Fougeres, France, French gastronomy

Gastronomic Destinations: France-Bretagne (8): La Naiade in Fougeres City!

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Service: Very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall and excellent washroom. Entirely non-smoking.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Bistro-style salads, pizzas and crepes

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If ou have the chance to visit the extraordinarily picturesque city of Fougeres and its castle in Bretagne, there are a few places where you could enjoy a rest and unpretentious but tasty food. Jys avoid the obvious toursitic establishmente and try a small place like La Naiade where evrything is down to the right side with a small garden where I would avise you to sit away from the crowd!

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Wine and Bretagne cider!

It is a very reasonable　place for a resort city especially at lunch.

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Ham and artichoke pizza!

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Very fresh vegetables!

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Duck magret confit salad!

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A well-balanced lunch, appetizing and tatsy!

Check their homepage!

LA NAIADE

9, Place du Theatre
35000 Fougeres
Tel.: 02.99.94.51.75
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Beer Brewery, Craft Beer, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Beer Breweries List (updated January 2nd, 2015)

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BAIRD-BEER-2

Shizuoka Beer Microbreweries is a great source for beer label collectors!

Thanks to its endless supply of incredible natural water Shizuoka Prefecture produces some of the best craft beers not only in Japan but in the world as witnessed by the success of Bryan Baird.
Unfortunately I could not find a comprehensive listing and introduction of the same breweries on the net and decided to fill up this void once for all!

shizuokamap

Here is a simple map of Shizuoka Prefecture to help you locate the breweries!
The introduction of the breweries are below listed from west to east of Shizuoka Prefecture!
Bear in mind that some cities are really big. Check their homepages and addresses!

HAMAMATSU-TENJINGURA BREWERY

TENJINGURA-1

Hamamatsu-Tenjingura is also a sake, shochu and liqueur brewery!
They produce 3 types of Czech style beers

Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Tenjin Machi, 3-57
静岡県浜松市中区天神町３－５７
TEL: 053-461-6145
Restaurant and beer hall business hours: 10:30~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

AOI BREWING

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This is the latest Craftbeer Brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Owner Naoki Mando/萬藤直樹さん started with four brews on June 22nd, 20014 but the brewery just keeps on producing an incredible array of brews as part of experiments!

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

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

Some Aoi beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s one 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

AOI BEER STAND FACEBOOK
AOI BREWING FACEBOOK

MEIN SCHLOSS

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Mein Schloss in downtown Hamamatsu City is basically a beer hall serving 5 different beers brewed on site

Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Chuo, 3-8-1
〒430-8691 静岡県浜松市中区中央３丁目８番１号
Tel.: 053-452-1146
Business hours: 11:00~14:30, 17:00~23:00 (Saturdays, 11:00~23:00). Check on the phone as they are sometimes completely reserved!
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

BAYERN MEISTER BIER

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Stephan Rager is the only German national who owns his brewery and makes his own beer in Japan!
He produces 3 types of Bayern-style beers and sometimes does produce beer on order for such clients as the Tokyo German Embassy. He started growing his own hops on site and plans to make real Fujinomiya City beer!

Fujinomiya City, Kami Ideji Kawaharabata, 1254-1
〒418-0103　静岡県富士宮市上井出字河原端1254-1
Tel.: 0544-54-3311　
Business hours: 10:00~21:00 (restaurant meals and parties mainly on reservation)
Closed on Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

BAIRD BREWERY

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Bryan Baird has deservedly acquired national and international fame and helped to put Numazu City on the world map!
He produces a very wide range of regular and seasonal beers all year long.
His main brewery has been moved to Izu peninsula near Shuzenji but his original pub is still in Numazu city but he has opened branches in Tokyo and elsewhere. Do check his English homepage (also exists in Japanese)!
Business Hours

1052-1, Oodaira, Izushi, Shizuoka-ken
静岡県伊豆市大平１０５２－１
Tel.: 0558-73-1225
Business hours: 12:00 pm to 9:00pm, Sat., Sun., Holidays; 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Open Every Day

Numazu City Taproom Address:
〒410-0845 Numazu City, Senbonminato-cho, 19-4
〒410-0845　静岡県沼津市千本港町19-4
Tel.: 055-963-2628
Business hours: Monday, and Wed. thru Friday; 5:00 PM to Midnight, Sat., Sun., Holidays; Noon to Midnight
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE (English)

SAMURAI SURFER BEER

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An offshoot of Nippon Beer Co, it produces so far 3 types of craft beer.
They also produce beers for their mother company, Nihon Beer co, but although made in Numazu they do not qualify much as Shizuoka craft beers.

