Tag Archives: Gastronomes

Persimmon Trees: Autumn has come to Mariko in Shizuoka City!

Autumn/Fall is finally arriving in Shizuoka City!
The other day I visited the Mariko Area, one of the main tourist attractions in Shizuoka Prefecture and even in Japan where they were awarded a commemorative stamp!

Issued on October 7th, 2005 [Tokai Route 53 stages by Utagawa Hiroshige/2005.10.7発行東海道五拾三次之内丸子(鞠子)(歌川広重)]

Mariko is naturally an important tourist attraction, but if you walk along the lanes away from the crowds you will discover many farm and old houses worth a second and third look and many camera shots!
let me share the pictures I took on that day with you!

You will find two types of persimmons in Mariko:
Shibu Kaki/渋柿, as above, which are small and pointed and eaten dried as the fresh fruit is too astringent!

More shibu kaki!

For a closer view.
The very thick leaves are still green.
When those redden they are used as decoration on plates under food in Japanese restaurants!

Here is a tree with the second variety of persimmons.

Squat persimmon or Jirou kaki/次郎柿 in Japanese.
Did you know this particular variety was first grown in Shizuoka Prefecture in the 19th Century?
They can be eaten raw as opposite to Shibu Kaki!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

French Gastronomy: “Amago”-Red Spotted Masu Trout Simmered in Wine by Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

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.

Today I was actually called by Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん who told me he was preparing a fish bred in our Prefecture!

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

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

Pissenlit Restaurant and Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん were awarded the title of Shizuoka Prefecture Recognized Restaurant and Chef last year!
Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん never misses an opportunity to experiment with new ingredients, especially if they are local!

Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん at work as I arrived at his restaurant today after lunch service had been finished!

Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん had first fried the fish in olive oil before gently simmering them in wine with local organic nameko mushrooms!

Dressing the fish on a plate!

The sauce before it was further reduced!

A beautifully sauteed local organic shiitake mushroom being added!

Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん pouring the reduced wine sauce and mushrooms on the fish!

Waiting for the finishing point!

Golden eggs from the same trouts! Absolutely delicious and extravagant!

A few sprigs of local organic leek sprouts!

Et voila!

Absolutely delicious and extravagant!

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!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

“Halloween Rabbit Cappucino”At Patina in Shizuoka City!

Service: Very friendly and smiling
Facilities: Very clean. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: A true cafe where to relax and enjoy a good light meal any time of the day. Interesting reasonable wine and cider list.

I went to Patina, my favorite Cafe Bistro in Shizuoka City for a coffee break this afternoon!
I just ordered: “Make me a cute Cappucino!”

Since Halloween is getting near I didn’t get an Easter Bunny but a Halloween Rabbit!

I was going to say you need a lot of patience to create such pictures, but since it came rapidly enough, I would think more of skills!

To the very last detail!

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

BLOG
Non-smoking until 15:00

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Japanese Easy Recipe: Lotus Root and Pork Balls

Lotus root can be used with meat to make delicious and easy to prepare balls/meat balls!
A comfort food appreciated everywhere and a great snack if you like beer!

INGREDIENTS: (For 2 people)

Minced pork meat: 200 g
Lotus root: 60 g
Salt: one pinch
Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
Ginger: 1 fresh cube 2x2x2 cm
Cornstarch: As appropriate

RECIPE:

in a large ball drop the minced pork.
Grate the lotus root over it.
Add salt.
Mix until you obtain a smooth paste.
Grate fresh ginger over it and add soy sauce.
Mix well.

Prepare one-bite sized balls and coat hem with cornstarch.
Deep-fry at 170 degrees (the best temperature!) until they have a attained a crispy brown color.

Serve at once with some leafy greens for best balance.

So simple and so yummy!
Naturally you can add spices of your liking to the recipe!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Negami Brewery-Kinmei Junmai Genshu Shiboritate

Negami Brewery is one of only 13 breweries that exclusively produce junmai sake in Japan, meaning they never mix it/blend it with pure rice alcohol.
It has acquired a lot of recognition in Shizuoka and else recently although the brewery rarely participates to competitions due to its unusually long brewing season.

