Category Archives: Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, sake, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya: Odakkui in Shizuoka City!

November 26, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive in an easy-going manner
Facilities & equipment: Very clean overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash provided!)
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: True izakaya gastronomy of a higher level. Local products extensively used. Great list of sake, shochu. Wine available. Private rooms possible.

Odakkui had been a solid institution when the owner decided to renew the whole place when the building housing them was to be rebuilt.
It has now become just a superb establishment which must be one of the best three izakayas in the whole Prefecture without a doubt!

Chief Manager and Chef Nobuhiro Sugiyama/杉山信廣 at work.

The restaurant is now divided into three distinct rooms to satisfy all customers’ priorities and preferences.
-The main restaurant (called “Omote/おもて/Front”) with a large window overlooking the main street, a counter in front of the kitchen and a large tatami area with dug-in seating.
-A cozy bar-style room (called “Ura/うら/Back”) seating only 5 customers (prices are the same in every room) away from the main room where fried food is prepared. The two rooms communicate through a long corridor bridging the access stairs.
-If you wish for even more privacy three rooms are located behind the small bar. The same rooms can have their partitions taken away for a single private room party.

Don’t worry! There are drinks for every taste including soft ones!

Including plenty of wine!

Plenty of tempting cold foods in wait for you!

For our first visit of newly reformed izakaya the Missus and I opted for the quiet “Ura/Back” bar-style room.
It is just impossible to sample everything in a single visit so we concentrated our order away from fried food we will sample in the “Omote/Front” room next time.

But first the drinks!
While the Missus was sipping her red wine by the glass I started with a cup of Shizuoka sake concocted by Kokko Brewery in Fukuroi City called “Den Ichirou/傳一郎/the professional name of its master Brewer!

One will understand at once the level of an izakaya, whatever the prices (comparatively reasonable in Odakkui considering the quality), when you look at the o-tooshi/お通し/first snack served with first drink: Odakkui’s is not only generous, but absolutely yummy and artfully served on a beautiful Japanese paper napkin!

We always order a plate of seasonal sashimi, another clear indication of the level of any izakaya.
Odakkui’s is just superb! How much would you pay for that in Tokyo? LOL

Beautiful Red Cuttlefish/Aka Ika/赤烏賊! Perfect , almost crispy, bite!

Lean tuna/maguro akami/鮪赤身 that melts inside your mouth. Served with freshly grated Shizuoka wasabi root!

Sole/Hirame/平目 served with its engawa/縁側/Fringe flesh which is usually discarded in Western Cuisine but which is a delicacy here in Japan. No need to say it must absolutely fresh!

A little “service” that you will not be offered for free outside our Prefecture: Home-marinated wasabi stems!
A must-try!

The Missus was keeping to her red wine but it was time for another cup of sake (I was actually offered a “service” cup from another Prefecture in between… the joys of my work!): two different bottles of Toyo Bijin/東洋美人/Beauty of the East from Fukui Prefecture.
Now, which bottle did I choose?
The red label one, naturally!

We couldn’t resist one of the comfort food on display in front of us: grilled bacon and potato salad!

Plenty of fresh vegetables in a well-balanced salad!

Now, another Japanese specialty you will find in any good izakaya, kushiyakiya and yakitoriya: niwatori nankotsu karaage/鶏軟骨唐揚げ/deep-fried chicken cartilages!

Crispy, cracking and so yummy!
needless to say that the chicken must be absolutely fresh!

We had spent a long day walking outside and we were hungry.
No better comfort food than hot (in both senses) mabodofu!

Now, if you a rice fan, you must try Odakkui’s ishi yaki chahan/石焼きチャハン/earthenware fried rice!

A truly Japanese fried rice topped with dried seaweed. A whole meal in itself!

A little detail I always appreciate in a good izakaya: delicious sorbet to refresh yourself!

To be continued… I told you I will have to come up with a report on the Omote/Front room!

