so healthy and tasty!

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As service, egg soup made with real chicken soup!

Another visit is definitely on the cards!

CHAO

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!

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

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

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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.

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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!

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

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You will find some interesting items and collectibles!

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Very modern and slightly zany kitchen!

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

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Very reasonable and plenty of variety for lunch!

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

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

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

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My lunch!

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Now, what did we have there?

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Chinese cabbage, carrot and chicken soup!

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

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Chinese cabbage and rape flowers salad rolls!

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Very original kabocha marinated with Shiozuoka Oranges and rosemary!

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Chinese cabbage, rice flour and soy milk gratin!

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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

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

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

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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!

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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.

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Mount Fuji at Fujine Station!

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

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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!

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Mount Fuji lost in aerial cables!

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Red light Mount Fuji!

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Pachinko Mount Fuji!

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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!

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

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Can be used in 4 different ways!

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M. at work!

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Greta chicken and pork!

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

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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!

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The beef was to be cooked later!

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Just the minimum of greens on that day! LOL

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

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Time to grill the enormous beef steaks!

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

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The beef is sizzling under the lid!

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

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M. and J. having a musical break!

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

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R. having a peek!

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Serious drinking business for R. and Dino!

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Dino’s awful mixture!

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Grateful Dead and R.!

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

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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

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

Wild Mountain Vegetable salad Suggestion: Urui/Host Montana, Scallions, Spring Cabbage and Red Paprika!

URUI-SUGGESTION-1

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 urui (A common wild mountain vegetable (Sansai in Japanese)) and other other vegetables

INGREDIENTS:

Urui/Hosta Montana (Use only fresh leaves with a long white stem and small leaves for tenderness)
Sacllions (Choose young ones, as white as possible!)
Red pimento or red paprika (use soft taste ones!)
Spring cabbage (tender new leaves, light color), chopped to form a bed

URUI-SUGGESTION-2

In a serving bowl make a bed with chopped tender spring cabbage leaves.
Cut the urui leaves and then the stems in three.

URUI-SUGGESTION-3

If the red paprika are not soft enough, grill them and peel them first.
Cut them in pieces of the same length as the urui.
Cut the scallions in the same size,too. Use only tender scallions/white leeks. Take off outer layer if needed (can be used later in great soups!).

URUI-SUGGESTION-4

Suggested dressing to be served apart: rice vinegar + sesame oil + a little light soy sauce, sesame seeds!

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

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

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Yaizu slider!

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

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

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BAKERY KIOSK?

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Advertising local food?

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

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

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

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

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Maguro Menchi Burger/ Minced tuna burgers!

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My order!

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Maguro Menchi Burger ingredienst clearly indicated!

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Both traditional and unusual!

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

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

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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!

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All ingredients very precisely indicated whatever the product!

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Yummy deep-fried tuna inside!

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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

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

Urui & Fuki (Hosta Montana 6 Giant Butterbur-Wild Mountain Vegetables) Tempura Recipe

URUI-TEMPURA-1

I was asked by new Czech Friend IVY if I could come up with some tempura and other Japanese recipes to accommodate wild mountain vegetables especially Urui/Hasta Monta and others.
Here is a simple recipe for two wild mountain vegetables (Sansai in Japanese) including Urui/Hosta Montana</strong> and Fuki/Giant Butterbur.

INGREDIENTS:

Hosta Montana: as much as you like!
Giant Butterbur: as much as you like
Naturally you can use other wild mountain vegetables.

Ice cold water: 340 ml (1 + 3/4 cups) Remember that the water must be ice cold!
Egg: 1 ((vegetarians and vegans can skip this and add either more flower or cornstarch)
Fine flour: 200 g (wheat allergics can replace it with a flour of their choice!)
Soy sauce & Japanese sake: a little
Salt
Curry powder

Tsuyu/soupstock for dipping if you wish to:
Mirin/sweet sake: 50 ml (1/4 cup)
Soy sauce: 50 ml (1/4 cup)
Dashi: 200 ml (1 cup). Vegans and vegetarians should check Vegan Dashi Recipe!
Grated daikon and grated ginger: as you like

RECIPE

First prepare the tenpura batter by first mixing ice cold water with egg until smooth. Then incorporate flour little by little and beat until smooth. keep cold into another bigger bowl filled with ice cold water (not ice only as it would not keep the batter cold enough!
Heat the oil. It must be 170 degrees when you are ready to fry the tenpura.
Prepare a grill and cooking paper in advance to sponge off any excess oil off the vegetables

URUI-TEMPURA-2

Cut the Giant butterbur in adequate-sized pieces. Sponge off any humidity. Then as it is quite a sour plant dip them in a mixture of sake and soy sauce. Shake off excess seasoning.
Dip into tempura batter. Shake off excess batter and “slide” vegetable in the oil. By “Slide” I mean no “Throw” or “drop”! Take the vegetable by one end, bring the other end into the oil and “pull” as if you wanted to spread the vegetable over the oil.
When cooked (don’t overcook!) take out and lay on cooking paper/grill.

URUI-TEMPURA-3

As for the urui, since they don’t need any extra seasoning, cut them into appropriate size, dip them either one at a time or two or three together (hold them together by one extremity all the time!), dip into batter, shake off excess batter and “slide” them in into theoil.

You ca serve the above with a small plate of fine rock alt, pepper, or curry powder or even matcha powder!