Every year they produce their first sake as early as October, as indicated by this “Shiboritate/Just pressed” when other breweries start their “shikomi/rice import” only by the end of the same month!

Rice:
Shubo kome/Yeast starter: Yamada Nishiki milled down to 50%
Koji Kome/Koji mold rice: Yamada Nishiki milled down to 50%
Kake kome/Rice added to form the moromi/mash: Omachi milled down to 55%
Alcohol: 18% (genshu)
Acidity: 2.1
Bottled in October 2012

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Light golden hue
Aroma: Puissant attack backed by pleasant alcohol.
Fruity: pears. Faint custard.
Body: Fluid
Taste: Very dry attack backed by very puissant alcohol first hand in hand with junmai petillant.
Fruity and complex: Pears shoulder their way forward quickly followed by custard and macadamia nuts.
Lingers away for a while waving good-bye on a drier note with raw almonds perking out.
Alcohol tends to nicely fade away leaving the way open to fruity facets.
The delicious dryness is enhanced by a higher acidity than generally met in sake created in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Fruits explode back inside the palate with every new sip.
Marries very well with any food, especially izakaya gastronomy.
Although heady and almost untamed this sake is pleasant to the point of elegance in spite of its high alcohol content.

Overall: A deliciously surprising sake full of wild strength.
My lady friends loved it because of its very dry acidity.
Drinks like a very dry sherry wine!
Although it marries beautifully with any food, it is definitely best appreciated on its own at any temperature.
The prefect last cup for the road or catnap!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Sushi Restaurant: Local Fish at Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City!

Service: Pro and very friendly
Facilities: Very clean. Excellent toilets
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great variety of seafood from Shizuoka Prefecture and the rest of Japan. Great list of sake

Shizuoka City is located right in the middle of Suruga Bay in Shizuoka prefecture, a bay known in Japan for producing the largest number of seafood varieties in the whole country!
If you happen to come to Shizuoka City, don’t hesitate and visit Sushi Ko in Aoba Koen/Aoba Park Street in Aoi ku, Shizuoka City!
There you will be hard-tried to sample all that is on the menu! And this at reasonables prices clearly shown for all to see!

Now what did we have during our last visit the other day?

Negi toro/葱トロ appetizer coming with the first drink!

Very fat katsuo/鰹/bonito sashimi!

Traditionally served with grated ginger, chopped thin leeks and sliced red onion. You may also order grated or sliced garlic!

Now what is the chef trying to catch alive inside the tank?

We had ordered some fresh Shima Aji/縞鯵/Striped Horse Mackerel!

Beautiful Shima Aji/縞鯵/Striped Horse Mackerel sashimi plate!

The grilled tail from the same fish with grated daikon and lemon!

Kaki Aburi/牡蠣炙り/Seared oysters!

Beautifully sliced cucumber!

Tachiuo Aburi/太刀魚炙り/Seared scabbard fish nigiri with momijiorosi/紅葉下ろし/grated daikon with chili pepper and ponzu!

Piri kara Hotate Maki/ピリ辛帆立巻/spicy scallops Roll!

Piri Pon Kara Maguro/ピりポン辛鮪/Deep-fried tuna cubes served with momiji oroshi and ponzu!

Magurozuke/鮪漬け/Marinated tuna nigiri. A must!

Another chef caught a live lobster for our neighbors!

The perfect vegan sushi: Menegi/芽葱/Scallion Sprouts Nigiri!

Itaria Maki/イタリア巻/Italian Roll for the Missus: leeks, squid and spicy pickled cod roe!

And Ankimo Gunkan/あんきも軍艦/Frogfish Liver Paste Gunkan for me!
Note that the frogfish/monkfish liver was first steamed in sake!

To be continued…… You bet!

