Category Archives: Shizuoka City

Manhole covers, Shizuoka City, urban Art

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka City 37: The One That Will Never Appear On Shizuoka City Streets!

August 10, 2015 dragonlife 1 Comment

Last Friday the Shizuoka City Water and Sewers Department were holding an unusual and very instructive exhibition to make the public aware of their work from manhole covers to the functioning of toilets with a strong accent pn public hygiene!

Visitors were greeted with two of these public water spouts in shape of dragon head!

Quite a few fire hydrant and waterways manhole covers in their mint form were on display including a guest in the shape of a flowery design from Aichi Prefecture!

of course the hollyhock, emblem flower of Shizuoka City (for waterways) was exhibited!
Actually there exist more than 8 types of the same design!

There was also a mint of a fire hydrant manhole cover from Shimizu City before its merger with Shizuoka City!

The start display was of the three most recent fire hydrant manhole covers in Shizuoka City!

I have described those two in recent articles!

This one was minted in 2007 to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the retirement of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu to Sumpu (the old name of Shizuoka City!)!

This was laid on February 24th this year to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the Death of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu in our city!

These are the very newest designs to be laid in Shizuoka City!

The character on all three designs is a kingfisher, the emblem bird of Shizuoka City!
But unfortunately it will be some time before we can admire them in our streets!

This is the mint of a firefighting kingfisher!
When I asked the civil servants where we could them, they first replied they did not know exactly.
Later they were kind enough to meet me again with more of their colleagues who were actually extremely helpful and kind.
The story is we will never see this particular design as it was found out the surface would become too slippery when wet. Therefore this has become a mint proof that will ot be reproduced.
On the other hand the city is re-designing the cover to improve its safety but no one knew when they would appear yet!

A rare find if there is one!
Great for my collection until we see the new ones!
It would be a sham not to discover them as they are so cute!

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So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.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

French Cakes, Shizuoka City, Takuya Hanai

Classic Cakes by Takuya Hanai at Salon de The Hanai (2): Blue Cheese cake!

July 31, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Extremely friendly and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Overall spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable~slightly expensive (reasonable considering the quality!)
Strong points: Superb array of cakes and biscuits aimed at an adult clientele. Excellent lunch sets. Wine & beer available. Can be enjoyed as a cafe, restaurant and wine bar.

I used to conduct tastings of Takuya Hanai/花井拓也さん at his former shop, Taky’s.
It is only natural that I continued with his cakes at his new shop, Hanai Salon de The!

But I actually conducted this second tasting thanks to my good friend Mika who preceded me and brought this new creation for the two of us to taste: Blue Cheese Cake!

The concept of blue cheese for a cheese cake is highly risky for many obvious reasons.
But the combination with rum raisins, walnuts and dry figs will not only balance the strength of the blue cheese but actually create for an intriguing sweet and salty marriage.

It is a very creamy cheese cake riding a crispy biscuit, assertive but without any piquancy.
Actually, the whole approach is sweeter than expected mainly thanks to the addition of dry fruit.
Very elegant, with a superb balance, it is pleasure aimed at an adult clientele.
It definitely could be used as an appetizer!

To be followed (naturally!)…

Salon de The HANAI

420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajjo, 2-10-23
Tel. 6 Fax: 054-255-2829
Opening hours: 10:00~20:00 (later if enough customers!)
Closed on Tuesdays
Parties (up to 25) welcome!

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Craft Beer, Japanese Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale (2nd Batch)!

July 26, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

One craft beer by Aoi Brewing is sure to find its way into the bottled brands to start next November, the one made with green tea from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Honnori Ocha Ale/Honnori Green Tea Ale!
This is the second batch and it was an improvement on an already great brew!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Pilsner Malt, Topaz hop, Willamette hop, green tea, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.5%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. creamy, white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon/light orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. lemon, green tea
Taste: very refreshing, dry, acid, well-rounded attack. More well-rounded than the first batch.
Complex: green tea, with hints of citruses. More complex than the first batch.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a softer note but with green tea still prominent.
Varies little with food but for a softer approach, but still with strong green tea.
Green tea making a strong comeback after every sip.