ODAKKUI
420-0024 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 1-8-1, Aoba Yokocho, 2F
Tel./fax: 054-253-6900
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Private parties welcome!
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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: 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!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Food, French gastronomy, French Restaurant, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

French Bistro Gastronomy: Caravin Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

November 14, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

Service: very friendly if a bit shy.
Facilities and equipment: overall very clean. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Authentic French and European bistro gastronomy. Slow food. Excellent and reasonable
wine list.

In Shizuoka we are extremely lucky as we can savor taste European food of any gastronomic level at comparatively reasonable prices, be it a high-class restaurant or a simple bistro. The choice is just mind-blogging when you consider this is only a medium-sized city in Japan!

Caravin is an unpretentious but very busy French bistro that serves food the slow way under Chef Masahiro Onoda/小野田正浩 who takes the pride in using Shizuoka Prefecture whenever feasible, which means most of the time!

When it comes to choose your order it is quite easy as it is written everywhere on the menu, the wall and even on a mirror!

You can either sit at the counter (my own preference!) or at one of the table and banquette (French style sofa) under all kinds of posters and decorations.

Their wine list is worth exploring and it is very reasonable!
I couldn’t help start with a white Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie, a very popular one in Japan, actually!

I do plan to visit and write about the place but this first article should give you a good idea of what to expect!
First, Lyon-style salad with greens, bacon, terrine, chicken gizzards, croutons,…

… a beautiful poached egg!

The fine quiche Lorraine is exquisite and so light! A must for the ladies!

Caravin is a rare establishment which offers fried potatoes the Belgium way, the original and only way (don’t tell me anything about “French fries”!)!

Served with mustard and ground chili pepper!

And it was time for the second bottle for my friends and I with a very solid and fruity Cotes du Rhone, Domaine d’Andezon!

Caravin might be a bistro but they also serve extravagant classics such as this superb foie gras risotto!

Shizuoka seems to be a heaven for risotto and this particular sample with porcini is just so unbelievably reasonably-priced!

But if I had to choose one single reason to eat at Caravin it would be their Boudin Blanc!

Home-made Boudin Blanc (very soft soft white pork sausage) served with Le Puy lentils and enormous fresh shiitake!

There are desserts on the menu but this time I opted for a French cheese tray!

Can you guess what they are?

And served with properly toasted bread!

To be continued… (You can bet, and earlier than you think!)

CARAVIN
Shizuoka City, Takajo, 2-25-17
Tel.: 054-246-3539
Opening hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Mondays
Cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 観光, 農業, Fish, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Oden, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Japanese Gastronomy: Oden at Ogawa in Shizuoka City!

November 14, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

Service: friendly and easy-going
Equipment & Facilities: old-fashioned but clean
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: 4uthentic traditional Shizuoka Odenya. Oden of course and bentos.

Shizuoka is famous for many products and its gastronomy, but there is one particular specialty that most Japanese have heard about, namely Shizuoka-Style oden!

If you decide to visit the imposing Sengen Shrine, you will find Ogawa Oden “Restaurant” halfway between the giant red torii/shrine gate and the Sengen Shrine entrance on the right side of the street.
There you will find authentic oden cooked/prepared in Shizuoka style!

You can’t miss the noren/entrance curtain!

You might be tempted by the Shizuoka local oranges on sale outside!

Or you could purchase a large boiled egg to accompany your bento!

If you are tempted by the oden, check the delicious and traditional home-made bentos!

Ogawa Odenya, for all its seemingly quiet atmosphere is known all over Japan and many a celebrity has left his/her signature!

The shop is no less than 60 years old, probably the oldest oden-specialized shop which has not changed address!

True Shizuoka-style oden cooked in dark stock where you can choose tidbits with colors varying from dark to very dark. They say that the darkest oden are found in Shizuoka!
The lady-in-charge will help you with the first serving and you will take care of yourself from the second service.
When you have finished the sticks will be counted to determine the total price. keep in mind to tell how many eggs you ate as they are pierced with two sticks to avoid paying twice!

This was our first order!
You can choose from fish paste, egg, potatoes, konyaku, beef tendons, daikon, tofu and what else!
Make sure to choose your favorite color!

The Missus ordered an egg, konyaku and two kinds of fish paste!

I ordered a potato, an egg, daikon and fish paste balls!