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Donburi Festival in Shizuoka City!

Donburi is probably the most internationally known Japanese comfort food!
It consists of a big bowl/donburi/丼 topped with all kinds of food from vegetables, to meat and fish!

On Saturday October 20th (10:00~20:00) and Sunday 21st (10:00~17:00) the Shizuoka Gourmet Ookoku Fest Waru Don Kappu/静岡グルメ王国フェストワール丼カップ/Shizuoka Gourmet Donburi Festival will take place in Aoba Doori/青葉道理 Event Square.

Many restaurants, Japanese and foreign alike, izakayas and various shops take part!
It is worth a good visit as it will give you a good idea of what to expect in Shizuoka at the reasonable price level!

I paid them a visit while things were still quiet.
At lunch and dinner time it is a real tussle!

Vietnamese clothes!

Sri Lankan gastronomy!

Egyptian gastronomy!

Bengladeshi gastronomy!

Even a Japanese massage parlor!

Nepalese and Indian gastronomy!

Fujinomiya City Yakisoba!

Shizuoka sake tasting!
I had a hard time not to drink in daytime!

Japanese comfort food by Lemoned!

Karaage chicken, donburi and all kinds of drinks!

Shizuoka oden by Umi Boozu/海ほうず!

I had to choose one place!
Mangenton pork from Fujinomiya City!]

It was actually served by a favorite izaka of mine: Hana Oto/鼻音 in Shizuoka City!

I chose the donburi topped with Mangenton and Ameera Tomato fried with salt koji!

Chef Yuusuke Tozaki frying the pork!

Et voila!
You must try it!
But hurry up!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Vegan Japanese Recipe: Lotus Root Hamburger 2-Tofu version

lotus roots, or renkon/蓮根in Japanese, have been a popular vegetable for eons.
Shizuoka prefecture is quite famous for the quality of its lotus roots all over japan!
Here is the second version of a vegan recipe for yummy lotus root hamburgers with tofu!

INGREDIENTS: (For 2^3 people)

Tofu: 300g
Lotus root: 200g
salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
Salad oil: 2 tablespoons
Grated fresh ginger or wasabki: as appropriate
Soy sauce: as appropriate

RECIPE:

Place the tofu inside an oven bowl.
Heat in a microwave oven for 3 minutes at 500 w.
Transfer into a bowl with small holes to drain it of water.

Peel the lotus roots.
Grate the whole into the bowl containing the tofu that has been completely drained.

Add cornstarch and mix well.
Add salt (don’t make a mistake in the order!) and mix well into a paste.

make patties 5~6 cm diameter. Don’t make them too or they will break easily. You can make s
them small, too.
Pour oil in a fry pan and cook slowly over a low fire.

Fry them well until both sides have attained a nice brownish color.

Serve with a light sauce and grated ginger or wasabi!

Serve them with some green for better presentation!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

French Bistro Gastronomy: Terrines, Savouries and Cakes at Patina in Shizuoka City!

Service: Very friendly and smiling
Facilities: Very clean. Beautiful washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: A true cafe where to relax and enjoy a good light meal any time of the day. Interesting reasonable wine and cider list.

Due to various reports, meetings and what else, I visited Patina no less than three times within a single week!
This has become an opportunity to show you what to expect in our good city of Shizuoka City!

The entrance by a very shiny day!
It is large by Shizuoka standards!

they have been actively specializing in terrines and pates recently! The real French comfort food!

They have also increased the number of wines you can drink by the glass!

You must try the Cremant de Bourgogne, so much better than Champagne, yen for yen!

Vegetable terrine and herb cream dressing!

Just love the bacon included with it!

Delicious and elegant herb cream dressing!

And plenty of leaf vegetables for great balance!

Zuwagani/Snow crab terrine!

So fine and light!

Sanma/Pacific saury and potato terrine!

The fish and the potatoes married to perfection!

At Patina they serve French cider in a bowl as it should be!

Marinated mackerel salad!