If you want to dip them into a tsuyu/stock soup first, make the tsuyu quickly as follows:
Over a strong fire heat the mirin in a pot, ten lower the fire. Add soy sauce and dashi. Heat for a little while and pour into a dipping cup/bowl.

Enjoy!

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

Healthy Bento by Real Food Market “Akutsu” in Shizuoka City!

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Last Sunday during the 1st Shizuoka Seeds Exchange Meet I had the occasion to sample one of those healthy bento made by Real Food Market Akutsu in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

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A menu was also kindly provided!

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The whole bento was well protected!

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Now, what did we have?

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Rice grown by Mr. Aoki in Shizuoka City mixed with some kuromai/black rice!

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Fried vegetables seasoned with leek miso!
Incidentally all the vegetables are grown organically in Shizuoka Prefecture!

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Top: Shio konbu seaweed seasoned with wasabi
Bottom: Rape flowers, cauliflower, carrot and Red heart daikon!

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Shizuoka Bioran eggs tortilla, deep-fried potato, pasta, tomato sauce, boiled greens!

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Tofu and meat hamburger with home-made demi glace sauce!

Not only healthy but very tasty!

REAL FOOD MARKET “AKUTSU”
420-0867 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Baban Cho, 91 (along Sengen Shrine Street)
Tel.: 054-221-4046
Opening hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays

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

Italian Gastronomy: Cocoa Tagliatelle & Venison Ragu at Soloio in Shziuoka City!

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Service: Pro and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late!

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Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん does come with some interesting variations albeit logical!

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If you want dark brown tagliatelle, cocoa powder is evident. But bear in mind it is powder note sweet chocolate!
The slightly acid taste makes for a beautiful balance with the venison ragu sauce and some parmigiano and freshly chopped basil topping!

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Beautiful!
And so tasty!

SOLOIO
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Happy hour: 16:00~17:00: 1,000 yen set-3 appetizers plate and 1 glass of house wine!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

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

1st Shizuoka Seeds & Seedlings Exchange Meet in Shizuoka City!-大1回静岡種苗交換会!

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The ist Shizuoka Seeds Exhange Meet was held on Sunday February 9th by farmers from all over the Prefecture under the leadership of a young farmer named Fumitaka Yamaguchi.
Attendants included not only farmers, but also guests interested in farming in general, in seeds exchange and willing to get a better understanding of farming.

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Although the meeting started at 11:30, the meeting room at the Shizuoka Waork Insurance Building was already half full by 11:00!

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Plenty of seeds and products were exhibited for a general view before the actual exchange during the second part of the meeting!

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And more!

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Specialized books were also on sale as well as plenty of information brochures for free!

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Organic carrots!

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Egg plants and okra grown for seeds!

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More seeds!

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A very smooth organization!

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Many varieties of organic rice!

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Organic sugar cane cultivated in Shizuoka City!
Did you know that these pieces of sugar cane are used as “seeds”?

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Fumitaka Yamaguchi welcoming all and explaining the schedule of the Meet!

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First we were shown a long film on the dangers of Gene Modified grains, seeds , vegetables, fruit and plants in general in the States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia and Africa!
A real eye-opener. Frightening, actually!

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The second part consisted of a very good discussion with Chef Kenya Yoshimura, Farmer Mitsuharau Ishigami and organic food trader Mika Itoh.
The main topics were about the work of producing one’s own seeds, the protection of native plants, the safety and traceability of food and the future of farming!
I’m really looking forward to the next Meet as there is a real need for such exchange and so many issues to discuss!

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Organic potatoes!

The third part was entirely

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

Italian Gastronomy: Local Seasonal vegetables Skillet at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Pro and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late!

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When a seemingly simple dish is a discovery!

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One overriding reason why I patronize Solio Italian Restaurant in Shizuoka City is that Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん uses exclusively seasonal ingredients especially when it comes to vegetables, especially local ones or from his own garden!

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Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん uses only olive oil, salt and paper.
Cooking the vegetables in a skillet without a lid over a fire and last inside the oven helps maintain the vegetables shape, color and consistency.
A simple and sublime way to enjoy vegetables!
Incidentally it becomes a vegan dish as well!

SOLOIO
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Happy hour: 16:00~17:00: 1,000 yen set-3 appetizers plate and 1 glass of house wine!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

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

Gastronomic Art and Humor: “Chawan Mushi (“Mushi”=”Steamed” or “Insect”!) at Art Gallery Pumpkin 2 in Yaizu City!

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Yuuji Iwasaki/岩崎祐司さんi holding a very interesting exhibition until February 23rd where you can both admire some very unusual art and learn about Japanese puns!

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Yuuji Iwasaki (67) has been exhibiting his collection all over Japan for more than 2 years, changing venue every month!
A native of Yaizu City he started his wooden sculptures on a Buddhist them first.
But since 1996 he worked on paraodu\ies of all genre.
This Shokokuten/笑刻展/Humorous Sculpture exhibition is based on Japanese puns only!

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Chawan Mushi/茶碗蒸し is a Japanese delicacy, a kind of salted hot pudding.
“Mushi/蒸し” means “Steamed”, but it is also the same pronunciation of “虫/insect”!
Now, you should understand why some interesting insects are coming out of the chawanmushi cup!

GALLERY PUMPKIN 2

425-0027 Yaizu City, Sakae Cho, 8-1, 2F
Tel.: 054-637-9722
Opening hours: 11:00~18:00
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Credit Cards OK
Parking available
HOMEPAGE</strong>

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