Shizuoka oden are served with aonori/mixture of dry seaweed and dashi stock powder and Japanese strong mustard!
I doubt you will find aonori outside Shizuoka Prefecture!

Our second order!
We were hungry at lunch time!
Incidentally alcoholic drinks are also available!

The Missus ordered suji/beef tendons, ito konyaku/konyaku vermicelli and fish paste!

i ordered tofu and two fish paste, the bottom including gobo/burdock root!

I very much doubt you will find tofu cooked to that dark color anywhere else in Japan!

OGAWA
420-0867 Shizuoka City, Aoi ku, Baban Cho, 38 (along the Sengen Shrine Street)
Tel.: 054-252-2548
Fax: 054-252-2549
Opening hours: 10:00~18:30
Closed on Wednesdays
Sets of 30 and 40 oden with 2 different stock soups can ordered from all over Japan!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurants, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Ravioli, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Italian Gastronomy: Chestnuts & Ricotta Cheese Ravioli at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

November 13, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

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!

Running over and over full dinners at my favorite restaurants is not always such a good idea, especially considering that most often I visit them for only a couple of drinks and one great but sole dish!

Solio serves extravagant seasonal food with a personal twist at reasonable prices and here is another typical example:

Chestnuts and Ricotta Cheese ravioli!

This is the season for fresh chestnuts in Europe and also in Japan where they are appreciated in so many forms!
The dough used for the fresh ravioli was a combination of fine wheat flour and chestnut flour
The taste was certainly more remarkable than the bland dough used for usual ravioli!
And the size made them so easier to savor!

The filling was an exquisite marriage between ground fresh chestnut and ricotta cheese seasoned with other ingredients that were unfortunately kept secret!
But the result was a sweetish kind of ravioli perfectly balanced with a very light sauce using the boiling water and a sprinkle of parmeggiano cheese!

Instead of ordering them as an appetizer, I finished my meal with them and a full-body red wine!

A must-try!

To be continued…

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

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, Conger eel, 美食, 観光, 魚, 農業, Fish, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurants, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Italian Gastronomy: Deep-fried Conger Eel & Aubergines in Anchovy Sauce at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

November 12, 2012 dragonlife 7 Comments

Solio serves extravagant seasonal food at reasonable prices and here is another typical example:

Deep-fried Conger Eel & Aubergines in Anchovy Sauce!

Presentation also is of a superlative quality even for the simplest dishes!
Note the three-dimensional arrangement with a long piece of conger eel supporting the aubergine slice like a beam!

The conger eel, a fish Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for, is deep-fried together with the aubergines (from the Chef’s garden!) and served with a light but very efficient anchovy sauce!

It is wicked pleasure to break up the edifice and eat it the whole with your fingers (and lick them later!) and dip each piece into some anchovy sauce for perfect pleasure!
Perfect with a solid red wine!

To be continued…

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 観光, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Meat, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Meat Gastronomy: My Best 10 dishes (and extras!) in Shizuoka in 2012!

November 7, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

My own creation: penne with Shizuoka wild boar simmered in red wine!

Shizuoka Prefecture is not only renown for its many vegetable and seafood varieties but also for its extravagant meat, be it beef, veal, lamb, chicken, wild boar or venison!
Pay a regular visit the many superlative restaurants that serve extravagant food at reasonable prices to make even gastronomes living in Europe and elsewhere envious!

Here is my own biased selection of the 10 top meat dishes I had the pleasure to savor in 2012 plus some extra to garnish the whole!

Teppanyaki/hot plate fried chicken breast from chicken bred by Aoki Farm in Fujinomiya City served at You-To Izakaya in Shizuoka City!

Gizzards, heart and liver on a poached egg of the same Amagi Shamo chicken bred at Horie Farm in Shuzenji, Izu Peninsula and served inside a Shizuoka-grown buckwheat galette and Shizuoka-grown wasabi leaves at Pissenlit French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

The best of Japanese yakitori!
Chicken tsukune/long chicken patties made with ground chicken and crushed soft chicken cartilages served at Kushiyaki Taisho in Shizuoka City!

