Japanese Cakes/Wagashi for Vegans/Vegetarians 2: Recipe-Anko/Sweetmeats/ Recette d’ANKO, pâte de haricots rouges.

WAGASHI-4

One main ingredients in traditional Wagashi/Japanese Cakes is “anko/餡子” (or more simply “an”) which can be translated as “sweetmeats” or “bean jam”.

Actually few people know that it was first conceived and made in a temple in Okitsu, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

I would like here to introduce a simple way to make one’s own “anko” at home:

INGREDIENTS:

Azuki/Adzuki/red beans (in Japanese: 小豆): 150 g
Sugar: 150g
Salt: a little

RECIPE:

a) Wash azuki lightly. Put in a large basin with an equal amount of water and turn on heat to high.

b) Bring to boil. If beans level is higher that of water, add water till beans are completely covered. Let simmer. Add water 2 or 3 times as soon as the water does not cover completely the beans and this until beans stop floating on water.

c) Drain beans, put them back into basin with same amount of water and turn fire to high. Repeat a) operation.

d) Cook as c) for 40~60 minutes.

e) Mash azuki beans lightly. Add sugar. Simmer and stir to mix, making sure the jam does not overboil.

f) Add a little salt (to your taste) and mix.
Let cool completely.
You can eat it as it is of course, but you will need it to make your cakes!
You can either sieve it to make it a very fine paste, sieve a part and mix it with the unsieved part, or use it as it is. In any case it will be easy to fashion!

WAGASHI-ANKO

 

WAGASHI-4

Quand on parle de pâtisseries japonaises, on ne peut oublier de mentionner l’anko/餡子 (ou an en japonais). En français on dira pâte de haricots rouge, ici le vocabulaire français est plus limité que celui de langue anglaise, avec ses “sweetmeats”,  “bean jam” ou “red bean jam” bien plus parlants.

Peu de gens savent que Shizuoka fut pionnière dans l’élaboration de cette confiture, à Okitsu, arrondissement de Shimizu.

Voilà une recette simple et efficace pour les grands et les petits.

INGREDIENTS:

 

Haricots rouges Azuki( en japonais : 小豆): 150 g
Sucre: 150g
Sel: un petit peu

RECIPE:

Lavez légèrement les haricots, mettez-les dans un récipient contenant à peu près la même quantité d’eau que d’haricots. Ensuite réglez le gaz sur “élevé”.

Quand l’eau sera en ébullition il faudra que les haricots soient totalement submergé, donc veillez à ajouter de l’eau si nécessaire. Laissez mijoter. Ajoutez de l’eau 2 ou 3 fois dés que les haricots dépassent de l’eau et jusqu’à ce qu’ils flottent légèrement.

Egouttez tout le monde et recommencer l’opération précédente.

Laissez mijoter entre 40 minutes et une heure.

Pour la suite il faut écraser légèrement les haricots. Ensuite ajoutez du sucre, et faites mijoter tout en remuant, attention à ce moment là que cela ne boue pas trop.

C’est à ce moment que l’on ajoute le sel, que l’on mélangera ensuite. Enfin laissez refroidir et ce sera prêt.

Vous pouvez déguster la pâte une fois finalisée, mais bien entendu le mieux est de l’utiliser dans des gâteaux, dorayakis, taiyakis etc…

Vous pouvez choisir aussi de la passer au tamis pour savoir si vous voulez garder la texture en morceaux, ou en faire une pâte plus fine ! 

 

WAGASHI-ANKO

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, 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

Japanese Cakes/Wagashi for Vegans/Vegetarians 1: Introduction

WAGASHI-1

There is a traditional way of making cakes in Japan that ought to please no end vegans, vegetarians and people allergic to wheat flour and dairy products, namely Wagashi!

Wagashi (和菓子) is a traditional Japanese confectionery which is often served with tea, especially the types made of mochi, azuki bean paste, and fruits.

Wagashi is typically made from naturally based (mainly plant) ingredients. The names used for wagashi commonly fit a formula—a natural beauty and a word from ancient literature; they are thus often written with hyōgaiji (kanji that are not commonly used or known), and are glossed with furigana (phonetic writing).

