Tag Archives: Gastronomy

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
日本語のブログ
—————————————-

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2008 #9
bryan-sayuri.gif

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

Spring has arrived and it has brought with it two new Baird Beer seasonal brews: Pacific Porter & Imperial Belgian Red Ale.

(1) Pacific Porter (ABV 6.6%):

This is the Baird Beer version of a Baltic Porter (a strong dark beer fermented with lager yeast that has enjoyed historical popularity in Baltic region countries). The color is deep copper-brown. The aroma is soft, round and fruity with a hint of chocolate. The body is chewy but not thick.
Subtly sweet flavors of caramel and milk chocolate are highlighted magnificently by an underbelly of nut and pit fruit character. The overall impression is one of smoothness and balance.

(2) Imperial Belgian Red Ale (ABV 8.1%):

This is a Belgian-style ale fermented with a blend of two yeasts. Additions of Japanese red sugar serve to add color, lighten the body and dry the flavor by increasing the alcohol content. Brewed in June 2007 and packaged in November 2007, Imperial Belgian Red has been dry-hopped with English East Kent Golding and Fuggle hops. At packaging, it was kraeusened with our
Angry Boy Brown Ale. The color is bright copper-red and a berry-like fruit aroma wafts from the glass. The body is light and zesty and the finish is dry but pleasantly fruity with a tinge of alcohol warmth.

Both beers are new being served at our Fishmarket Taproom in Numazu and will be available at fine Baird Beer retailers throughout Japan. The bottle-conditioned versions (360 ml bottles) are set, also, to be sold direct to consumers via our new eStore. The new eStore will be up and
running on Tuesday, April 8. Credit card payments will be accepted at the new eStore and all bottle-conditioned Baird Beer year-round and seasonal brews will be sold through it. The eStore is the official one of Baird Brewing but will be managed and run (including order fulfillment) by Nide, Inc. Please visit the store, kick the tires and let us know what you think
(HOMEPAGE).

The winds of change are blowing strongly here in Spring 2008. So strongly, in fact, that they are carrying with them across the Pacific Ocean to the United States the first export shipment of Baird Beer. 850 cases of Rising Sun, Red Rose, Angry Boy, Kurofune, Carpenter’s Mikan and Temple Garden Yuzu are now in transit to New York Harbor. The importer is the Shelton Brothers (HOMEPAGE) which specializes in the discovery, importation and sale of first-rate small brewery beers from all around the world. This is their first go at a Japanese craft beer but it won’t be the last. If you live in the United States, shoot these guys an email to find out how to get your hands on some very limited Baird Beer.

Finally, we still are hunting for passionate individuals to work at our new Nakameguro Taproom (set to open on May 10). The work will be satisfying and the potential for upward movement great.
Cheers!
Bryan Baird

Baird Brewing Company
Numazu, Japan
HOMEPAGE

Gastronomic Destinations: New Caledonia (4)


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

aquarium.jpg

After we visited the recently expanded New Caledonia Aquarium (the only one featuring live phosphorescent corals in the World!) and a long walk in town, we thought it was grand time to try a purely “local” restaurant for lunch away from the ubiquitous tourist traps.
They do exist!

patio1.jpg
Le Patio somewhat looks like a Caribbean diner, although the atmosphere inside reminisces more of Southern France.
Actually, the owners who opened last year are from French Britanny and offer true galettes and crepes!
But we were in for lighter fare.
patio4.jpg
We were more interested in their salads. And they are of giant (American?) size. They certainly would tempt Foodhoe (LOL)!
The Missus asked for the marinated tuna and seafood salad. Why did I have the impression we were not that from home in Shizuoka…
patio3.jpg
I opted for the grilled chicken salad. Afer all, we had been eating all kinds of seafood. Well, the Missus could not help taking the best bits and leaving me with all the lettuce! Mind you, I love my greens!
patio2.jpg
Which left me with some space for the cheese directly brought from France.
The Missus, for all her being bent on wine, did not have any space left.
havannah-beer.jpg
Which was perfect with me, as I still had plenty of the local beer, Havannah, left to drink!
petanque.jpg
The weather being very hot (38 degrees), we decided to keep in the shade while digesting and looking the local play that very French game, Petanque!
Not a bad way to spend the first half of the day!