Another comfort (Norway?) food so nicely presented!

Pork and chicken liver terrine de campagne!
As yummy as back home in Bourgogne, France!

No need of bread! Just fork it together with leafy vegetables!

Quiche Lorraine!

I doubt they make it so elegant even in France!

Their cakes are always tempting!

If you ca read Japanese it says “Figs and Cheese Cream Baked Tart”!

A little beauty!

The tart!

And the home-made ice cram with the custard and caramel sauces!
Another sin! LOL

Far Breton, the elegant way!

Now, what would be bast with it, a strong coffee or glass of Calavados? LOL

To be continued… You bet!

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

BLOG
Non-smoking until 15:00

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Fujimasa Brewery-Fujinomiya Kouriki Junmai Ginjo Homare Fuji Genshu

Fujimasa Brewery lays at the bottom of Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya City.
Their sake are not easy to find away from Eastern Shizuoka but they definitively worth the efforts to discover them!
Moreover Fujimasa is also actively promoting local products as well as Mount Fuji and the surrounding tourism!

This also another brewery using long descriptions for their sake!
“Fujinomiya Kouriki” means “Strong Promotion of Fujinomiya City”.

The sake is made with Shizuoka-grown Homare Fuji Sake rice!

Rice: Homare Fuji
Rice milled down to 50%
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees (genshu)
Bottled in August 2012

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Light golden hue
Aroma: Very dry. Fruity. Dry bananas, rice, alcohol.
Body: fluid
Taste: Very dry attack. Slightly sirupy. Strong alcohol.
Fruity. Deep dry almonds, macadamia nuts, coffee beans, oranges, chestnuts.
Complex.
Lingers for a little while warming up back of the palate with junmai petillant.
Show many new facets with each sip.
Takes on a drier turn but softer note with food.
Coffee beans and chestnuts make a strong comeback away from food.

Overall: A sake obviously conceived for heavy izakaya food but definitely can be enjoyed on its won.
Actually I found it more interesting on its own with so many facets keeping popping up and its beautiful dryness.
Had a strong tendency to change with the further cup, even becoming almost sweet got me lost in wonder!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Italian Gastronomy: Shizuoka Autumn Products Dinner at Soloio in Shizuoka City!

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

The other evening, after another long day of shopping, the Missus and I were not in a hurry to go back home and start cooking!
We decided to visit Solio to sample their Autumn menu, mostly made with Shizuoka Prefecture local products!

To cut a long story short, what de we order?

Antimisto Pasti!

Pork roulade with mushrooms marinade!
Note that all vegetables, raw or cooked are from Shizuoka Prefecture, most of them organic!

Seafood gratin!

Italian-style ratatouille!

Hiroshima mussles steamed in white wine!
Very soft!

Raw ham and ricotta cheese fritters!!

Beautiful!

Solio-style Banya Cauda with organic vegetables grown in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Did I tell you that Solio serves the best rizotto in the Prefecture?

Edamame and smoked cheese baked rizotto!
Note that the luccola are grown organically in Shizuoka, too!

The Missus did not agree with me, but I had to have the dessert!

Almaretto semi-freddo ice cream!

Plum compote and red fruit!

Almaretto Tiramisu!

One of these days I will have to come alone just to sample all the desserts! LOL

To be continued…

SOLOIO
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Vegan Japanese Recipe: Lotus Root Hamburger 1-Plain Version

lotus roots, or renkon/蓮根in Japanese, have been a popular vegetable for eons.
Shizuoka prefecture is quite famous for the quality of its lotus roots all over japan!
Here is the first version of a vegan recipe for yummy lotus root hamburgers!

INGREDIENTS: (for 4 small patties/hamburgers)

Lotus root: 300 g
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Oil: 1/2 tablespoon

RECIPE:

Peel the lotus root.
Wrap the lot into cellophane paper and cook insode a microwave oven for 3 minutes at 600 W.
bear in mind that the lotus root contains a lot of water. It will be very hot out of the oven. Don’t burn your fingers!