Oven roasted chicken from Aoki Farm and organically-grown vegetables by Bio Farm Matsuki both in Fujinomiya City and served at Le Comptoir de Bio-s French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

Veal liver fried in mustard sauce and served with bamboo shoot and stuffed mini cabbage organically grown in Shizuoka City and served by Pissenlit French Restaurant in the same City!

Beef filet from animal bred in Minone Fram in Hamamatsu City and served with vegetables organically grown in Shizuoka Prefecture at Tetsuya Sugimoto French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

Grilled Wagyu Beef Steak and mushrooms Gratin served at Beau Ciel French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!
No need for comments! Just extravagant and so reasonable at lunch!

Beef filet from cow bred at Okamura Farm and fried vegetables organically grown at Bio Farm Matsuki and served at French Restaurant de Bio-s, all in Fujinomiya City at the foot of Mount Fuji!

Pan-fried Home-made Boudin Blanc/French style white sausage served with French Le Puy lentils and local shiitake served at Caravin French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!
The only place so far where I could savor authentic French Boudin Blanc!

Pain de Foie Gras Matured with Mirin White Lees, Chouchou Farm Kankankan Musume Corn Vychissoise and soft pancake made with inca mezame potatoes served at at Pissenlit French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!
Mirin is sweet sake, and brewed in Fujieda City! A rare dish if there was one!

RYB Ton (pronounce “Louis Vuiton!) pork steak from animal bred in Fujinomiya City and Shizuoka-grown vegetables served by Osteria Porta Porta Italian Restaurant in Shizuoka City!
A pork that is served in top-class and expensive restaurants in Tokyo but so ridiculously reasonable here!

Cotes D’agneau/Lamb cutlets fried and oven-baked and served in demi-glace Madeira sauce and French ratatouille at Hana Hana French/Italian Restaurant in Shizuoka City! Once again so extravagant and reasonable!

A true Shizuoka French specialty!
Okabe wild boar and Shizuoka-bred pork Terrine as served at Chez Satsukawa French Restaurant in Shizuoka City!
I challenge any French visitor to visit us and savor it!

Yes, we have top-class traditional American gastronomy in Shizuoka City!
Oven-baked hamburger with egg, bacon in mustard sauce, lettuce, tomato and delicious fried potatoes at Tequila’s Diner Tex-Mex restaurant in Shizuoka City!

We even have French/Japanese style open hamburgers in Shizuoka City as served at Brochette French Restaurant with a beautiful mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes and corn!

Have I covered all the meat possible? LOL

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 野菜, 農業, Food, Food Health, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Vegan, vegetables, Vegetarian cuisine

Japanese Vegan Recipe: Takuan Chahan-Takuan Fried Rice

November 6, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

here is another recipe for vegans, hungry ones in this case!
You need very little and can used leftover rice!

INGREDIENTS: (For two people)

Takuan: as appropriate
Steamed rice (cold leftover is best!): 2 Japanese bowls
Finely chopped scallions or leeks: as appropriate
Sesame seeds: as appropriate
Sesame oil: as appropriate
Salt: “shokoji/塩麹” if possible. If not available salt of your choice. As appropriate.

Optional: Herbs, vegetables and spices of your liking!

RECIPE:

Chop the takuan finely.

In a large fry pan pour some sesame oil. Fry takuan first for a little time.

Add rice and mix with takuan and fry all the time.
Add chopped leeks (and optional herbs), mix and continue frying.
Add sesame seeds. mix and continue frying.
When rice is properly fried add salt and spices (optional), mix quickly and serve!

Easy and very healthy!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Oh Bento by Keith in Hull, UK, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, 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, PepperBento, Hapabento , Jacki’s Bento Blog, 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:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

観光, Fashion, Japan, Japanese crabs, Japanese fashion, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Japanese Ladies Fashion in Shizuoka 48: I Might be Still Young But I’m Already Taller Than You!

November 4, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

I took this picture toady in Aoba Koen Street during the Annual Shizuoka Street Performance Fsetival.

This young lady was about 16.
Even without her high heels she would still have been taller than her boy friends (?)!

Which shows than women are growing taller and taller in Japan these days. Mind you, she was very conscious (and proud) of it!

Typical teenager’s fashion in the Fall on a day out!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Culture, Daidogei, 観光, Face Painting, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Face Painting by Lucie Brouillard at Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City! The Compilation!

November 3, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

The Artist, Lucie Brouillard and the model or some of the models of the day!

Yesterday I managed to steal some time to pay another visit to Lucie Brouillard at work durig the Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City. Lucie who hails from Alberta State and Quebec in Canada (we spoke in French all the time!) graduated in Art at High School and has been working in face painting and body painting for last 25 years. It is quite incredible to realize that she taught herself an art that she calls “writing a story on a body”!
Check Lucie Brouillard’s homepage for her art portfolio!
You will understand why she became the Bodypainting World Champion in 2009 and the Facepainting World Champion in 2009!

Interestingly enough Lucie pointed out that the Japanese people are the best to paint on their faces and bodies as they very few wrinkles and stay quiet and immobile while being decorated!

here is a compilation of her art I had the joy to witness!

A cute little peacock!

Fairy wings!

Beautifully combining the design color with that of the clothing!

The eye of a legendary bird?

A brace of mature felines!

Lady Butterfly!

A rejuvenated witch?
My favorite!

Another pixie just out of the woods!

That pixie came fleeting out the sky!

Now, who could be this macabre Bacchus?

Can you guess?

A half mask for the Carnival!

Another Lady Butterfly?

A growling lion from The Philippines!

A Pink Phoenix!

A bank employee?
Lucie confided this was the first time she had painted a squirrel on a face!

A howling dragon and a grinning frog!
Drawn on request!
Lucie didn’t want me to publish that particular design but I decided to show it to demonstrate that my friend will satisfy any design if reasonable!

Street performers?

And an 11-year old flower pixie for the last finishing touch!

See you again next year!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Culture, Daidogei, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Face Painting by Lucie Brouillard at Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City!

November 1, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

The Artist, Lucie Brouillard and the model of the day, Stephanie!

The Daidogei or Street Performers Fetsival began today to last until Sunday and I can promise you that the center of Shizuoka City, especially Gofuku Street and Aoba Street will be busy with artists of all trends and spectators coming from the whole Prefecture and beyond to witness a major event recognized in the whole of Japan!

I had some time free this afternoon and I strolled in the streets in search of a worthy subject…. and I found it!
Face painting!
Actually it was a piece of luck to go out today as the interminable queues wouldn’t have allowed me much freedom for pictures and interview!

Through sheer coincidence I also happened to meet a fellow Burgundian residing in Shizuoka City, namely Stephanie, who is also very interested in face painting! Actually she has been studying the art for the last three years!

Considering the level of the art, 1,000 yen for a half mask and 2,000 yen for a full face were a real bargain!
Do have a try and surprise your friends!

Lucie Brouillard who hails from Alberta State and Quebec in Canada (we spoke in French all the time!) graduated in Art at High School and has been working in face painting and body painting for last 25 years. It is quite incredible to realize that she taught herself an art that she calls “writing a story on a body”!
Check Lucie Brouillard’s homepage for her art portfolio!
You will understand why she became the Bodypainting World Champion in 2009 and the Facepainting World Champion in 2009!

Stephanie wanted her face painted as it was part of her own study!

Most of Lucie’s creations are abstract art but she is willing to tackle any request!

“First steo”.

“Second step” in progress.
Lucie uses only natural watercolors that will not affect the skin and that also allow her to “reactivate” any time some repair or else is needed!

“Second step” completed!

“Third step” in progress!

“Third step” still in progress!
Lucie has been invited as a guest artist to the Shizuoka Daidogei and has participated to the event 12 times since 2000!

“Third step” completed!

“Fourth step”!

Now, that attracted TV cameras!

The local media started crowding the place!

How does it look?

Beautiful!

Quite a few men were also tempted…

But you certainly cannot beat Lucie’s art on Stephanie!

Lucie will be stationed on the right side of Gofuku Street at a short distance from Aoba Street!
Come early as queues from tomorrow will stretch over 50 meters (serious!)!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Museums, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Japan Tourism:　Kunijian Wood Block Print Atelier at “Little Museum” in Mariko, Shizuoka City!