Overall: very refreshing with a strong acidic penchant.
For lovers of dry craft beers!
More well-rounded and complex than first batch.
Perfect on a late hot afternoon!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP
FACEBOOK

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

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK
FACEBOOK

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Japanese Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-Grass Wheat Ale (2nd Batch)

July 26, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City have started in earnest producing second batches of their more popular brews, some of which might find their way into bottles from next November!
This particular one is the 2nd batch of their Grass Wheat Ale!

Served on tap
Barley, Wheat, Maris otter malt,Malted wheat malt, Australian Galaxy hop, German Spalber Select hop, coriander, nutmeg, orange peels, lemon grass, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.3%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles Long head, creamy, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon/light orange color
Aroma: refreshing. lemon, citruses, herbs, spices
Taste: very refreshing and deep attack with welcome acidity.
Complex. Lemon, citruses, lemon grass, nutmeg, spices.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a dry but soft note with more lemon and spices.
Varies little with food but for only a very little sweeter note.

Overall: a very refreshing craft beer with plenty of welcome acidity.
Very complex due to the many ingredients.
Thoroughly enjoyable on its own but would marry happily with any pub or BBQ heavy food in particular!
Best enjoyed on hot afternoon.
Should please all genders!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

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

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

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Lamb Hamburger, Shizuoka City

American Gastronomy: Lamb and Blue Cheese Hamburger at Tequila’s Diner in Shizuoka City!

July 23, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Good general cleanliness. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive but very good value
Strong points: Tex-Mex gastronomy of superior quality. Doubles up as bar in evenings.

Tequila’s Diner in Shichiken Cho (near Aoba Park Street) has become a real institution when it comes to American gastronomy, hamburgers in particular.
The latter are always 100% beef, generally American.
The food might sound a bit pricey at first, but the generous portions, the fully garnished dishes and the health of all makes more for an extremely good value.
Moreover the patties are always made with knife-chopped meat giving a real bite to a whole hamburger you enjoy at easy pace!

I had ordered something different when I belatedly noticed the summer limited treat on the blackboard overhead at the counter (lucky me as I wouldn’t have noticed since I usually sit in the small “lodge” outside!): lamb and blue cheese hamburger!
I just had the time to notify Chef Chihiro Okamato who took it easily in his stride!

The lamb and blue cheese hamburger both available at lunch and dinner!
Note the big fresh green salad!
The bun is baked by a local baker!

If you don’t want too much salt on your potato chips tell the staff beforehand! Actually a kids’ set is available with reduced salt on the potatoes!

The New Zealand lamb patty with the blue cheese and more vegetables for a great balance!

Knife-chopped meat patty.
This has nothing to do with soft meat you gulp down at cheap diners.
You need a knife to cut it if you do not eat it with your hands!
I like my meat with a real bite or else!

Incidentally Tequila’s Diner is not all hamburgers, far from it!
Check their ONLINE MENU!
No wonder you can expect more articles!

TEQUILA’S DINER
Chef Chihiro Okamoto

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 8-6 (near Aoba Park Street), ACT 7, 1F
Tel.: 054–255-7595
Business hours: 12:00~14:00, 18:00~24:00
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Small and big parties welcome on reservations
Small outside lodge can be made non-smoking
Kids’ special lunch (with little salt) available!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Baird Beer, Beer No Yokota, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft beer: Baird Beer Bay Steam Lager at Beer No Yokota in Shizuoka City!

July 22, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly if a bit shy
Facilities: Very clean. Superb toilets for a pub!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong Points: Baird Beer! Other Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan and overseas beers on the tap.
Entirely non-smoking!

The other day I paid a long overdue visit to Beer no Yokota Pub in Shizuoka City!
They are famous all over town and far beyond for serving all kinds of craft beers on the tap.

The menu does change regularly.
These days apart of Baird Beer (Shuzenji) they also serve Hansharo/Kuraya Narsawa Brewery (Izu no Kuni City) and Aoi Beer (Shizuoka City) as well as craft beers from Niigata, Morioka, Shiga and Mie and one from America!

The place is entirely non-smoking, a major plus when tasting craft beer!

I took the opportunity to taste the Bay Steam Lager by Baird Beer!

Served on tap
Barley, barley malt, hop, sugars, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5%
Bubbles: fine bubbles shortish head, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Deep orange color
Aroma: dry and fruity. Oranges, Biscuits
Taste: deep and fruity attack with a soft approach.
Complex. Biscuits, bread, hints of oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a comparatively dry and soft note.