Grate the lotus root once cooled down enough.
Cut finely with a knife the parts you couldn’t grate.
Once mixed with the grated root they will provide a crunchy bite.

Add cornstarch and salt and mix.
Make four patties out of it,
Bear in mind that the mixture will be sticky.

Heat a fry pan.
Pour oil and heat.
Place the patties on the fry pan and fry. press the patties to make them flat.
Once cooked to a satisfying color turn over and cook the other side to a nice brown color.

Serve them hot with fresh vegetables seasoned with a dressing of your choice.
As for the patties their salty taste should be enough for seasoning but you can sprinkle them Japanese style witha little ponzu and momiji oroshi (grated daikon with chili pepper powder)!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Hiyaoroshi Sake Gastronomic Party by Team Kumagusu & Nagashima Wine Store in Shizuoka City!

On Monday October the 15th Team Kumagusu, an association of Shizuoka Chefs, and Nagashima Wine Store, who all work very hard to promote the Shizuoka Gastronomy and producers, held a gastronomic party at Baker’s Market in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City to celebrate Hiyaoroshi sake/new sake by three breweries and introduce local products from all over the Prefecture!

Mr. Nagashima of Nagashima Wine Store!

Mr. Tozaki of Hana Oto Restaurant and Mr. Sano of Kamoshibito Restaurant!

Mr. Shimura of Narusei Restaurant and Mr. Yoshimura of Uzu Restaurant.
Mr. Nakada of Hiro Sushi Restaurant could not come but his cuisine was also featured!

With 54 guests they certainly needed all the help they could muster!

Some of the appetizers being prepared before the guests made their entrance!

Precise work!

Mr. Takashima Of Takashima Brewery in Numazu City!

Mr. Sugii of Suginishiki Brewery in Fujieda City!

Mr. Doi of Doi Brewery in Kakegawa City!

Some of the sake brought by Mr. Takashima:
Yamahai Junmai Hiyaoroshi
Nigori Junmai
Kimoto Junmai (not on sale yet!)

The mystery sake!

Some of the sake brought by Mr. Sugii:
Kimoto Junmai Hiyaoroshi
Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo (brewed in 2010)

Sake brought by Mr. Doi:
Junmai Ginjo Koshu ((brewed in 1995!)
Junmai Ginjo Nama (brewed in 2010)
Junmai Hiyaoroshi

The chefs tasted the sake before the guests arrived, naturally!

All the water on the tables came directly from the breweries’ wells!

Guests attentively listening to the pre-dinner explanations!

The guests patiently waiting for the festivities to start!
Now, what was on the menu?

A lot actually: Grilled eggplant and trout in konbujime style with sesame oil By Hiro Sushi.

Varied appetizers including:
Jumbo boiled peanuts from Fujinonomiya City by Hana Oto
Small turnip and persimmon marinated by Kamoshibito
Matsunaga tofu marinated in sake malt and crackers by Uzu
shinju Scallops brochette by Narusei

Frogfish liver/ankimo steamed in Seikyousuke style by Uzu

Herring and herring roe by Uzu

Avocado and Scallops in egg yolk umeshu dressing by Uzu.

Fresh mozuku seaweed from Miyako Island in Okinawa.

Organic vegetables from Matsuki Bio Farm in Fujinomiya City steamed by Uzu.

These beautiful vegetables were served with three different sauces!

More beautiful vegetables!
Natural salt was also on hand!

I just couldn’t stop looking at them and asking for more!

Amagi Shamo Chicken from Horie Farm in Izu Peninsula and seasonal vegetables sauteed Chinese style by Hana Oto!

Magenton pork from Sanoman Co. in Fujinomiya City fried with maitake/Broomstick mushrooms in daikon in daikon sauce by Kamoshibito!

Smoked sawara/Spanish mackerel by Narusei!

Ebihimo and eringe mushrooms in walnut sauce by Kamoshibito!