Numazu City, Shimokanuki, Shimoshooji, 3140-5
〒410-0822 静岡県沼津市下香貫下障子3140-5
Tel.: 055-933-1032
Business hours: 09:00~17:00
Closed on Saturdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

ORACHE WIND VALLEY BEER

ORATCHE-1

Orache, originally a dairy products company was the first to produce organic microbeers in Japan!
It produces 4 regular brews and seasonal ones, too.

Tago Gun, Kannami Cho (south of Mishima City), Tanna, 349-1
〒419-0105　静岡県田方郡函南町丹那349-1
Tel.: 055-974-4192
Business hours: 09:00~17:30
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

GOTEMBA KOOGEN BEER ( MORI NO BEER)

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Owned by Yonekyu Co. it is the largest brewery in Shizuoka Prefecture, but it only partly qualifies as a microbrewery. Produces 5 regular beers plus at least 2 real craft beers and also seasonal beers.

412-0033 Gotemba City, Koyama, 719
〒412-0033 静岡県御殿場市神山719
Tel.: 0550-87-5500
Business hours: Check HOMEPAGE as it has many shops and diners!
HOMEPAGE (English) Also exists in Japanese

KURAYA-NARUSAWA

KURAYA-NARUSAWA-1

Located near Nagaoka Station, Izu no Kuni City, north of Izu Peninsula, it is also famous for looking after an important cultural asset, Hansharo, which has become the name of their 4 regular beers!

Izu no Kuni City, Naka, 272-1
伊豆の国市中272-1
Tel.: 055-949-1208
Opening hours (restaurant and souvenir shop): Monday~Thursday: 11:00~15:00, Friday: 11:00~22:00, Saturday, Sunday, National holidays: 10:00~22:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

USAMI

USAMI-1

Usami Brewery in Ito City, in the north-eastern part of Izu Peninsula, produces 4 types of craftbeer, but beware that the front label is the same for all. Check the cap or the back label for the variety!
Designated as eco-friendly by the Prefecture!

〒414-0001　伊東市宇佐美3504-1
〒414-0001　Ito City, Usami, 3504-1
Tel.: 0557-33-0333
Business hours: 08:30~17:00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese only)

IZU KOUGEN BEER

IZU-KOOGEN-1

Izu Kougen Beer/Izu Plateau Beer is located in Ito City and serves and sells its 6 beers in a restaurant remarkable for its reasonable traditional Japanese seafood restaurant.

〒413-0231 静岡県伊東市富戸1103
〒413-0231 Ito City, Tomito, 1103
Tel: 0557(51)3000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (restaurant)
Closed only 5 days in the year
HOMEPAGE

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Gotemba City, sake, Sake Brewery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Negami Brewery-Kinmei Shiboritate Junmai Genshu Nama

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This is another long-selling brew by Negami Brewery in Gotemba city on the slopes of Mount Fuji!

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it is brewed to coincide with the winter/ end of the year/New Year holidays with the same label every year bearing the lucky turtle and crane!

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Note again this is shiboritate (just pressed) junmai (no pure rice alcohol blended in) genshu (no pure water blended in) nama (unpasteurized). The “real” product!

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Rice milled down to 50~60 %
Alcohol: 17~18 degrees
Bottled in December 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: very dry and fruity. melon, pears
Body: fluid
Taste: very dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: pears, melon, oranges.
Lingers on palate for a short while before departing on an even drier note with more oranges.
Takes on an even drier note with food with more oranges.

Overall: Very dry, fruity and elegant sake in spite of its high alcohol contents and “nama” nature.
The kind of sake to bring as a present as not only enjoyable on its own but the beautiful label.
Guaranteed value!