November 1, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Wood Block prints depicting old stations along the Tenhama Railway Line.

Mariko in Shizuoka City is a real haven for art lovers. Not only it is full of ateliers and artists, it also harbors a very cute museum simply called “Chiisana Bijutsukan/小さな美術館/Snmall Art Museum” that is worth more than a visit regardless of its size for its design and little treasures!

The building, founded in 2003, and the entrance are very modern if artistic in approach and you are in for a surprise once you have passed the entrance door!

But before entering take some time to admire the fountain and minuscule garden design!

The entrance.
Why is it almost at the far end of the building?

As soon as you have passed the door you have to take a 90-degree turn into a narrow hall which runs all the way down along the facade wall!

Looking back, you will find the entrance on the left at the top the picture.
But you are not walking blind as low windows will allow a peek inside!

Once inside you will find yourself in a long narrow room with white walls decorated with wood block prints by Kuniji Sone/曽根邦治さん, the artist who owns the Museum!

The entrance is free, but whatever the time you visit you will be invited to the far end alcove where you will be graciously served Shizuoka green tea!

Take your time, a seat and some delicious tea while the lady who helps the artist welcome visitors will talk about the Museum and Artist Kuniji Sone as long as you wish!

And while you drink your tea enjoy the view and peace of the hidden garden!

The Musuem also holds exhibitions and sales by various artists on a regular schedule so have a good look!
,

I actually bought one of the exquisite dishes placed on the left top extremity of the table!

A little Museum, yes, but packed with loveliness and art!

A beautiful array of tenugui/手ぬぐい/hand cloth!

I really wanted to buy this sake-drinking goblin (next time)!

Exquisite dyed cloth bags!

Kuinji Sone at work!

Kuniji Sone was born in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture in 1928 but really started exhibiting his wood block prints at the age of 67!
Even now, at the grand age of 84, he still works every day on new designs!

The walls are ornamented with his works of different sizes, all for sale at a range of prices to agree with any budget!

Kuniji Sone has traveled and still travel extensively, and his prints not only represent scenes in Shizuoka Prefecture but also those found all over Japan and the World!

Do take your time and enjoy the prints. You might even find your own country or land there!
Let me show you only a few I have chosen. It should entice you to see them all!

Railway stations along the Tenhama Railway Line in Western Shizuoka where 12 stations have been awarded the title of Shizuoka Prefecture Protected Historical and Cultural Assets!

Mount Fuji and tea fields from Yamanashi Prefecture!

Trinidad!

Garden pond in Vietnam!

Note it on your schedule next time you visit Shizuoka City!

Kujian Atelier & Gallery/Chiisana Bijutsukan/Small Museum
Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Mariko, Izumigaya, 3315-9
Tel.: 054-257-1114
Opening hours: 10:30~17:00
Closed on Wednesdays and End of the Year Holidays
Free entrance
Parking available

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

レシピ, 美食, Daikon, 野菜, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Vegan, vegetables, Vegetarian cuisine

Japanese Vegan Recipe: Easy and Beautiful Takuan and Shiso Appetizer!

October 31, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

It is not always easy to organize a party for vegans, especially for the ones who enjoy their drinks.
You need colors and design to entice people’s appetites and the Japanese are proficient at creating beauties from almost nothing!

How about Takuan and Shiso rolls for appetizers?
“Takuan” is Japanese pickled daikon and “Shiso” is perilla whose leaves and flowers are so delicious raw!

INGREDIENTS:

Takuan cut in thin slices: As many as you want!
Shiso: As many leaves as you want! Think of the size!

RECIPE:

First cut the takuan if you a\have it whole.
If you can find sold sliced, the better.
Sponge off any liquid off the takuan slices first or you will have yellow juice everywhere!
Clean the shiso leaves in running water and sponge off all water if deemed necessary.

Look at the picture above!
Cut the takuan slices in halves.
Put a shiso leaf on one takuan half slice.
If the shiso leaf is too big cut it as to cover a little less than half the takuan slice.
Do not throw away the cut shiso leaves leftovers. You can chop them finely and use them for decoration or seasoning!
Roll.
Don’t bother securing them. If the takuan slices are thin enough they will not unfold.
When you serve them place them inside a dish which allows to pacj\k them side by side for mutual support!

So simple and beautiful!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

レシピ, Cafes, Coffee, 美食, 観光, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

“Smiling Frog Cappucino”at Patina in Shizuoka City!

October 31, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

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. Interesting reasonable wine and cider list.

Today I had another cappucino at Patina in Shizuoka City because I’m steadily getting addicted to them, and also because I wanted to check a question asked by Sissi at “With A Glass”!

Cute Saori/沙緒里さん told me she uses only her fingers and imagination!
So, what did she create for me this time?

A smiling frog!
Actually she got a bit miffed when I guessed it wrong at first. I must admit I didn’t look carefully at first!

Those bulging eyes…. A frog indeed!
Mind you usually they don’t smile, they just croak!

Saori is fond of this leaf pattern!

It didn’t matter how much I drank, the smiling frog refused to disappear!

PATINA, Café & Brasserie
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 17-9
Tel.: 054-266-9500
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~21:30 (last orders) for meals, 11:00~22:00 for the cafe, Sunday~Saturday
10:00~22:00 on Sundays
Closed on Tuesdays

BLOG
Non-smoking until 15:00

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Culture, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Japan Tourism: The 57 “Red Berets” at Kansyouin Temple in Mariko, Shizuoka City!

October 29, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

“Red Berets” or “Stooges?

The other day when I was strolling at the foot of the mountains surrounding Mariko I happened onto an unusual site!

It was just between the post indicating the old Kanshyouin Temple/歓昌院 and the actual entrance gate.

Stop and approach?

There no less than 57 small statues, all different with their heads covered with knitted red berets!
Of course this is all religion lore and I’m not going to talk about the reasons behind the phenomenon, but some of the statues were really interesting for their features!
Here are a few I chose for their more intriguing expressions!

Surrender or exasperation!

Alroght, alright, shall we talk about it?

Just came back from Italy!

A snake for sale?

Hmmm, let me see…

Don’t tell me it’s going to rain……!

A gastronomy deity?

Shall I scratch my back or hit you?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

レシピ, 美食, 観光, 魚, 農業, Fish, Food, Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurants, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Italian Gastronomy: “Amago”-Red Spotted Masu Trout & Potato Terrine by Il Castagno in Shizuoka City!

October 29, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Equipment: Great general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great appetizers. Home-made pasta!. Great use of local products from the land and the sea. Southern Italy and Sardinia gastronomy.

On Saturday it was the turn of Chef Kenji Inami/稲見謙司さん at Il Castagno to ask me to come to his restaurant to show me what he had prepared with a fish bred in our Prefecture!

The fish is called Amagi Amago.
Amagi stands for the place where it is bred.
Amago/あまご translates as Red Spotted Masu Trout in English.

Shitayama Fish Farm in Shuzenji, Izu Peninsula!
The Fish Farm is located beside wasabi fields for the best natural environment.
Wasabi leaves are actually introduced in their feed!

Il Castagno is located in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City in a former Japanese izakaya where they serve Italian gastronomy at a counter, small tables and on tatami floor!

The small but very busy kitchen!

Amago and Potato terrine!

A view from the top to show the local organic leafy vegetables and the fish roe!

The fish itself was first marinated in salt and then washed before it was laid on top of the terrine.

The fish was seasoned with beautiful olive oil which married perfectly with the golden roe!

For a better view of the firm and crispy eggs that broke into extravagant juices between your teeth!

The mashed potatoes also contained organic shiitake mushrooms!

The leaves were seasoned with Il Castagno’s secret dressing!

One more dish with the same fish at the restaurant coming next!

IL CASTAGNO
420-0843 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Tomoe Cho, 48
Tel/Fax: 054-247-0709
Business hours: 11:45~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed every Monday and 3rd Tuesday
Credit cards OK (dinner only)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG (Japanese)
ENTIRELY NON-SMOKING!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,