Overall: another intriguing craft beer by Baird Beer!
Soft on the palate and complex.
A craft beer you feel very content to drink on its own for its sole value.
Both genders of any age will appreciate it!

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

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Italian Gastronomy, Japan, Shizuoka City

Italian Gastronomy: Lunch at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

July 9, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

Although I have been patronizing Soloio Italian Restaurant in Shizuoka City for 5 years it was the first time I visited it for lunch! The reason is simple enough: they started serving lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only from this year!

And their lunch is of great value!
For 1,404 yen (less than 12 US $ or less than 11 Euros!) you have a full antipasto misti plate, one of the three main pasta or risotto dishes, bread and olive oil, coffee or tea!
And for a ridiculous 300 yen you can add a dessert!
Let me introduce what we had the other day!

I recommend a seat at the counter!

The bread and olive oil!

The antipasto misti plate/Italian appetizers assortment!

From another angle!

Chilled soup, red tomato and yellow tomato caprese with mozzzarella, fritatta, squid in its ink, chicken and yellow pimento, onion confit crostini and garden vegetables!

The Dragon’s pasta!

Homemade sausage and zucchini spaghetti!

My risotto!

Smoked Madai/seabream and string beans risotto!

The dessert!

Cream cheese mille crepes (millefeuille!)!

And coffee as it should be served!

Looking forward to the next lunch as the menu is exclusively seasonal!

SOLOIO

Chef Takehiko Katoh/加藤武彦さん/Sommelier Mieko Osawa/小澤三江子さん

420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours:
Lunch: 11:30~13:30 (l.O.) (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Dinner: 17:00~22:00 (l.o.), 17:00~23::00 (Friday, Saturday)
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka City, sushi, Sushi Ko Shizuoka City

Sushi Restaurant: Dinner At Sushi Ko (June 2015) In Shizuoka City!

July 7, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Pro and very friendly
Facilities: Very clean. Excellent and spacious washroom
Prices: Reasonable (for sushi!)
Strong points: Great variety of seafood from Shizuoka Prefecture and the rest of Japan. Great list of sake and shochu

O-Toshi/お通し, the snack coming with the first drink. Tuna tartare/maguro tataki/鮪叩き!

Sushi Ko is a favorite sushi bar/restaurant of mine in Shizuoka City for many reasons:
The prices are clearly indicated (bear in mind though that the o-toshi/snack will be charged). If you ask for a special order the staff will be glad to prepare according to a pre-agreed budget.
The variety of seafood is unequaled in the City thanks to very very strong links with fishermen and fish markets all over Japan. Moreover, it serves a splendid array of local products seasoned with locally-grown fresh wasabi!
Even vegetarians and vegans can be catered for!

As we had come just at the opening time I had the chance to take pictures of the morsels in their glass displays without interfering with any customer!

You will be able to see these if you sit at the counter!

Bear in mind that sitting at the counter costs more is just a fallacy!

For once we drank white wine and French Chablis is just perfect for sushi!

We always start with one of the sashimi plates of the day. In this case, Bonito/Katsuo/鰹!

Always served on a bed of red onion!

With plenty of chopped scallions and grated fresh ginger!

For people who don’t fancy raw squid, ask for their tentacles deep-fried,ika geso karaage/烏賊ゲソ唐揚げ!

A rare fish from the Suruga Bay: Rosy seabass/nodoguro/ノドグロ!

Served as carpaccio with plenty of greens!

The chef confided that it was the first time he served it as such a request!

Then it was time for a few nigiri-styles sushi: scallops/hotate/帆立!

Sweet shrimps/Amaebi/甘海老!

Seared scabbard/cutlass fish with ponzu and momiji oroshi/Tachiuo aburi/太刀魚炙り!

Back to a cooked morsel typical of Shizuoka Prefecture: Deep-fried Cherry shrimps and baby corn/sakura ebi kakiage to young corn/桜海老かき揚げとヤングコーン!

Squid “noodles” in gunkan/mothership-style sushi/Ika soumen gunkan nigiri/烏賊素麺軍艦握り!

Seared beef nigiri/Gyuu aburi/牛炙り握り!

Some-homed mad pickles to accompany the next drink!

Junmai ginjo by Fujinishiki Brewery in Fujinomiya City!

Our neighbors’ sashimi plate!

Spicy scallops roll/piri kara hotate maki/ピリ辛帆立巻!

Pickled squid for the Dragon!/ika shiokara/烏賊塩辛!

Conger eel and cucumber roll/Anakyu Maki/アナキュウ巻!

Salmon roe in gunkan sushi style/Ikura gunkan /イクラ軍艦!

Having some fun with it!

And nameko mushroom soup to finish!

SUSHI KO/すし幸

420-0032 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 2-3-1 (Aoba Park Street)
Tel.: 054-251-9701
Business Hours： 17:00~25:00. 17:00~23:00 （Sundays）
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (in Japanese)
Smoking allowed. Private room can be arranged for non-smoking (4 people)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Masu Ichi Brewery-Dai Ginjo (November 1988!)

July 6, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

My constant research on Shizuoka Prefecture sake and sake breweries led me some years ago to meet Mr. Toshihiro Matsunaga/松永俊宏さん, owner of Matsunaga Liquor Shop in Shizuoka City, who has been collecting and safely storing at low temperatures sake from all over Shizuoka Prefecture and some outside for no less than 30 years!
I paid him a long overdue visit the other day to talk about his treasures and purchase one of them for tasting!

Dai Ginjo by Masu Ichi Brewery (Shizuoka City) bottled in November 1988!
Founded in 1882, Masu Ichi Brewery last produced sake until 2011 under master brewer Denjirou Masui/増井伝次郎杜氏 who left this world at the young age of 49. The brewery has been dormant since then but will hopefully be reborn with the coming of age of his son who has vowed to continue in the steps of his celebrated father!
There are still some last bottles but they certainly are to find and any who does proudly announces it!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in November 1988

Clarity: still very clear!
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. melon, banana, chocolate
Body: fluid, a little sirupy
Taste: very fruity and dry attack with only a little petillant on the late.
Complex: melon, banana.
Lingers for a little while before departing on notes of dark chocolate and chestnuts.
very pleasurable and easy to drink.

Overall: A remarkably well preserved true beauty for such an sake!
Not only drinking but savoring history!
Very soft on the palate with only a little petillant springing up at the end.
No need to accompany it with food! It is simply too precious!
To be valued and enjoyed like a very fine old vintage top-class wine!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-E-KAN Bitter

July 4, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

While Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City is celebrating its first year in business, its affiliated bar, Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City is celebrating his second year!

For its first Anniversary Aoi Brewing concocted a limited brew: E-KAN Bitter!

Served on tap
Barley, Maris otter malt, Pilsner malt, single hop=Australian Galaxy, live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.9%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles Longish head, creamy, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep lemon-orange color
Aroma: deep. Citruses.
Taste: refreshing, very acidic approach.
Fruity: lemon, citruses.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on an even more acidic note.
Changes little with food.

Overall: very fruity and bitter craft beer.
The perfect craft beer for bitter lovers!
Mind you, far more bitter than your usual British bitter!
To be enjoyed on a hot afternoon!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

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

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Craft Beer: Aoi Brewing-IBUKI

July 3, 2015 dragonlife 1 Comment

While Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka City is celebrating its first year in business, its affiliated bar, Aoi Beer Stand in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City is celebrating his second year!

This beer, called IBUKI (meaning “sigh” in Japanese) was conceived by young second brewer, Koudai Fukuyama/福山康大さん!
It is difficult to classify although its concept is similar to that of an amber ale.

Served on tap
barley, wheat, barley malt, wheat malt, Maris otter malt, Caramel malt, Munich malt, German malt, Low step valley malt, Sylva hop, Summer hop, Topaz hop, Suruga Elegant peels, Live yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol/ABV: 5.9%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles Long head, creamy, white color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: deep orange
Aroma: refreshing, fruity and deep. Citruses.
Taste: Refreshing, fruity and deep attack.
Oranges, bread.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a somewhat acidic and markedly drier note with hints of biscuits.
varies little with food

Overall: A craft beer for all seasons and all genders any time of the day and night!
Solid, reliable, and tasty!
The concept of IBUKI is to bring you solace after a hard day!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

BEER GARAGE

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

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

GROWSTOCK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Izakaya, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Izakaya: Tanuki no Ana Celebrating Their 35th Anniversary!