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shimada City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Oniotome “Namida” Tokubetsu Junmai Nama

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Oomuraya Brewery has now produced this seasonal series called “Oni Otome/鬼乙女/The Goblin’s Bride” for two full years with growing success to the point that sake lovers are inquiring about its implementation every three months!
The reason for the birth of this new brand partly lies in the fact that Oomuraya Brewery’s nationally famous “Oni Goroshi/鬼ごろし/Killing a Goblin” needed a partner!
This winter edition is called “Namida/涙/Tears”! Tears of Joy naturally. Note that the Goblin’s Bride’s horns are hidden on this particular label!

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And the label background color is black to enhance the white of the wedding dress!

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Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Dryness: + 2
Acidity: 1.5
Amino Acids: 1.0
Bottled in December 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: Assertive, dry and fruity. banana, melon
Body: Fluid
Taste: Very dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: pears, green apples
Lingers only for a little while before departing with hints of oranges.
The junmai petillant makes a comeback with every sip.
Stays true to its first impressions all the way through.
varies little with food , but for a somewhat sweeter turn with more oranges.

Overall: A very solid and reliable sake obviously conceived to accompany heavy food in izakaya.
Elegant enough to be appreciated on its own by dry sake lovers.
Its complexity will please the ladies in particular!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES</strong

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

sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Haginishiki Brewery-Toro no Sato Tokubetsu Junmai

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Haginishiki Brewery in Shizuoka City has been brewing this particular sake for many years and has become a “regular” in downtown izakayas!

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“Toro no Sato/登呂の里” stands for the “Home of Toro Ruins”, a nationally famous 1,800-year old archaeological site!

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Rice: Biyama Nishiki
Rice milled down to 55%
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.5
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in September 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: practically transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Pears, apples
Body: Fluid, slightly sirupy
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed up with strong junmai petillant.
Complex: almonds, chestnuts, dark chocolate.
Disappears fairly quickly warming up back of the palate before departing with more dark chocolate and hints of oranges.
Don’t vary much with food but for a drier note.

Overall: Very solid and reliable sake.
No wonder it is such a long-seller!
Perfect with heavy food, especially izkaya fare.
Take it to a BBQ!

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

New Year, Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka City

Sengen Shrine in Shizuoka City getting ready for the New Year!

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Sengen Shrine, the biggest Shinto shrine in Shizuoka City, has been showing some frenzied preparations for the coming New Year and it is always a good time for some some interesting photography with the clear weather helping!

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There are many entrances to the Shrine. Enter through the main entrance first gate right across from a tall white stone torii/sacred gate!

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Then proceed to the actual main entrance (called “soomon/総門”)!

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The gate is guarded by two solemn seated figures!

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Eyes bearing on you!

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The traditional rice straw garland!

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More guards in the shape of lions!

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Lions everywhere!

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Even a dragon floating overhead as you pass under!

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Then proceed to the main shrine (called “Roumon/楼門”)!

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Make a point to wash your hands at the stone water basin!

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Another dragon will help you there!

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You will discover a painted traditional new Year board!

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The 16-petal chrysanthemum signifies that Sengen Shrine is related to the Imperial House!

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Next year will be the Year of the Ram!

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The painting was designed by 15 students at Tokoha University in Shizuoka City!

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See you there again at the New Year!

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-“Kame” Junmai Ginjo

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What I like about the sake brewed at Hatsukame Brewery in Okabe, Fujieda City, is that the brewery makes a sterling effort to present it beautifully!

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This certainly made for a great present!

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This junmai ginjo simply called “kame/Turtle”, a sign of prosperity in Japan has been a long seller for quite a while!

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Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in November 2014

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: Dry, fruity. pears, melon, lychees, hints of vanilla
Body: fluid
Taste: Very fruity, dry and mellow attack backed up with pleasant junmai petillant.
Complex: lychees, almonds, citruses, vanilla.
Lingers for a very short while before departing on a drier note with appearances of dark chocolate, chestnuts and oranges.
Varies little with food.

Overall: an eminently elegant sake one can enjoy as a semi-sweet sherry wine or instead of a white wine similar to an Alsace white at any time of a meal, although I best enjoyed it on its own.
Would do superbly with appetizers of any kind. Enhances cheese in particular.
A superb sake for a special occasion!

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

France, French gastronomy, Rennes

Gastronomic Destinations: France-Bretagne (7): L’Amiral in Rennes City!

2 Comments

Service: Easy-going, friendly, smiling
Equipment & facilities: very clean overall. Superb washroom. Entirely non-smoking
Prices: Reasonable~slightly expemsive
Strong points: Great seafood and fish. Very generous portions. Great desserts. Excellent wine list.