Generally, confectioneries that were introduced from the West after the Meiji Restoration (1868) are not considered wagashi. Most sorts of Okinawan confectionery and those originating in Europe or China that use ingredients alien to traditional Japanese cuisine, e.g., kasutera, are only rarely referred to as wagashi.

WAGASHI-2
Assortment of wagashi for a tea ceremony

During the Edo period, the production of sugarcane in Okinawa became highly productive, and low quality brown sugar as well as heavily processed white sugar became widely available. A type of sugar, wasanbon, was perfected in this period and is still used exclusively to make wagashi. Wagashi was a popular gift between samurai, in significance much like a good wine. Wagashi is served as part of a Japanese tea ceremony, and serving a good seasonal wagashi shows one’s educational background.

WAGASHI-3
Wagashi in the shape of rape flowers/Na no Hana

There are many, many kinds of Wagashi!
I will introduce them in the next postings, followed by other postings on the basic preparation.

WAGASHI-ABEKAWAMOCHI-2
Shizuoka’s Abekawa Mochi

Just know that about every region in Japan has its own traditional Wagashi!

Availability:
Wagashi is widely available in Japan, but quite rare outside it.
Minamoto Kitchoan (源 吉兆庵)
Has a varied selection, and stores in New York City (shipping throughout the US), London (shipping throughout Europe), and Singapore, in addition to Japan.
Toraya (とらや)
Has a full Paris store, stores in Japan, and sells a limited selection (yōkan only) at New York stores.
Fugetsu-do
Family owned and operated in the USA, since 1903, Fugetsu-do now ships anywhere in the USA.

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, 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

Tottori One Cup Sake Tasting 2: Chiyo Musubi Brewery-Nezumi Otoko Junmai/Junmai Ginjo

Tottori Prefecture is famed all over Japan for a manga called “Gegege no Kitaroo”, a story featuring all kinds of ghosts, whose first episode was pblished back on October 10th, 1967.
Although the prefecture is popular for many other reasons many a fan will visit the Prefecture to visit all the attractions based on that particular manga!

This particular one cup sake is part of a three cups set. This is the second one featuring Nezumi Otoko/Rat Man who happens to often antagonize Kitaroo, the main hero of the manga!

Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 16.5 degrees
Bottled in Novemeber 2018

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden
Aroma: discreet. Dry. Nuts, almonds, dry raisins.
Tasting: very dry attack. Fruity. Roasted nuts, chestnuts, raisins, dry ornages.
Disappears quickly enough warming up the palate with a lingering dry nuts note.
Changes little with food but for deeper nuts and late appearance of coffee nuts.along with deeper almonds.

Comments: Solid, reliable, uncomplicated sake with a very dry accent. Quite modest for a junmai ginjo. Easy to drink.
At its best during a meal, especially izkaya style.

Recommended pairings: cheese, oden, frilled fish, grilled shiitake, tamagoyaki.

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, 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

Italian Gastronomy: 2019~2020 Winter Dinner at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

Service: Smiling, attentive and very informative.
Equipment and facilities: Spotless clean, superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking.
Prices: Reasonable~slightly expensive
Strong points: authentic Milanese cuisine. Excellent wine list. Superb products, be they loca,. Japanese or Italian! The best risotto in town!

There is little need to repeat why Soloio is simply and arguably the best Italian restaurant in Shizuoka Prefecture. There fore I will keep o describing the dishes we had the pleasure to savor during our latest visit!
Above is a carpaccio of very fine beef produced by Okanura Farm in Fujinomiya City!
Incidentally the appellation of carpaccio applies only to beef! how pedantic of me!

Salad of fresh mushrooms from Fuji City!

A constant favorite of mine: Shizuoka wild boar terrine!

Slightly extravagant when you consider the quality of the fish: sole/flatfish fritters!

So simple, but the “Dragon” (who is she?) just cannot visit Soloio without ordering it: potato and octopus salad!

Now, this is a first and absolutely elegant in spite of its name: home-made cocoa tagiatlle!

What we always come for: Piemonte Winter Truffles Risotto! Do I need to comment? LOL

And in spite of the Dragon’s protests I ended up with an affocado!

What’s next? Well, I won’t tell you until then! Lol again.

SOLIO
420 0858 Shihizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 9-7
Tel.: 054-260-4637
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Mondays
Credit cards OK
Reservations strongly advised
Parties welcome
GOOGLE MAP

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, 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

Shizuoka Izakaya: Dinner at Maru Ryou in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

The first starters!

Service: A bit shy but very kind and attentive
Equipment and Facilities: Overall very clean. Excellent washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong Points: Authentic izakaya cuisine. Nice list of sake and shochu. Accent on local products, especially seasonal fish.

Superb set of local fish sashimi (part 1)!

Shimizu Ku (formerly Shimizu City before its merger with Shizuoka City) has of late been witnessing a revival of its old quarters, what with the new influx of tourists and the modernization of the access to its fishing harbor!
Get off at Shimizu JR Station, turn on the left, get down the stairs, walk on the left across a small street and continue until you find a long covered arcade on your left.
This has become the location for new izakayas, shops and bars!
You will find Maru Ryou/まる両 easily enough!

Superb set of local fish sashimi (part 2)!

I had the pleasure to discover the place thanks to a friend who happens to be a true local of this part of the city!
As we share a taste of good local food and drinks, I was sure to come to the right place!
They do have a nice list of local sake in particular, and you must try the fish as this is a major fishing town in the whole of Japan!

Fresh raw shirasu/sardine whiting, a local specialty!

As a true Japanese izakaya they will also offer all kinds of cooked various ways!
Deep-fried octopus!

Japanese chicken brochettes/yakitori!

Back to fish with another loala fish: aji tataki/horse mackerel tartare! unbeatable frshness!

A specialty of the place, a bit out the ordinary: Unagi tamago donburi/ eel and egg bowl!

And to beat the cold outside before going home: Ochazuke/rice tea soup!

Can’t to go there again, alone or in good company, whatever the time of the year!

MARU RYOU
424-0816 Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Masago Cho, 2-18
Tel.: 054-364-2733
Opening hours: 16:00~21:00
Closed on Sundays
GOOGLE MAP

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, 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

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery Hikake Kyurei Jukusei Honjozo Genshu (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

I have said it time and again, when it comes to tasting local sake I often do it In La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City in the company of Hiromi Hasegawa as it is cheaper and certainly more entertaining! That is at least for only a part of the vast array of nectars being brewed in this Prefecture! LOL

This time I tasted a sake made by Oomuraya Brewery in Shimada City which comes with some long names to describe their brews:
Hikake (pasteurization) Kyurei (immediately refrigerated after pasteurization) Jyukusei (slowly matured) Honjozo Genshu (no water blending)!

Rice: Gohyakumangoku
Rice milled down to 70%
Yeast: Shizuoka SY-103
Alcohol: 18 degrees
Dryness: +1
Acidity: 1.4
Amino acids: 1.2
Bottled in 2018

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. Pears, apples faint raisins.
Tasting: dry and fruity attack. Warms up back of the palate. Pears, apples. lingers for a while on the palate before disappearing on drier note.
Tends to become a little drier with food with dry raisins and nuts popping up.

Comments: very fine sake in spite of its comparatively low status.
Very easy to drink, notwithstanding the high alcohol contents.
More elegant than expected. Best drunk at room temperature.
A discovery! The more for it as it limited to only 500 bottles!
If you have a chance to find it, just grab it and keep it as long as you wish until a special occasion!
Suggested pairings: vegetables salads and marinades. Tempura.

LA SOMMELIERE

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 7-5, Aiseido Bldg, 1F
Tel. & Fax: 054-266-5085
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00, 12:00~18:00 on Sundays & National Holidays
FACEBOOK (Japanese)
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, 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

Lunch at ARMO CAFFE in Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku!

Service: very kind and smiling
Equipment and facilities: overall very clean. Excellent washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: tasty lunch sets. Informal cafe atmosphere

Armo Caffe along a main thoroughfare in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, is a bit out of the ordinary as it a cafe cobined with a high grade cycling shop!

A big car park being provided it is very popular not only with the locals, but cyclists and travelers of all fields!
The more for it has a very easy-goin, laid back atmosphere about it!

It directly communicates with a top class cycling shop!

A very cean place!

Have a close look at the shelf!

A bonus for customers in a hurry! Take-out menu!

Menu 1!

Menu 2!

Menu 3!
Bear in mind they change regularly, especially according to seasons and available products!

What my friend and I ordered!

ham, home-made bread, quiche, and so on!

A very original pizza (the vegetables are local!)!

I’m sure that sportsmen (it is located between IAI Nihondaira Stadium and S-Pulse Training Grounds!), bikers and ladies will love it!

ARMO CAFFEE
424-0902 Shizuoka Prefecture Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Orido, 2 Chome-2
Opening hours: 1::00~17:00
Closed on Wednesdays
Cash only
Tel.: 054-334-9393

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, 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

Tottori One Cup Sake Tasting 1: Chiyo Musubi Brewery-Kitaroo Junmai/Junmai Ginjo

Tottori Prefecture is famed all over Japan for a manga called “Gegege no Kitaroo”, a story featuring all kinds of ghosts, whose first episode was pblished back on October 10th, 1967.
Although the prefecture is popular for many other reasons many a fan will visit the Prefecture to visit all the attractions based on that particular manga!

This particular one cup sake is part of a three cups set. This one is named Kitaroo from the main hero of the manga!

Rice milled down to 50%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Bottled in Novemeber 2018.

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: discreet, dry and fruity. plums, nuts.
Tasting: very dry and sharp attack. Plums, roasted nuts. Disappears slowly enough wit a strong impression left on the palate. Tastes almost like very dry sherry wit nuts added.
Changes little with food but for some petiillant on the tongue.

Comments: solid, uncompromising and uncomplcated sake to accompany heavy food , especially in winter.
Recommended pairings: potato salad, oden, grilled fish

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, 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

French Bistro Cuisine Dinners (2) at LA VARIE in Shizuoka City!

SErvice: Shy but smiling and very attentive
Equipment and facilities Overall very clean. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable~slightly expensive
Strong points: Traditional but inventive French Bistro cuisine with a twist. Very reasonably priced wine list

Veteran Chef Tshiharu Matsuura, after openingg such places as Villa d’Est Quisine, some time ago finally settled with his new venture, LA VARIE (pronouce “la varieh”) in the company of his wife. Located in a back street of Mizuochi Cho, not far from the Kitakaido Street about 30 minutes walk from Cenova Deaprtment Store, It stands in a very quiet laid back location but nonetheless came become very busy at lunch time. Evenings are comparatively quieter and more propitious to slow eating and drinking!

Talking of drinking a large selection of unusual bottles is available. But you can also order wine by the glass. As there are always 3 whites and 3 reds proposed on the menu, it is a god idea to start with a tasting set of them all, and later choose another glass if you are still thirsty!
Above is the white wine selection with names written on the paper napkin!

The same for the reds!

The menu featuring French bistro style and fusion bistro cuisine varies along the season and the products available, making visits different every time although some classics are constant!
The following pictures show what we had during two dinners in various companies!
Above is a French pate (should be called terrine, though!) de campagne!

Squid and octopus in tomato ajillos sauce and cheese gratin!

Raw seafood salad!

A Japanese bistro style karaage/deep-fired chicken and mixed herbs and spices powder garnish!

Mushroom spaghetti!

Meat pie and prawn crostini!

Another fresh seafood salad!

Squid and beans stew!

Marinated shrimps and vegetables salad!

Mushrooms and meat sauce pasta!

Pate de campagne and smoked ham plate!

Fresh fig crostini!

Roasted beef with fruit sauce and mashed potato!

Shiitake mushrooms crostini!

Don’t worry, desserts are also featured on the menu!

LA VARIE/食堂ラ・ヴァリエ
4200831 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Mizuochi Cho. 5-12
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~23:00
Closed on Wednesdays
Cash only
GOOGLE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, 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, 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: Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Italian Gastronomy: Dinner at Il Dritto in Shimada city!

Service: Kind, attentive and very informative
Equipment and facilities: Overall spotless clean. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: inventive modern Italian cuisine making use of many local products. Interesting and reasonable Italian wine list including wines from Kumamaoto Prefecture!
Doubles up a gastronomic bar in the evening!

Succulent and elegant Italian cheese amuse!

I have always thought that Shimada City deserved better when it came to food. They are already blessed with some of the best sake in Japan and when it comes o Japanese gastronomy they are blessed with a couple of very good restaurants/izakaya. But when it came to Western cuisine they definitely missed higher class Italian Restaurant.
Now, they have it with the arrival of Il Dritto a few months ago!

Check he specials of the day!

It is not only a restaurant but also a wine bar (with food if desired) at a small counter until last orders at 22:00!
Otherwise it does not sit so many guests,and I recommend to reserve in advance unless you want to try your luck at opening time at 18:00. As for the week ends it is definitely crowded!
This was our first visit so I don’t know what happens at lunch time on week ends but you expect crowds and single set menus!

As for the evenings it is real fun reading and choosing from the menu board!
Do take your time! You will discover a very interesting fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine definitely served in the Italian fashion, I would say high fashion!


I know some Italian friends who would be very intrigued and tempted by the “Aburi Ankimo/Hal grilled monkfish liver”
A real fusion creation using ankimo/monkfish liver first steamed the japanese way and then slghtly grilled served an Italian-concept fish sauce! Very, very unusual which the the creative talent of young owner chef Daisuke Hirabayashi

Of course the herb bread is exclusively home-baked!

Aburi/haf grilled Sanma/Pacific saury wits liver sauce and fine vegetables!

Another fine marriage of Japanese and Italian cuisine!
Pacific saury is a Japanese fish par excellence and again my Italian friends are in for another surprise!

Kumamomoto Prefecture Horsemeat Carpaccio!
As a frenchman I just couldn’t ignore that morsel! Mind you, my Italian friends will have a pleasure to dispute that!
Smiling Owner Sommelier Megumi Hirabayashi shy (Daisuke’s wife) actually hails from Kumamoto Prefecture and you can expect some rare wines from her own Prefecture!


Talking of wines we had this reasonably-priced and very fine Valpolicella!

We had a bit of a fight to choose either pasta or risotto for our visit, but I lost the jankenpon/stone paper scissors and we opted for this beautiful seafood pescatore linguine with prawns, squid, scallops and cockles!
Don’t have to mention the little ensuing fight! LOL

Consequently I was “allowed” to choose one of my favorites for the next dish: Roasted duck breast with red wine sauce and fine vegetables! A dish that has made the French and Italian friends forever! LOL

It was time for dessert, then? Then, what did I choose to satisfy my male chauvinistic preference?

Hazelnut Catarana!
Who said the Italian are limited when it come to dessert? So sweet! corny comment, sorry!)

My only regret? I could sample all the dishes!
But I will have my revenge soon!

IL DRITTO
Owner Chef: Daisuke Hirabayashi
Owner Sommelier: Megumi Hirabayashi

427-0022 Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada City, Hontoori, 1-9-1,Marichi TAC 1F
Tel: 0547-330790
Opening hours:
Lunch 12:00~14:00 8 Saturdays and Sundays only)
Dinner: 18:00~22:00
Closed on Mondays and 4th Tuesday
Credit cards OK
GOOGLE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, 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, 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: Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Vegan Cakes at LOCOMANI in Shizuoka City!

Service: Very friendly although a bit shy!
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness. Excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Inventive vegan menus. Healthy rice flour cakes.Mainly local products.

The other day I decided to visit my good friends at LOLCOMANI in Shizuoka City for coffee and cakes in the afternoon as lunches are always impossibly crowded, especially with ladies wishing for a healthy lunch offered by this reference vegan restaurant (I am no vegan, but I can appreciate from time to time, and it is always a pleasure to introduce it to my vegan friends!).
As for the cakes they tend to vary with the seasons and ingredients available, so make a point to check them beforehand.
If you cannot read the Japanese menu the owner’s wife will make it her pleasure to explain it in simple English!
As for the drink menu there is plenty to choose from the organic coffees and tea and the home-made vegan fruit drinks!

Chocolate cake!
All cakes are basically made with rice flour in case of some clients being wheat flour allergic!

For a better view with its soymilk cream and sweet nuts sauce!

Organic Coffee!
Actually LOCOMANI’s teas and coffees are well above average, although a bit weak for some, but well-balanced and tasty!

Half cakes set!
LOCMANI have a policy to have their clients taste as many of their cakes as possible. So instead of ordering a full serving of one cake, you can combine two half servings for better enjoyment!

Chiffon cake!

Fruit cake!

For vegans and others with a sweet tooth but mindful of their health!

LOCOMANI
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-10-6
Tel.: 054-260-6622
Opening hours 11:30~18:00 (11:30~15:00 0n Sundays)
Closed every Wednesday and one Monday
HOMEPAGE/BLOG (Japanese)
GOOGLE MAP

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, 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, 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: Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Soba, Tempura & Local Products at Yuriyama in Ikumi, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture!

Service: Shy but very kind and attentive
Equipment: Overall very clean. excellent washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Home-made soba/buckwheta noodles, tempura, and local farmers’ products

The other day a good friend of mine, Mayumi, owner of the Flower Shop Pepiement in Shimada City, was kind enough to drive (look at bus access below) drive me to an authentic local farmers restaurant and shop called Yamayuri/Mountain Lily up the road leading to Ikumi in the northern part of Shimada City. I already had the occasion to use this same bus twice up to its final stop and I would definitely suggest anyone to take and discover the true back country of japan with all kind of quaint sites!

The shop alone is worth the trip!
Better come early to pick the best choice of local seasonal vegetables and fruit!

And don’t miss all the home-made jams, preserves, pickles and discover the tastes of real rural Japan!

The restaurant is just left past the entrance!

Place the orders before entering the restaurant! Even you do not understand Japanese the menus are explained with pictures. Just point and pay beforehaand!

The local vegetables used in the dishes of the day!

The restaurant includes a soba classroom!
Even if you only wish to eat there taking pictures is welcome!

More pictures depicting the activities of the day inside the restaurant!

Hot soba!
Of course the soba are made afresh every day!

Cold soba!

I could not resist their gyoza!
Actually excellent and light and tasty!

Cold soba mounted with fresh hot tempura!

The tempura might look rough (don’t forget this farmer’s wife cooking!) but you can’t beat the taste of fresh local vegetables! A delicacy for vegetarians!

If you have a day off do combine the restaurant and shop with a slow trip in the midst of rural Japan!

Address: 427-0232 Shizuoka Prefefecture, Shimada City, Ikumi, 5202 (access by car or Ikumi Sem Midosawa Yuki/伊久身線御堂沢行き community bus line every hour from Shimada Station north exit. Get off at Yamayuri/やまゆり bus stop. First bus leaving at 7:00, last at 20:00, return bus first at 6:14, last at 18:54. Count 40 minutes trip. Only 8 buses a day!)
Tel.: 0547-39-0193
Opening hours: 10:00~16:00 (better check on the phone first!)
Closed on Thursdays and Fridays (open on Fridays in August)
Soba/Buckwheat noodles preparation classes, Table BBQ, Ground Golf, Farmer’s wife cooking class, etc.
GOOGLE MAP
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
FACEBOOK
CHECK IKUMI’S FACEBOOK!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, 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, 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: Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Hokkaido One Cup Sake Tasting 1: Nihon Seishu Brewery Chitose Branch-Chitosetsuru Hakodate Gagyuzan

i found this one cup sake the other day during my visit in Hakodate, Hokkaido Island!

Although this label is usually sold in Hakodate only the Brewery is actually from Sapporo, namely the Nihon Seishu Brewery but this particular brand, ChitoseTsuru is brewed in their branch brewery in Chitose, not far from the Chitose International airport!

The label depicts Gyaguzan, one of the most, if not most famous night view in Hakodate City!

Rice: various rice from Japan
Dryness: + 1
Acidity: 1.3
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in June 2019

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: strong. plums
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and smooth attack. Drier than expected. Plums, persimmons, nuts. Lingers for a while on the tongue and palate Does not noticeably change with food but for a little more acidity. Tends to finish on drier note.
Overall: Straightforward sake. Not a premium but quite enjoyable actually if you like solid uncomplicaed brews.
Recommended pairings: Izakaya fare, heavy foods, BBQ, grilled fish.

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, 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

Yakitori and Kushiyaki, and Shizuoka Sake at KASAI in Shizuoka City!

SErvice: shy but very friendly and always ready to explain everything!
Equipment and facilities: ery clean overall. Excellent washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points high standard traditional yakitori and kushiyaki with some superb surprises in stock! Superb sake list especially from Shizuoka Prefecture!

Kasai has long been an establishment of reference in our City of Shizuoka and deservedly so!
Not only they serve traditional yakitori and kushiyaki of high quality but at reasonable prices but they also pride themselves as serving mainly many local products, be they meat or vegetables, and especially a wide range of great Shizuoka sake!
The other day I had the occasion to visit the place in the company of two Canadian/Quebecqois clients who were very keen to sample local gastronomy after a visit of our wasabi and tea fields! They certainly were not disappointed and surprised the owner with their ferocious appetite!

We started by tasting our first sake from Shizuoka Prefecture right away; Isojiman Ginjyo from Yaizu City!
Note that the sakes were chosen by the owner-chef!

We started with this set: asparagus and bacon rolls and “circles” of shiso and pork!

Also Isojiman from Yaizu City but this time a Junmai Ginjyo!

More asparagus and bacon rolls and large prawns rolled in thin slices of pork!

This came as a “service”, thin slices of new celery with cream sauce and shaved cheese!

And it was time to taste our sake: Garyubai Junmai Ginjyo by Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

The next dish might surprise newcomers to Japan! Extra beef brochettes/kushiyaki, again asparagus rolled in bacon and Shizuoka Wagyu Beef brochettes!
Shizuoka Prefectures has no less than 12 state-labeled wagyu farms! No need to go anywhere else in Japan!

Some dishes just have to tried twice or more! LOL

Geso/squid tentacles, large prawn rolled in thin slices of pork and extra beef!

Two more Shizuoka wagyu brochettes and a specialty of the house: tomato and pork rolls!

Our final Shizuoka Prefecture sake: Karakaze karakuchi junmai ginjyo by Hana no Mai Brewery in Hamakita Ku, Hamamatsu City!

And for the finish Kasai-style exploded chicken wings yakitori!

The nly problem is that I will have to write another blog to introduce all the dishes and sakes we had not tasted!

KASAI420-0029 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tagiya cho, 29-24
Tel.: 054-273-3236
Opening hours: 17:30~24:00
Closed on Sundays
Credit cards ok
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
GOOGLE MAP

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, 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

Sushi and Sashimi Lunch at Maguro Ichigo In Shimizu Fish Market, Shizuoka City!

Service: shy but very kind
Equipment and facilities: Overall very clean. Shared bathroom, old but clean.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: first class fish and seafood at very reasonable prices. Super fresh. Serves both raw and cooked fish!

The locals know it well but tourists do not seem to know yet the value of visiting a local fish market to enjoy super fresh fish and seafood at very reasonable prices all in an authentic atmosphere away form mannerisms and snobbery downtown.
In Shizuoka City the Shimizu Fish Market is the place! Very easy to find: get off at Shimizu JR Railway Station turn right in the direction of the harbor and use the overhang passage. Turn left to cross the road and go gown at the end. The fish market is two minutes away on foot on your right!

This particular fish market is known all over Japan for its tuna as this the largest tuna unloading harbor in Japan!
I do have to visit the place regularly for business or otherwise and my favorite restaurant is Maguro Ichigo/まぐろ一期!
Take your time to check the dish and cuisine models exhibited outside! They also have a menu in English on request!
It is a great place to visit alone or with family as they also serve scrumptious cooked food for people and especially children who don’t like raw food! Incidentally they offer a set for children, too!

I chose a set consisting of a tuna/maguro sushi bowl topped with all kinds of tuna and a sakuraebi kakiage/cherry shrimps fritter/ a local specialty with miso soup and pickles!

The maguro sushi bowl was topped with slices of akami/lean tuna, chutoro/semi fat tuna and negitoro/scraped tuna with pickled ginger! As for the price, unbeatable!

The cherry shrimps fritter!

My friend had a different set including a small sashimi plate!

A rarity in Japan: Simmered tuna tail!

It is only a small sample of the food and dishes available!
Come as a group and taste as many dishes as possible!

MAGURO ICHIGO/まぐろ一期
424-0823 Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Shimazaki Cho, 149, Shimizu Fish Market, 1F
Opening hours: 9:30~17:30
Closed on Wednesdays
Cash only

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, 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