July 3, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: very kind and attentive
Equipment and facilities: overall a bit old but very clean
Prices: appropriate~a little expensive
Strong points: at least 23 sake from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Makoto and Chieko Naruoka/成川岡真・千恵子さん are celebrating the 35th Anniversary of their izakaya, Tanuki no Hana/狸の穴 (the racoon’s lair!) until July 10th!

The place has little changed over the years!

It is not the oldest izakaya in town but is certainly the oldest izakaya specialized in Shizuoka Prefecture sake!
Have a look at the sake labels on the window and you will discover some breweries that have long ceased to exist!
Makoto san in particular will happy to reminisce!

For their anniversary, Makoto and Chieko offer a special daily selection of five sake for only 500 yen a glass with a complimentary glass of draft beer!
Now, if you give them your name, size, phone number and e-mail address before the 10th you might become the lucky winner of a commemorative T-shirt!

A snack is also offered for 500 yen!

If you are a regular or give them any reason to like you they will probably come up with a complimentary snack!

I had three sake on offer that day:
Kinmei Junmai by Negami Brewery in Gotemba City!

Takasago Junmai Karakuchi (+10) by Fuji Takasago Brewery in Fujinomiya City!

Sayogoromo Junmai Karakuchi by Morimoto Brewery in Kikugawa City!

If you want not only to taste fine Shizuoka Sake but also learn about their history and anecdotes, Tanuki no Ana is the place!

TANUKI NO HANA/狸の穴

Makoto & Chieko Naruoka/成岡誠。千恵子さん
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae Cho, 2-2-5 (near Aoba Park Street)
Tel.: 054-255-6704
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Sundays & National Holidays
Credit Cards OK

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sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sanwa Brewery Garyubai Junmai Ginjo

June 26, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

The interesting things with Sanwa Brewery in Shizuoka City is that they can come up with two different sake with exactly the same specs but a totally different taste as shown with this Garyubai Junmai Ginjo and the precedent limited edition, Garyubai Junmai Ginjo “Ryoufuu Natsuzake”!

Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 5
Acidity: 1.3
Bottled in May 2015
Clarity: very ;ear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Strong bananas.
Body: fluid, a little sirupy
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed with pleasant junmai petillant.
Complex: bananas, custard, hints of nuts and greens.
Lingers for a while before disappearing with drier bananas, custard and faint notes of dark chocolate.
Varies little with food but for a drier note and more noticeable greens.
Late appearance of coffee beans.

Overall: very straightforward dry and pleasant sake obviously conceived to be enjoyed with food.
Eminently enjoyable on its own slightly chilled.
Should be drunk at room temperature with food, though. Will the show more facets!

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Japan, Japanese Plums, Organic Agriculture, Shizuoka City

Organic Japanese Plums Harvesting in Higashimine, Shizuoka City, with Marufuku Seicha Co.!

June 23, 2015 dragonlife 3 Comments

Last Sunday Asami Itoh/伊藤麻実さん, the young owner/manager of Marufuku Tea Company/丸福製茶株式会社 in Shizuoka City invited once again to participating to the harvest of organic Japanese Plums/Ume/梅 in her family-owned land up in the mountains of Shizuoka City!

The weather was not that great, what with fog and drizzle, but it was more comfortable than last year when it blazing hot!

Higashimine/東峰 is up in the mountains of Shizuoka City along the Abe River, not far from Umegashima.
It does take some time to reach it by car, but the trip itself is a joy whatever the weather with all the grand unadulterated views along the way!

There is even a small ancient Shinto Shrine to look after you there, at 1,000 meter altitude where the highest tea fields in Japan can be found!

It is a very steep way down from there but Japanese farmers are well equipped with these gasoline driven “mountain tracks” to carry heavy equipment and crops!

A real free fall, I can guarantee you!

Asami invites every time to ride down with her, and I refuse every time!

The rest of us just walk down.
Mind you, you do have to be fit and cautious!

Japanese cedars (cryptomeria) everywhere!

Walking past lone neighbors’ farmhouse!

We can stop at a nice little traditional farmhouse built by Asami’s late father!
In need we could stay there overnight!

Very traditional Japanese atmosphere!

The field in front of the house with many old plum trees which haven’t seen any fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides for the last 25 years!
The place is regularly invaded by wild boars, monkeys, civets, deer and even bears!
They will not show up with all the noise we make, but we do have to look out for the occasional leech!

The baskets used for the harvest!

Asami and her younger sister plucking the trees under the drizzle!

The plums have to be picked just before they ripen, otherwise they will naturally and very quickly ferment!

Japanese plums are not edible raw, but are used to make umeboshi/salted plums, umeshu/ume sake, ume jam and so forth!

Harvest piling up!

Still not complete.
We must have harvested about 80 kg that day, although the crop was not impressive this year!

The only “monster” of the crop!

Once the crop finished we sorted it we put it on the “railway”!

It was time for lunch while the watermelon was cooling down!

Like last year I was the one in charge of cutting it!

Great dessert!

Cleaning up and getting ready to climb back to the car park!

Asami starting the train and going ahead of us!

By then, it was almost pouring, but the mountain views were beautiful!

See you there again next year!

Marufuku Tea Factory (Owner: Ms. Asami Itoh/伊藤麻実さん)
420-0006 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Wakamatsu, Cho, 25
Tel.: 054-271-2011
Fax: 054-271-2010
Mobile: 090-3250-4188

CHA-O (Director, Ms. Asami Itoh/伊藤麻実さん)
420-0006 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Wakamatsu Cho, 94
Tel: 054-253-8421
Fax: 054-253-8413
HOMEPAGE

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French gastronomy, Restaurants, Shizuoka City

French Gastronomy: Dinner at KAWASAKI Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

June 22, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Pro and very friendly
Facilities & Equipment: Spotless clean. Superb “bilingual” washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Extensive use of local products, especially organic vegetables, game/gibier. Wines and local sake.

At long last I had the opportunity to re-visit KAWASAKI restaurant in Shizuoka City for a full dinner!
The restaurant is located along the Aoba Street in Aoi Ku on the second floor of a cute red-brick building!

You can’t miss it!

The entrance on the second floor!

Take your time and check this board past the entrance!

The specialties of the day!

Can you guess what it represents?

Home-cured meats and hams, including game/gibier!

Very decent and well-chosen wine list bu the glass or the bottle!

Some of the Top-class vegetables organically grown under Mount Fuji!

The restaurant holds seats at a counter and three tables. It is always a good idea to reserve in advance!

One can order a la carte but we opted for the “Menu Terroir” for 6,200 yen mainly dedicated to vegetables.
Two other set menus are available, a “Menu Saison” for 4,200 yen and a “Menu Degustation” for 8,000 yen (on reservation only)
As for lunch, 3 set menus at 1,200, 1,800 and 2,400 yen!

The first appetizer: wild venison rillettes on mushroom grown by Mr. Hasegawa in Fuji City!

The second appetizer!

Shellfish and burdock tart!!

The third appetizer!

Cauliflower Mousseline and broad beans in broad beans jelly!

The fourth appetizer!

Home-cured ham, wild duck and vegetables salad!

The fifth appetizer!

Chicken mousse filled zucchini flower!

Beautiful colors!

The vegetable dish!

All vegetables are locally grown (mainly Fujinomiya City), exclusively seasonal and organic!

Beautiful palette!

The main dish!

Veal raised at Okamura Farm in Fujinomiya City!

Once again mushrooms from Hasegawa Farm i Fuji City!

Pre-dessert: citruses in hibiscus (roselle) jelly!

The dessert!

Chocolate and walnut terrine and citruses sauce and jam!

Coffee and mignardises served as they should be!

See you there again for lunch!

KAWASAKI French Restaurant
Chef Yoshinori Kawasaki/川崎芳範さん

420-0034 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 1-8-5, BROOKLYN SQUARE 2F (Along Aoba Street just before junction with Showa Street)
Tel: 054-272-0066
Opening hours: 12:00~14:00, 18:00~22:30
Closed on Sundays and 3rd Monday of the month
Credit Cards OK
Private parties welcome
Entirely non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE
KAWASAKI Facebook
Chef Yoshinori Kawasaki facebook

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