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L’Amiral in Rennes, Bretagne, France, looks both like a restaurant and big bistro like the ones you can find in Paris, but the atmosphere is certainly more convivial than in the capital and far less snobbish, whatever the season and occasion.
We had a dinner for a special event and it was great fun!

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A small coupe of champagne with a few tidbits to start!

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A splendid Riesling by Dopff in Alsace!

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We started with a seafood dish of course as this is Bretagne!

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Splendid scampi!

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Look at these eggs!

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Not much difference with Japan!

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Fresh oysters, naturally!

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Black bass in white butter sauce!

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Venison and morel mushrooms!

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Plougastel strawberries soup!

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Splendid dessert assortment!

L’AMIRAL

Place de Bretagne, 35000, Rennes, France
Tel.: 0299350391
Open all year!
HOMEPAGE

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Matsuzakaya Department Store, Shizuoka City, Wines 6 Liquor Shops

Matsuzakaya Department Store Wines & Liquors in Shizuoka City!

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There are many good Wines 6 Liquor Shops in busy Shizuoka City, but one of the most practical ones is probably the one found in the basement floor (B1, North Building) of Matsuzakaya Department Store in Shizuoka City.
Located just across from JR Shizuoka Railway Station North Exit it is best accessed from the station through the underground passageway (check homepages at bottom of article!).
If you are a resident it is more practically accessed through the back entrance on the other side of Miyuki Cho Street as it directly communicates with the shop!

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Whatever kind of wine , liquor, spirits you like, you should find something of your liking!
Have a good look at the sake rack especially as it includes brews from no less than 18 Shizuoka Prefecture Breweries (more than half of all!)!

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A rare sight: sake cask form Hana no Mai Brewery in Hamamatsu City!

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The Japanese sake lovers are particularly looked after as a brewery is introduced every week with the possibility of tasting before deciding on your purchase!

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Recommended gifts! Featuring sake, wines, liqueure ans soft drinks!

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Have a good look at the beers as they offer three types craft beers from Shizuoka Prefecture!

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Wine bargain racks!

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Red, white, rose and sparkling wines from more than 10 countries, japan included!

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French Bourgogne wines!

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Top-class French Champagne!

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Expensive French wines up to 114,000 yen for a Chateau Mouton Rotshild!

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Wine tasting possible of course!

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Plenty of Japanese shochu, including 3 rare types from Shizuoka Prefecture!

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Famous Shizuoka Sake: “Onna Nakase/Making a Lady Cry”! by Oumuraya Brewery in Shimada City!

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Japanese sake selection from all over the country!

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Extravagant sake yoou will not see outside our Prefecture, even in Tokyo!
The supreme gift!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Foreign tourists, upon showing their passport and return ticket can benefit from a tax refund if they spend between 5,000 and 500,000 yen in a single day at Matsuzakaya Department Store. The “Menzei ten/免税店/Tax-free counter is on the 6th floor, but ask an employee to guide you there to make things a lot easier!

MATSUZAKAYA DEPARTMENT STORE SHIZUOKA-松坂屋静岡店
〒420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-Cho, 10-2
〒420-0857 静岡県静岡市葵区御幸町１０−２
Tel.: 054-254-1111
Opening hours: 10:00~20:00
Closed on January 1st
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
HOMEPAGE (English)
HOMEPAGE (Taiwanese)
HOMEPAGE (Chinese)
HOMEPAGE (Korean)
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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Conger Eel Whitebait, Japanese Fish, Noresore

Japanese Fish Species 12: Noresore/Conger Eel Whitebait

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“Noresore” will soon appear at some select fish markets, and as it will be a very short season, you will have to keep your eyes open!
Noresore stands for very young conger eels. They are called different names depending on regions: “Berada” in Okayama Pref., “Tachikurage” in Misaki, “Nagatankurage” in Wakayama Pref.
In Shizuoka, they mainly come from Hamana Lake, a seawater lake west of the Prefecture, famous for its oysters, eels and clams
Its Latin name is “leptocephalus stage”.

5~6cm long, they are practically transparent, save for their eyes. They emit no smell. In our Prefecture they are available only during the first two weeks of March. They are slowly but surely becoming a rarity wherever in Japan, and people come from afar just for the experience!
They have recently attracted much attention outside Japan, especially among the Chinese Community in Indonesia!

Before serving them, lightly wash them in clean salted water.
They are great as they are with a little “ponzu or “yuzu” vinegar, a dash of “momijioroshi” (freshly grated daikon and chili pepper) and some chopped thin leeks for a last touch of colour!

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A typical presentation at a Japanese izakaya!

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A simpler presentation with freshly grated ginger and chopped scallions!

Now as sushi they are sublime as “gunkan”, or a rice ball wrapped in seaweed if you are an expert, with freshly grated ginger and chopped thin leeks again.

They can even been cooked (very quickly!) in garlic olive oil!

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Craft Beer, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing- Flemish Wheat Ale

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This was a bit of a late appearance, but welcome as the concept was very different from craft beers brewed until now!

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Flemish Wheat Ale!

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Served on tap
Wheat, Australian Galaxy hop, Perle hop, Sylva hop, Crystal, Pilsner malt, 1056 American live yeast. Coriander, orange peels, lemon peels, cinnamon
Unfiltered
ABV: 5.2%
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Bubbles: Longish head. Very fine bubbles. White.
Aroma: light aroma, bread, citruses
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed up with pleasant acidity.
Complex. Oranges, citruses, bread.
Very refreshing. Oranges making a strong comeback with every sip accompanied by pleasant acidity.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a softer note. late lemon appearance.
Stays true to first impressions all the time.

Overall: A craft beer for all seasons!
Will definitely appeal to ladies.
Very high quality thirst quencher?
More than that as its complexity has a long life!

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

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

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka CityShizuoka

French gastronomy, Restaurants, Shizuoka City

French Gastronomy: KAWASAKI Restaurant in Shizuoka City!

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

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Talented young Chef Yoshinori Kawasaki/川崎芳範さん (born in Hyogo Prefecture!) has finally launched his own restaurant in Shizuoka City!
Yoshinori is far from being unknown in Shizuoka Prefecture and even in Japan as he worked a long time at Restaurant Bio-S in Fujinomiya City under the wings of Kazuhiro Matsuki/松木一浩さん！
His restaurant, KAWASAKI Restaurant, stands along Aoba Park Street in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, an area finally starting to fulfill its potential.

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I was lucky enough to attend the long-awaited opening reception last Sunday in the company of real food lovers!

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Right from the entrance yo know what to expect what with fresh local vegetables and deer antlers!

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Venison and home-cured hams!

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Yoshinori is actually a licensed hunter and his game regularly features on the menu all year round!

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Plenty of wine is waiting for you!

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Before you even enter the room you will discover the vegetables on the menu!

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Great sake are also　waiting　for　you.　This　one　above　is　a　true　collector’s　item　by　Fujinishiki　Brewery　in　Fujinomiya City!

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The whole place is both modern and traditional with a long counter sitting up to 12 guests who can admire the skills of the chef and his staff, and two tables for 4 guests each. Needless to mention you had better reserve!

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Chef Yoshinori Kawasaki/川崎芳範さん and his Sommeliere!

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We had the pleasure to savor a whole palette of Shizuoka products!

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The vegetables were grown by Yunosaya Farm and Asobi Culture Farm in Shibakawa, Fujinomiya City, and the mushrooms by Hasegawa Farm in Fuji City!

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As for the meat and fish:
Chicken by Aoki Farm in Fujinomiya City
Rainbow Trout by Kakishima Trout Farm in Fujinomiya City
Mugi Ton Pork from Enshyu, Western Shizuoka Prefecture

Expect the first full dinner report soon!

KAWASAKI Restaurant/レストラン・カワサキ
420-0034 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 1-8-5, BROOKLYN SQUARE 2F (along Aoba Park Street)
Tel.: 054-272-0066
Opening hours: 18:00~22:30 (L.O.)
Closed on Sundays and 3rd Monday
Credit cards OK (from January)
HOMEPAGE (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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Eikun Brewery-Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu Bakuhatsu Nigori (conducted at La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

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I don’t mind repeating it all the time but I prefer conducting sake tastings in the right environment but not many places are propitious for that exercise or willing to help.
But La Sommeliere in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City is certainly becoming a habit as not only I can conduct my tasting in the best conditions possible but also exchange views at the same time!

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So what did we have today!
Notice that the bottle has to be gently turned around before opening it or you might encounter some surprises!

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Eikun Brewery-Junmai Ginjo (no pure alcohol blended in) Nama (unpasteurized) Genshu (no pure water added) Bakuhatsu (explosion!) Nigori (white lees as they are!)!
Eikun Brewery stands in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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The word “bakuhatsu/explosion was noted because if you don’t move it around slowly and open it carefully the sake might gush out at your face!

Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Fukui Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 60%
Yeast: Shizuoka New-5
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees
Bottled in December 2014

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Clarity: white as unfiltered white lees will cloud it but very clean
Color: whitish and cloudy
Aroma: Assertive. Pears, apples.
Body: Fluid. Little asperity caused by white lees.
Taste: very fruity attack backed with puissant junmai petillant and white lees.
Complex: pears, custard,melon.
Very easy to drink in spite of white lees and high alcohol content.
The junmai petillant stays strong all the way through thanks to the white lees.

Overall: A surprisingly elegant white lees/nigori sake, very fruity and complex.
Obviously conceived to accompany food, but thoroughly enjoyable on its　own.
The fruitiness will appeal to ladies.
Should marry splendidly with strong cheese and sweet desserts!

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
Closed on Sundays & National Holidays
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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Christmas, French gastronomy, Shizuoka City

French Gastronomy: Early Christmas Dinner at Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat and caught fish. Very inventive French gastronomy.

In Japan it is always a good idea to have Christmas Dinner before Christmas as the restaurants are full to the brim and menus are generally fixed.
Therefore we decided to have ours earlier at our own convenience in our favorite French restaurant in Shizuoka City: Pissenlit!

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It allowed me also to have a peek at Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん’s lair!

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The concept in Pissenlit is very practical as you first choose a budget and then order from the carte du jour depending on the deal allowing you a varying number of possibilities!

What did we have, then?

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My own first appetizer!

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Semi-marinated mackerel!

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Dragon’s appetizer!

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Semi-marinated oysters!

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Our second appetizer!

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Marbled Duck Foie Gras Terrine!

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A simple but exquisite consomme before the next dish! A small detail that makes the difference!

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Our vegetable dish!

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Except for the truffles all the vegetables are organic and grown in Shizuoka Prefecture!

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From another angle!

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Our fish and seafood dish!

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Seabream, clam and horse mackerel!

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The vegetable on top is a new vegetable grown in Shizuoka City!
Can you guess its name?

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“Cauliflore”! A mixture of broccoli stem and yellow cauliflower!

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My meat dish!

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“Ezo shika”, venison from Hokkaido Island!

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From another angle!

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Dragon’s meat dish!

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Wild duck/game/gibier from Fujinomiya City!

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What with the organic vegetables, a truly natural dish!

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From another angle!

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A small but exquisite cheese plate for me!

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Now, what is Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん preparing next?

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Dragon’s grand dessert!

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Tiramisu, semi-dried “anpokaki persimmon”, Chocolat ice cream and chocolate cake crumbs!

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And coffee, served as it should be!

Yes, we had wine, and plenty of it!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!
WC-BF-1

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Cassoulet, Shizuoka City, Wines

Cassoulet & Red Bordeaux Wine Wine at La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Very friendly and smiling if a bit shy
Facilities & Equipment: Spotless clean. Beautiful washroom. Entirely non-smoking!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Great range of reasonably-priced wines from all the world. Hig-class wines offered by the glass. Top Shizuoka Sake by the bottle or glass. Great bistro-style light food and local bakery breads.

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City is fast acquiring a solid reputation not only for its wines and Shizuoka Sake, but also for its bistro-styles light meals!

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Hiromi Hasegawa/長谷川浩美さん Is now offering a home-made cassoulet!
It is prepared with real goose fat from France!

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The one she serves right now is made with pork and is definitely oriented for ladies, being tasty but light.
Actually, next she will prepare it with duck confit imported from France!

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As for the wine served with the cassoulet it is a solid but not so strong red Bordeaux wine!

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But it is still a fine Mouton Cadet produced by Baron Philippe de Rotschild!

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
Closed on Sundays & National Holidays
Entirely non-smoking!
FACEBOOK

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

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City