LE PATIO
37, rue de Verdun, Noumea, Nouvelle-Caledonie
Tel.: (687)284219

Today’s Bento/Lunch Box (8)


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

bento-04-01.jpg

The Missus has recently found these cheap hard plastic bento boxes which come into all kinds of sizes and are so practical to use, wash and carry around. Lids are very secure. No danger of spilling or oozing anything out!

Today’s (Tuesday!) bento was very Springlike!

Three smallish “o-musubi/rice balls”, one tipped with “konbu/sweetened seaweed” (bottom middle), another one with “furikake/dried seasoning mixture” (bottom right) and the last one with “umeboshi/salted plum”.
Cherry tomatoes and fresh mini-cucumbers (the latter on a bed of sweet miso paste) for fresh vegetables.
The other cut vegetables, soft pimentoes, peas in their pods and mini onion had been steamed with the “ika shuumai/cuttle-fish dumplings” (from Hokkaido) sprinkled with “tobikko/flying fish roe”
I used the wasabi dressing in my office fridge to season the veg.

Love Spring!

Gastronomic Destinations: Ishigaki Island


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

kurashita.jpg

There are better places to visit in Okinawa than the main island and its trappings.
One is Ishigaki Island (direct flight from main Japanese airports possible) away from the noisy main island and a real spot to discover!
I would suggest English readers to check the following HOMEPAGE for more details!

We had arrived on a rainy mid-March day (the only rain of our whole stay) with a temperature that belied the heat that welcomed us the following days.
We had followed the Missus’ advice and searched for a “great” place we found closed under pouring rain. A bit disgruntled, I decided to take things in hand and try a local izakaya I had noticed along the way.
Bacchus must have been looking over my shoulder as it proved the perfect destination for the day!
Not only “Kurashita” is patronized by locals (the place was full by 20:00), but the food too is very, very local!

Of course we tried one of the local “awamori” spirit (there are 7 breweries on that particular island), although it was a bit tough on our tired bodies.

kurashita-sugi-carpaccio.jpg
There is one local fish in Okinawa called “sugi” and I can’t tell you what name it would be known by in English, but it was succulent served as “carpaccio”. The texture was halfway between cuttlefish and cod, very easy to bite and chew. I certainly remember the taste!

kurashita-beef-carpaccio.jpg
Now, Ishigaki is famous all over the country for its beef, and deservedly so. Served as (true) “carpaccio”, it is simply sublime. Very lean, tender and reminiscent of high quality venison!
They do it in all kind of manners, but I reckon raw is still the best!

adan-ootaniwatari.jpg
Wherever you go in Japan expect tempura made with local vegetables. Ishigaki is no exception, but the names of their vegetables can turn out pretty exotic! We had “adan” (white on the pic) and “ootaniwari” (green on the pic), both actual young shoots of local trees! What can I say? A truly gastronomic experience!

kurashita-jinamidoofu-cheese-iri-frx.jpg
Any izakaya worth its salt has good fried food on offer. I wonder if Foodhoe has ever heard of “jinamidoofu”. It is not tofu, but a curd made with locally grown peanuts. This is made in balls with cheese inside and envelopped in “shiso/perilla” leaves before being dipped in batter and breadcrumbs. Served wit a “dip sauce” or soy sauce, it simply makes for great “tsumami/snacks”!.

We did have more, but I felt I had to introduce these particular tidbits!
Can’t wait to go back there!

KURASHITA
Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki Shi, Ishigaki, 12-2
(1 minute walk from City hall)
TEL 0980-82-7856
Business hours: 18:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays

Italian Cuisine: Aquavite’s 10th Anniversary Dinner


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

aqua-ann5.jpg

2008 saw the 10th Anniversary of Aquavite Restaurant and I just could not resist their “invitation” to their Special Dinner Course!

aqua-ann1.jpg
They still had that favourite wine of mine in their “cellar”, so choosing this Mastremilio 2003 was easy. A high quality red wine from Toscana, it a great spicy character with lots of red berries and does need to be aerated first. But it will open quickly and become a great friend of your food!

aqua-ann2.jpg
The starters were certainly a bit of a surprise: Carpaccio (raw, yes) of ostrich raised in Ibaraki Prefecture abundantly served with parmeggiano and luccola. The serving was comparatively big for a Japanese restaurant and the wine proved the best choice for it!

aqua-ann3.jpg
The pasta dish was a beautiful marriage of spaghetti with home-made “botarga/dried mullet roe”, “shirasu/whiting” (from Shizuoka), French dandelion, and shark fin/”fukahire” from Miyagi perfecture (Kyushu). Talk of a truly international dish!

aqua-ann4.jpg
The main dish (sorry for the fuzzy pic!) consisted of a sauteed cut of “sawara/large mackerel variety” cooked to perfection with new potatoes, Brussels sprouts (Shizuoka). carrots (Shizuoka) and a sweet red pimento puree/coulis. I can garantee you I wiped/swept all the sauce away with the home-made bread!

aqua-ann6.jpg
The dessert was an original combination of panacotta, Shizuoka “Benihoppe/Red Cheek” strawberries, “Tama Konnyaku” from Yamagata Prefecture and at least three kinds of fruit coulis.

aqua-ann5.jpg
Were we full by then? Yes, but we could not have called this dinner complete without a glass of a great Grappa Sgnappe del Checo from Friuli region to accompany our expresso!

I’m sure Rowena would have been the first to compliment the chefs!
But I’m certainly not going to wait ten more years until my next visit! LOL

Address: 420-0034 Shizuoka Shi, Tokiwa-cho, 1-2-7, Tomii Bldg. 3F
Tel. & fax: 054-2740777
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 18:00~22:00 (Closed on Sundays)
Homepage (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK

Shizuoka Cocktail Bar: BAR NO’AGE


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

noage10.jpg

After a grand dinner at Aquavite, the best Italian restaurant in Shizuoka City, I just could not resist my good friend, Mr. Naohiro Momose’s invitation to his favourite Cocktail Bar, NO’AGE.
As the name indicates, all customers of all ages are welcome. I’m sure that a certain Roaf in Yokohama would make it his personal lair as it is not only a great place with grand drinks, but is also very reasonable!

no-age2.jpg no-age3.jpg no-age4.jpg
For our first round Naohiro opted for Fennel Gin Fizz, our friend Mika chose a more feminine drink, Karien (Greek for chestnut Liqueur) including plenty of cream, while I went for a NO’AGE creation called Kinkan (small ornages) Vodka Gimlet.
To tell you the truth, these went down a bit too quickly!

no-age7.jpg no-age6.jpg
Poor Mika being left behind, Naohiro ordered a very classical (very) Dry martini, while I chose to check the Chestnut Liqueur (French) they used for our poor lass’ brew.

no-age5.jpg
While we nibbled on a welcome snack, we engaged into a serious conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Itani, the young owners who opened this cozy bar on the 21st of June 2007. Being a Monday, I noticed taht the place was quite busy for the beginning of the week, a sure sign of its popularity. Ladies and gents were equally represented, while I was the only old geezer on hand.

no-age8.jpg no-age9.jpg
Poor little Mika was still struggling finishing her own glass while the “men” were asking the one for the road:
Naohiro obtained “up to date”, a Bourbon based concoction while I asked something based on Mirabelle. I was served a succulent “Allegro” containing Mirabelle, Apricot and lemon juice (shaken).

It was about time to leave then as work was in wait for all of us the next morning.
But the place was undoubtedly too welcoming and knowledgeable to forget easily!
Especially when you consider we hadn’t been able to even scratch the menu, which by the way includes plenty for teetals!
Problem is that I will have to wait at least a week before my next visit as I promised my (???) half I would cook all week!

BAR NO’AGE
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken-cho, 3-6, ACT-7, 2F
Tel. & Fax: 054-2536615
Business Hours: 18:00~02.00
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

Gastronomic Destinations: New Caledonia (3)


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

Drinking Local Beer In New Caledonia

nc-sunset2.jpg

New Caledonia is not only blessed with sun, sea and great food, but it also offers some of the best natural water in the Pacific Ocean!
No wonder this island has been settled for millennia as the water is slowly filtered through rocks before to gush out at the feet of pretty high (over 2,000 metres in some cases) for such a small island!
A benediction for beer Brewers and beer lovers!

3brasseurs1.jpg
There are two distinct microbreweries in New Caledonia:
The first one, 3 Brasseurs, is actually a branch of a great microbrewery in France, which uses only local water.
It not only offers a range of four different beers, all made from pure malt and hops, unpasteurized and unfiltered:
Blonde (lager), Ambree (red ale), Scotch (porter) and Blanche (weizen)
3brasseurs2.jpg 3brasseurs3.jpg
but they also include a restaurant where you can eat all typical Alsatian Cuisine.

3 Brasseurs
Centre Commercial de la Baie des Citrons, Noumea, Nouvelle Caledonie
Tel.: (687)241510

The other Brewery is the Grande Brasserie Neo-Caledonienne, a 100% local micro-brewery:

numberone-beer2.jpg
Their main label is Number One.
numberone-beer1.jpg
It is a very refreshing lager, especially popular with Ozzies and Kiwis, and quite reasonably priced at that.

havannah-beer.jpg
But I have a little weak spot for their red ale, Havannah!
Also reasonably priced, it should please Europeans especiallY!

Great beer in a great hot spot in the Pacific! What else could you need?

Sushi Ko Revisited


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

sushi-ko-08-03-2.jpg

Last Thursday, it was back to Sushi Ko in Shizuoka City on my wife’s orders. Not that I complain at all, but I was wondering what we would order this time we hadn’t eaten last time!

sushi-ko-08-03-1.jpg
I finally managed to get my hands on the “Sushi Ko” label pasted on their Fujinishiki Brewery Junami Ginjo Nama bottle which will join my ever-growing collection. Not only it has the merit to become a collection item, but it is a great sake perfect for sushi!

sushi-ko-08-03-2.jpg
Among the day’s orders, we sampled the seasonal “Madai/Seabream Carpaccio” (I’ve always wondered why people call everything “carpaccio” since it applies to red meat only in Italy… I would have to ask Chuckeats!)
sushi-ko-08-03-3.jpg
Talking of seasonal seafood, we could resist asking for the “Yari Ika Somen/Spear Cuttle Fish cut in very thin strips”. Simple but very artful, it disappeared within a blink of the eye!
sushi-ko-08-03-4.jpg
The Missus has always had a love affair with raw scallops. Notice that the edible flowers (Rowena, that’s for you!) are “shiso/perilla” buds, a great addition for decoration, too!
sushi-ko-08-03-5.jpg
When we ordered the inevitable “Sushi Millefeuille”, the chefs had to prepare a couple more variations for other customers who couldn’t helping ogling! I wished Evelyn were with us!
sushi-ko-08-03-6.jpg
Allison would have wished to be with us to taste another Sushi KoSpecial, namely the “Spicy Scallops Roll”!
sushi-ko-08-03-7.jpg
I had my fill by then (the sake contained more calories than my wife’s Chardonnay!), but my better (…) half had to sample their succulent “Anago/Conger Eel”,
sushi-ko-08-03-8.jpg
and “Ikura Mini Donburi”!

Chuck, you know what’s in wait fro you when you come to Japan! Simple, Succulent and So So Satisfying!

Izakaya: Kodarumatei


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

kodarumatei8.jpg
(Mr. Takateru Kodama)

Shizuoka City can be a dangerous place at times.
That is, if you accept an invitation to dining and drinking by a notorious band of Shizuoka Izakaya owners and their staff!
I’ve had the great luck to get to know this particular of jolly men (a lady was supposed to join us but I will have to wait until next time!) through Mr. Ohshiro, the enregetic owner of Odakkui:
Mr. Tozaki and his assistant Mr. Sugiyama of Hanaoto Izakaya and Mr. Mori Katayurimo Izakaya.
kodarumatei10.jpg

Kodarumatei moved to its new location last Autumn and is a very busy place. Needing to reserve a table on a Monday night is certainly a proof of the establishment’s popularity!

kodarumatei1.jpg
I decided to take a back seat as far as ordering was concerned. After all those guys know their stuff!
Sashimi was quickly agreed upon and we were brought this grand plate that would attract Chuckeats‘ attention! simple, tasty and sublime! Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with one of the richest sea in Japan, and all of the fish were caught the day before off our coast!
kodarumatei9.jpg
Kodarumatei is renown for its selection of sake, including some great brews from Shizuoka Prefecture: Kikuyoi, Suginishiki, Kaiun, and others depending on arrivals. one more reason to patronize this establishment!
kodarumatei2.jpg kodarumatei3.jpg
Now here is food that would have Foodhoe and Gaijin Tonic coming running! Apparently deep-fried minced chicken balls and pork brochettes are a must in this establishment and I totally agree!
kodarumatei4.jpg kodarumatei6.jpg
Vegetables are certainly not forgotten as demonstrated by some great tempura and salads that would please any vegetarians!
kodarumatei5.jpg
But my pick of the day was the grilled whalemeat steak presented cut on a simple dish. Simply crumptious!
kodarumatei7.jpg
We could not resist our carnivorous instincts and oredered an extra dish of sauteed beef.

As I was limited timewise on that first encounter, we agreed to call it a day (actually my new friends went “next door” after sending me off! I told you Shizuoka City could be a dangerous place, didn’t I?), But I can assure this newfound friendhip will lead to some memorable outings in the future!

Kodamarutei
Owner: Mr. Takateru Kodama
420-0835 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Yokota Cho, 2-1, YY bldg., 2F
Tel.: 054-2728833
Reservations advised

Bryan Baird’s Newsletter


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
日本語のブログ
—————————————-

Baird Beer & Taproom Events Bulletin 2008 #8
bryan-sayuri.gif

Topic: Nakameguro Taproom; Baird Brewing now hiring

Dear Taproom Friend & Baird Beer Enthusiast:

We are a few months shy of eight years in business at our Fishmarket Taproom in Numazu. A few of you might recall the first six months of operation when no Baird Beer was on tap (our brewing license had yet to be granted); instead, we were pouring Guinness and Hoegaarden White while selling various bottled beers for direct purchase from that rickety old showcase
refrigerator that was situated across from the cash register. Some of you probably remember the debut of Baird Beer in January, 2001, brewed in the small room behind the pub in tiny, homebrew-like 30 liter batches. Several more of you likely remember in 2003 when we moved into the downstairs location, formerly occupied by Monkey’s Bar, with our 2.5 hectoliter brewing
system purchased from a defunct brewery in Toledo, Ohio. This was our turning point as we launched bottle-conditioned Baird Beer and began to sell more broadly to fine pubs, restaurants and liquor stores in and around Tokyo. This growth made possible the construction of a new brewery within the fish market area of Numazu in 2006.

This brings us to today (early spring, 2008). Thanks to the continued and growing support of the beer enthusiast community, a community centered in Tokyo, our little beer company is now about to embark on a mission we had long hoped to undertake — the opening of our first Tokyo-area Taproom.
Sayuri and I are proud to announce that the Nakameguro Taproom (located in the GT Plaza building right next to Nakameguro station) will be under construction in April and open for business around May 10, 2008.

A new Taproom business, of course, brings with it the need for us to hire more passionate, dedicated and hard-working beer enthusiast employee-partners. We are now accepting applications for the following positions:

A) Tokyo (Start Date: May 1, 2008)
(1) Nakameguro Taproom Kitchen Staff — individual will work in kitchen directly with our manager-chef (experience required)
(2) Nakameguro Taproom Kitchen Staff — mainly, but not limited to, kitchen work; young and hungry (no experience required)
(3) Nakameguro Taproom Floor Staff — work directly with assistant manager in charge of beer dispense and customer service (experience preferred)
(4) Nakameguro Taproom Floor Staff — work focus beer dispense and customer service; young and hungry (no experience required)

B) Numazu (Start Date: April-May, 2008)
(1) Fishmarket Taproom Staff — individual will be involved in all aspects of the Fishmarket Taproom business and also will be required to work some in the brewery on administrative tasks, inventory management, labeling, etc. Great opportunity to learn the craft brewery and pub business from the ground up. (Experience not required but welcome).
(2) Baird Brewery Apprentice Brewer — Do you want to become a first-rate brewer? This is your chance. Warning: work is hard, pay low, expectations high. After successful completion of a 3-month apprenticeship, the individual will be promoted to Assistant Brewer and hired as a salaried full-time employee.

In hiring, our preference is for Japanese nationals. If you are a foreign resident of Japan, you will be considered if you meet the following criteria:
(1) possess proper work visa,
(2) speak some level of Japanese,
(3) have clearly demonstrated an affinity for and long-term commitment to
Japan,
and (4) possess excessive amounts of passion for characterful beer.

If you are interested in any of these positions, please send us a resume and letter of interest. These can be sent by:

a) email: info@bairdbeer.com
b) fax: 055-952-6673
c) normal mail: Baird Brewing Company, 9-3 Tadewara-cho, Numazu 410-0841

If you are not interested yourself but know someone who might be, please pass along the word. All of our hires to date have been introduced via word-of-mouth.

HOMEPAGE

Gastronomic Destinations: New Caledonia (2)


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
Noumea’s Morning Market

noumea-market1.jpg
One great way to enjoy and experience the truly local life in New Caledonia and especially in Noumea is to wake up early, skip breakfast and visit tne Morning Market near Port de Plaisance. Almost all buses go there, so there is little chance to get lost.
noumea-market2.jpg
Not only will you find all locally grown vegetables and fruit (plus some imported ones, notably potatoes, altough locals eat yams), but you can buy cooked food at stands offering bread, pastries, Vietnamese food such as all kinds of nems, all these at extremely reasonable prices. There is also a large indoors Cafe Stand where you can drink great New caledonian coffee, soft drinks and what else.
You can also take advantage of other stands offering crafts and Kanak clothing, paleos and so forth.
noumea-market4.jpg
But the must-see are the fish stands displaying sea food caught the day or night before. If you happen to live or stay in a place equipped with its own kitchen, this a great opportunity to choose your fish and shellfish for sashimi, steamed, fried, simmered fish, some of which can be found in the sea surrounding Okinawa.
noumea-market3.jpg
Now if it is crustaceans you are looking for, you might be in for a great surprise or shock depending on your tastes as you will not find spiny lobsters weighing under 2 kg! (Just boil them, then cool them and eat with mayonnaise or grilled in the oven!)

Wishing you a happy shopping!

Today’s Bento/Lunch Box (7)


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

bento-03-18a.jpg

For once the Missus had to bring my Tuesday’s bento to my office before she went to work as I had to leave very early to attend a Primary School Graduation Ceremony away along Abe River.
It was quite a hearty one I must say!
bento-03-18b.jpg
The “Salad” part consisted of fresh cabbage, cress, tomato and “Tori no Tsukune”/Sauteed Chicken Balls wrapped in shiso/perilla leaves. All vegetables are locally grown.
bento-03-18c.jpg
The “Rice” part consisted of Maki/Rolls made of sushi rice mixed with “Tobiko”/Flying Fish Roe contained smoked salmon with thin leeks and wrapped in lettuce. I’m sure Allison will be interested! “Kamaboko Dango”/balls of fish paste (steamed and filled with tuna or cheese bought at the supermarket) and pickled cucumber and “Gobo”/Burdock Roots we bought in Kyoto last Friday.

I can tell you I was full and happy!

Korean Restaurant: Hoyoken


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

hojyouken1.jpg

So many carnivorous friends of mine have repeatedly asked me to recommend them a Korean Yakiniku Restaurant that I feel I have to introduce one at least that I truly appreciate.
hoyoken2.jpg
All Korean restaurants in this country seem the same at first glance. So the difference will reside in the quality of the meat, the attitude of the staff and the general atmosphere.
hoyoken3.jpg
Actually, even vegetarians can find their prefered food there!
Founded in 1949, this is one of the best traditional Yakiniku Restaurants in Shizuoka City and it is quite crowded most of the time. Even so, the staff works hard to serve you as soon as possible in a quiet and effective manner.
hoyoken4.jpg
You cannot ignore their homemade pickled vegetables!
A hint?: choose a seat at the counter and you will see everybody at work. Some great sakes in store, too.

HOYOKEN
Address: 420-0036 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Suruga-cho, 6-18.
Tel.;: 054-2528929
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00.
Closed on Mondays.
Credit cards OK.

Gastronomic Destinations: New Caledonia (1)


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-
Restaurant: la Coupole

surf1.jpg

Although this is not srictly within the purpose of this blog, I thought it would be a shame not to share some good moments I spent abroad and thus provide useful and truthfull knowledge away from the “guides” and what else!

coupole1.jpg

As March 11th is the Missus’ birthday, we (I) thought we ought to celebrate it with a special dinner.
La Coupole in Noumea, New Caledonia (we had discovered a very good value free-time tour for three days to this favourite destination of ours) is the best Fench restaurant in the whole island (that is until now…) and located just beside the Surf Hotel where we resided.
coupole2.jpg
After a Kir for aperitif (my half pointed out that a glass of Champagne would have fitted the occasion better, to which I replied that I wished to bring her back to the hotel in reasonably good shape…), I chose a Cote Chalonnaise, Red Mercurey, Les Gravettes 2005, one of the best reds in that particular region and certainly better value than overblown Bourgogne greta names.
The amuse (see pic above) consisted of foie gras terrine slice with toast and balsamico dressing. I ended up with half of my half (no pun there!) as she felt a bit conscious about her waist.
coupole3.jpg
I ordered a dozen oysters from Doumbea. These are raised in the village of the same name and have the particularity to be small, full and succulent. I never seem to have enough of them every time I visit this island.
coupole4.jpg
Her Grace chose the Cassolette d’Ecrevissesd de Bolouporis a l’Estragon/ oven baked crayfish from Bolouporis (New Caledonia) with taragon.
coupole5.jpg
The crayfish are basically sauteed with a julienne of vegetables and fresh taragon and seasoned fresh cream, then poured in a dish to be covered with light pastry before being baked in an oven. Good balance. It was the first time the Missus challenged crayfish and she loved it.
coupole6.jpg
As for the main dish, my wife tried the Croustillant de Saint-Pierre/Sea Bass baked in light pastry (again…). The fish had been emphasized with a slighty spicy seasoning before being wrapped in very light pastry. Good balance again.
coupole7.jpg
As for me, I had chosen foie gras (again…) raviolis with morel sauce, which unfortunately I could not keep away from my other half long enough. Which explains why I appreciated half of the firsh she had graciously left for me!
coupole9.jpg
I still had space left for the kiwi and pineapple soup with citrus sherbet.
coupole8.jpg
Her Majesty was already full and quite happy nibbling on the “mignardises” consisting of creme brulee an cold melon soup.

The bread we were served had been baked in the restaurant kitchen and I had a hard time keeping my hands off it!
Coffee, and that was it.
The bill was fairly high, but life is more expensive there than in Japan.
Very kind and attentioned service.

Address:
Restaurant La Coupole, Le Surf Hotel,
Le Rocher a la Voile
B.P. 4230
9847 Noumea, Nouvelle Caledonie.
Reservations are better made through the Hotel, especially on week-ends
Tel.: (687)286688
Credit Cards OK

Ekiben/Station Bento (1): Minato Aji Zushi


The Japan Blog List

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

—————————————-

ekiben-mishima2.jpg

“Ekiben” is the abreviation for “Eki”/Railway Station and “Ben”/Bento-Lunch box.
These packed lunches are extremely popular in Japan (I counted more than 90 in Shizuoka Prefecture alone!), as not only they make for a very satisfying lunch during a long trip, but they are usually made up with local ingredients, thus offering a good idea of what is eaten in the particular region you are visiting or going through!

ekiben-mishima1.jpg
I found this limited seasonal (Spring only) ekiben at Mishima JR Station Shinkasen Platform.
It is actually made in nearby Numazu City, one of the major fishing harbours in Japan (it does have a JR Station, but no Shinkasen stops there), and consists of Aji (sebream) sushi.
The lunch includes three types of sushi: nigiri (a piece of fish atop a ball of rice) secured by a band of pickled cherry tree leaf, another nigiri made up of a ball of rice mixed with the same fish inside a pouch made of pickled cherry tree leaf and a sushi maki also envelopped in pickled cherry tree leaf instead of the usual “nori”/seaweed. The fish is caught and pickled in Numazu City, therefore absolutely safe for consumption.

ekiben-mishima3.jpg
The beauty is that we are provided with a piece of real fresh Wasabi (from Amagi Plateau in Izu Peninsula) with a grater and soy sauce!
You could not find something more typical of Shizuoka Prefecture!