Mackerel and barracuda pressed sushi by Hiro Sushi!

Fried rice vermicelli by Hana Oto!

A feast!
Looking forward to the next event!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Senju Brewery-Junmai Daiginjo Homare Fuji

Not many breweries have attempted or been able yet to produce sake of the daiginjo class with Shizuoka-grown Homare Fuji rice but Senju brewery in Iwata City has certainly succeeded!

Rice: Homare Fuji
Rice milled down to 50%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Bottled in September 2012

Clarity: Very clear
Color: Golden hue
Aroma: Discreet, elegant, fruity. Pears, apples, banana
Body: Fluid
Taste: Soft attack backed up by a reasonable amount of junmai petillant.
Turns dry very quickly with an elegant turn.
Complex and fruity: almonds, macadamia nuts, cherries, custard.
Disappears very quickly asking many questions.
Elegant and fleeting.
I did not taste it with food for many reasons and drank it at room temperature only.

Overall: Elegant is the only adjective to describe this sake.
Very fleeting to the point of revealing a very feminine personality.
This is the first time I drank a Junmai Daiginjo with Shizuoka-grown Homare Fuji rice.
Both a discovery and a secret!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

French Gastronomy: Autumn Lunch at Beau Ciel in Shizuoka City!

Service: Pro and attentive
Facilities and Equipment: Extremely clean. Superb separate washrooms!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Elegant restaurant and French gastronomy. Superb panoramic view of Shizuoka from Mount Fuji to the Suruga Bay. Building totally non-smoking!

It was only my second visit to Beau Ciel for lunch today.
The first time was for a special function and I was curious to go there by myself.
The restaurant is located on the 25th floor of Aoi Tower just across the street from Shizuoka JR Station North exit, No wonder the restaurant is mostly full at lunch time (almost ladies, mind you!)!

The three lunch menus (you can reserve for a different course in advance) were on display at the entrance.
The top course was priced at 3,000 yen (30 euros) and it looked pretty reasonable considering the dishes it offered.

If you wish to enjoy the great panoramas from Mount Fuji down to the Suruga Bay come early or reserve your table in advance!

Classical table setting.

The service there is professional, unobtrusive, polite and actually quite helpful.
Very reminiscent of a classy hotel.

The cold appetizer:
Salmon, prawns, kabocha and vegetables terrine!

I must admit this is far better fare than in many vaunted hotel restaurants!

From another angle:
The vegetables were very fresh and tasty.
Beautiful and tasty!

Hot appetizer:
Sweet potato and kabocha soup!

Quite elegant.

Hot, tasty and very comforting!

The “fish course” consisted of a small pot of fricassee sole/shitabirame and mushrooms in Bourguignonne cream sauce.

Very appetizing!

The tomato and spinach at the bottom made for a remarkable complement to the delicious sole!

The main dish:
Japanese premium beef with onion sauce and mushroom gratin.

From another angle to give an idea of the general size and arrangement.
Makes for some beautiful pictures!

The beef!
A bit small but absolutely succulent!
Actually the whole lunch made up for quite a hearty proposition!

Japanese beef is comparatively extravagant at all levels and actually small portions are probably a good idea!

The mushroom gratin was a judicious and beautiful accompaniment!

The dessert:
Seasonal chestnuts pound cake!

For a closer view!
The Chantilly cream reminded you of Mont Blanc Cake!

For once I took my time to savor it!

And coffee served as it should be!

All in all, very reasonable considering the quality, quantity, service and locale!
Highly recommended for lunch!

BEAU CIEL
25F Sky Restaurant
GRANDAIR Bouquet Tokai
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi, 17-1, Aoi Tower, 25F (right across from Shizuoka JR Station North exit)
Tel.: 054-273-5250
Fax: 054-273-5251
Opening hours: Lunch 11:30~14:30, Tea Time-14:30~17:30, Dinner-17:30~21:00
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Completely nonsmoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery