Tag Archives: Izakaya

美食, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, Fish, Food, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Numazu City, sashimi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, sushi, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya & Seafood Restaurant: Senbon Ichi in Numazu City!

October 8, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but attentive and kind
Facilities: Traditional but very clean. Very clean washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Local fish directly from the harbor. Excellent local sake list

Senbon Ichi is a very traditional Japanese izakaya which specializes in fish as it is located in the middle of Numazu City fishing harbor, a major in Japan that Tokyo couldn’t do without!

The draft beer served there, although not by a Shizuoka Brewery, is brewed in Shizuoka Prefecture!

As the Numazu harbor has been recently completely renovated I paid it a short visit before planning a longer one for an extensive report. I still took the time to eat lunch at Senbon Ichi (which has two establishments under the generic name of Minato Ichi/湊一).

I want this poster of all the fishes caught in Japan!

At lunch time the main dining room is non smoking. Take a seat near the windows and you shouldn’t be affected by the smokers at the counter!

Great take-out deep-fried seafood available at reasonable prices, too!

Very good point in their favor: they serve no less than 14 local sake!

We decided to order the two specialties of the season and share them!

Dragon ordered the sakura ebi kakiage donburi/sushi rice top with deep-fried cherry shrimps, the specialty of Shizuoka!

A real beauty and plenty of it!

I pinched a few to eat with the beer! Great snack, I assure you!

The interesting thing is that there is a layer of grilled horse mackerel under the shrimps!
Actually Dragon was also provided with hot tea to mix it with some of her donburi for a great o-cha-zuke!

As for me, I ordered a sushi donburi topped with local fish and seafood only!

A photograph for my gastronomic collection!

Raw shirasu/sardine whiting, sardine, horse mackerel, negitoro/grated tuna!

Amberjack and a rose of tuna!

Tamagoyaki, seabream and prawn!

You will find a layer of finely chopped dry seaweed between the sushi rice and the sashimi!
So healthy!

SENBON ICHI
410-0845 Numazu City, Senbon Minato Cho, 101, 3rd and 4th F
Tel.: 055-952-0025
Fax: 055-952-0022
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30 (11:00~15:30 on week-ends and National Holidays), 17:00~21:30
Closed on Tuesdays (except on National Holidays)
Groups up to 80 OK
Credit cards OK
Free taxi service for groups of 7, 9 or 14 from and to Numazu, Katahama and Mishima JR Stations upon phone bookings!

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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, 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: 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!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
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レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Mishima City, Recipes, Restaurants, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya: Hinayaoshi in Mishima City!

October 5, 2013 dragonlife 1 Comment

IZAKAYA RANKING: +3
Service: +3 Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: +3 Overall very clean. Beautiful washroom
Prices:+1=+2 Reasonable
Strong points: Sake, Shochu, Umeshu, local seafood, yakitori

See “Izakaya Ranking” system at bottom of article!

Chef Nobeteru Oota/太田のべてるさん opened Inayoshi 12 years ago in Mishima City and moved it to its present location 6 ears ago 7 minutes walk from Mishima JR Station south exit.

Even after 6 years of constant cooking and serving the place is spotless clean!
When you realize he has only his wife and sometimes his mother-in-law to help, Nobeteru must be extremely busy morning to night ordering, buying and taking back home the day’s fish, vegetables and what else!

With an incredible ist of 50 sake including about 25 from Shizuoka Prefecture, an unending list of shochu (even some featuring Shizuoka!), awamori and umeshu, this must be the place to go drinking in the east of the Prefecture,
You will soon understand how the place is so deservedly popular as it is full by 6:30 pm! Make sure to reserve beforehand!

The sashimi is simply first-class and would be impossible to pay in Tokyo as the fish comes directly from the major fishing harbors of Numazu City, Shimoda City in Izu Peninsula! The plate above even includes rare Shizuoka Botan ebi/large sweet prawn and Tobiuo/flying fish from Shimoda! Moreve,r Nobeteru makes a point, even when the place is full, to introduce each fish and its origin to each customer!

This time we sampled only tsukune/chicken balls and shiri/chicken tail, but you must come again just for the yakitori!
Actually it would be hard to try everything the first visit so be warned!

The raw fish is extraordinary and the cooked fish sublime such as the “negima” above with tuna and amberjack served with yuzu koshio and grated daikon and ginger!

If you like tofu you must ask for agedashi dofu, a must-try japanaese delicacy!

The soup is just perfect! No wonder that in these times of economical crisis the establishment is full with local regulars!

Seafood and vegetables steamed in Seikyou Miso! The wife will first open it for you, eventually let you take a photograph and mix it for you!

This was our first visit, but since it is so worth spending on a train ticket expect more articles soon!

HINAYOSHI Sakakura
411-0036 Mishima City, Ichi Bansho, 3-22
Tel.: 055-991-7171
Opening hours: 17:30^23:00
Closed on Sundays
Reservations a must!
Credit Cards OK
Parties for 4 to 18 guests welcome!
Full courses from 3,500 yen
Menu a la carte available and immense drink list!

IZAKAYA RANKING SYSTEM
IZAKAYA RANKING:
+1 ought to be visited at least once
+2 could be become a regular visit
+3 must visit!

Service:
+1 standard
+2 pleasant
+3 very good

Equipment & Facilities:
+1 standard
+2 excellent
+3 Superb

Prices:
+1 cheap
+2 slightly expensive but good value
+3 expensive but good value

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Izakaya Gastronomy: Bu-Ichi in Shizuoka City!

March 6, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Watarigani/ワタリガニ/Swimming crabs from Suruga Bay!

Service: Very friendly and easy-going
Equipment: Very clean overall. Spacious and beautiful toilets
Prices: reasonable to slightly expensive, but very good value!
Strong points: Extensive use of local land and sea products. Great sake and drinks in general!

Izakaya gastronomy is THE gastronomy of Japan.
It comes at different levels and prices from the cheap small food stands to some elaborate establishments with the consequent prices.
If one truly wants to discover local food and ingredients just visit the many izakayas you are bound to find anywhere in Japan!
Now, in Shizuoka, as we are blessed (and that officially!) with the largest number of varieties of land and sea food in Japan, it becomes a delightful headache as to which place to patronize.
Even so, Bu Ichi in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City stands head and shoulders above most izakayas in town and prefecture and a lot of regular customers from all status have more than often to battle for a seat!

Alright, let me show you what Takeshi Satoh/佐藤武史 prepared for our short dinner the other day!

A lot of attention is brought to the smallest details!

The o-tooshi/snack served with the first drink: Simmered daikon with na no hana/rape flowers!

Avery rare (there were only two available that day!) watarigani/swimming crab caught in the Western part of Suruga Bay! One half for each of us two!

Loads of tender meat!

Including the brains of the crab! Truly extravagant!

Sashimi assortment all from Shizuoka!

Katsuo/Bonito with grated ginger and chopped scallions!

Madai/True seabream!

Boiled tako/octopus served with grated Shizuoka wasabi!

A favorite of mine: Kujira/whale!

The leaf at the back is a wasabi leaf!

More tender and tastier than beef!

Deep-fried oysters in panko/breadcrumbs!

True oyster lover must sample that!

Now what does that splendid tempura consist of?

Sardine wrapped in shiso/perilla accompanied with some fukinotou/Giant butterbur or fuki bog rhubarb, a wild winter vegetable!

And that was for the first part of the night, but I can guarantee you we shall come back soon for a full dinner!

Bu-Ichi/武市
Chef/Owner: Takeshi Satoh/佐藤武史
420-0032 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 1-6-10, Dai 2 Matsunaga Bldg. 2F
Tel.: 054-2521166
Business hours: 17:30~22:00
Closed on Wednesdays
Reservations advisable
Credit Cards OK

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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, 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: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

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レシピ, 美食, 観光, 魚, 農業, Fish, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Gastronomy: Mini Kaiseki Lunch at Kohaku in Shizuoka City!

February 21, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

Service: Very friendly and welcoming. Great explanations.
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean and great washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Traditional and modern izakaya gastronomy. Very inventive cuisine with introduction of some Western concepts. Great seafood. Great sake list. Wine and other alcohols available. Intensive use of local products combined with ingredients from other prefectures! Curry Lunch Sets!

If you want to sample and enjoy a true Japanese lunch and still very reasonably priced the place is Kohaku in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City when Takashi Kawauguchi/川口貴士さん works all on its own (in the evening he gets help!) for the pleasure of his customers!

So for 1,500 yen you can a full lunch in “small plates”!
Now, did I have?

Cold kinpira of lotus roots, burdock roots and carrot!

Deep-fried kuruma ebi/large prawn and chopped cabbage!

Potato and marinated chicken salad!

Home-made satsumaage/deep-fried fish paste patty!

Sashimi of mizutako/local octopus and tuna akami/lean part!

The specialty of hte house: Pork kakuni/Japanese braised pork！
Incredibly tender! Literally melts inside the mouth!

And of course, home-made pickles/o-shinko, steamed rice and miso soup!

As you can see, no need to go an expensive famous place for fine Japanese food!

KOHAKU/旬彩こはく

420-0085 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Shichiken-Cho, 18-1, PIVOT Shizuoka, 1F
Tel.: 054-221-0589
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~23:00
Closed on 2nd or 3rd sunday of the month

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, Drinks, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Gastronomy: Winter Dinner at Uzu (2013) in Shizuoka City!

February 17, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Excellent and very friendly. Very Japanese atmosphere.
Facilities: Excellent washroom facilities. Great cleanliness overall
Prices: reasonable.
Strong Points: Great sake from Shizuoka and Japan Great Shochu. Home-made umeshu. Mainly local products, especially organic vegetables.

Time had finally come to pay a visit to Uzu again to enjoy the food prepared by Chef Kenya Yoshimura/吉村健也 with mainly local products of a class usully found not in an izakaya but in a top-class Japanese or Western restaurant!
I already mentioned and will always point out that Uzu is the reference when it comes to all izakaya in Shizuoka Prefecture and far beyond!

The menu always proves a little bone of contention with the Missus!

The o-toshi/light food coming with the first drink: tsubugai/Small whelk with Yuuba/tofu sheets with garted wasabi grown by Mr. Sugiyama in Shizuoka City!

The sake list featured “Kinmai” by Nefami Brewery in Gotemba City on the s;opes of Mount Fuji!

A truly Japanese atmosphere!

Kinmeidai/Splendid Alfonsino sashimi, a fish which has spread the fame of Izu Peninsula and Shizuoka Prefecture all over Japan and beyond!

So tendar that flesh and skin melt inside the mouth. Note the local organic red daikon!

The first sake disappeared quickly!
Next: Kaiun by Doi brwery in Kakegawa City!

A different bottle and cup for each sake! Class!

Oura Gobo/Very large burdock root, organic, and deep-fried in starch. A Vegan’s delight!

Sashimi salad composed of local fish and organic vegetables!

East meets West in the seasonings!

Mackerel, albacore and other fish!

Akagai/Blood Clam shellfish and fresh organic vegetables!

Topped with dry seaweed!
So healthy!

Renkonmochi tachiuo no agedashi/Lotus root cake and scabbard fish, deep^fried and served in soup!

A very Japanese concept to combine sea and land product! So tasty and so healthy again!

Deep-fried Mangenton pork from Fujinomiya City served topped with plenty of chopped scallion!

Grilled Amagi Shamo Chicken, considered the best in Japan and raised by a single farmer in Shuzenji/ Izu Peninsula!

A very Japanese way to finish the repast: home-made organic vegetable pickles assortment!

To be continued… You bet!

UZU
Shizuoka City, Otowa-cho, 3-18
Tel.: 054-249-6262
Business hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Mondays and first Tuesday
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, sake, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya: Odakkui in Shizuoka City!

November 26, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive in an easy-going manner
Facilities & equipment: Very clean overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash provided!)
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: True izakaya gastronomy of a higher level. Local products extensively used. Great list of sake, shochu. Wine available. Private rooms possible.

Odakkui had been a solid institution when the owner decided to renew the whole place when the building housing them was to be rebuilt.
It has now become just a superb establishment which must be one of the best three izakayas in the whole Prefecture without a doubt!

Chief Manager and Chef Nobuhiro Sugiyama/杉山信廣 at work.

The restaurant is now divided into three distinct rooms to satisfy all customers’ priorities and preferences.
-The main restaurant (called “Omote/おもて/Front”) with a large window overlooking the main street, a counter in front of the kitchen and a large tatami area with dug-in seating.
-A cozy bar-style room (called “Ura/うら/Back”) seating only 5 customers (prices are the same in every room) away from the main room where fried food is prepared. The two rooms communicate through a long corridor bridging the access stairs.
-If you wish for even more privacy three rooms are located behind the small bar. The same rooms can have their partitions taken away for a single private room party.

Don’t worry! There are drinks for every taste including soft ones!

Including plenty of wine!

Plenty of tempting cold foods in wait for you!

For our first visit of newly reformed izakaya the Missus and I opted for the quiet “Ura/Back” bar-style room.
It is just impossible to sample everything in a single visit so we concentrated our order away from fried food we will sample in the “Omote/Front” room next time.

But first the drinks!
While the Missus was sipping her red wine by the glass I started with a cup of Shizuoka sake concocted by Kokko Brewery in Fukuroi City called “Den Ichirou/傳一郎/the professional name of its master Brewer!

One will understand at once the level of an izakaya, whatever the prices (comparatively reasonable in Odakkui considering the quality), when you look at the o-tooshi/お通し/first snack served with first drink: Odakkui’s is not only generous, but absolutely yummy and artfully served on a beautiful Japanese paper napkin!

We always order a plate of seasonal sashimi, another clear indication of the level of any izakaya.
Odakkui’s is just superb! How much would you pay for that in Tokyo? LOL

Beautiful Red Cuttlefish/Aka Ika/赤烏賊! Perfect , almost crispy, bite!

Lean tuna/maguro akami/鮪赤身 that melts inside your mouth. Served with freshly grated Shizuoka wasabi root!

Sole/Hirame/平目 served with its engawa/縁側/Fringe flesh which is usually discarded in Western Cuisine but which is a delicacy here in Japan. No need to say it must absolutely fresh!

A little “service” that you will not be offered for free outside our Prefecture: Home-marinated wasabi stems!
A must-try!

The Missus was keeping to her red wine but it was time for another cup of sake (I was actually offered a “service” cup from another Prefecture in between… the joys of my work!): two different bottles of Toyo Bijin/東洋美人/Beauty of the East from Fukui Prefecture.
Now, which bottle did I choose?
The red label one, naturally!

We couldn’t resist one of the comfort food on display in front of us: grilled bacon and potato salad!

Plenty of fresh vegetables in a well-balanced salad!

Now, another Japanese specialty you will find in any good izakaya, kushiyakiya and yakitoriya: niwatori nankotsu karaage/鶏軟骨唐揚げ/deep-fried chicken cartilages!

Crispy, cracking and so yummy!
needless to say that the chicken must be absolutely fresh!

We had spent a long day walking outside and we were hungry.
No better comfort food than hot (in both senses) mabodofu!

Now, if you a rice fan, you must try Odakkui’s ishi yaki chahan/石焼きチャハン/earthenware fried rice!

A truly Japanese fried rice topped with dried seaweed. A whole meal in itself!

A little detail I always appreciate in a good izakaya: delicious sorbet to refresh yourself!

To be continued… I told you I will have to come up with a report on the Omote/Front room!

ODAKKUI
420-0024 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 1-8-1, Aoba Yokocho, 2F
Tel./fax: 054-253-6900
Opening hours: 17:00~24:00
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Private parties welcome!
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, Daikon, 野菜, 観光, 農業, Food, Food Health, French Cuisine, French gastronomy, French Restaurant, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Vegetarian & Vegan Japanese Gastronomy: My Best 10 dishes (and extras!) in Shizuoka City in 2012!

November 5, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Roasted organic vegetables plate at Le Comptoir de Bio-s, all vegetables grown by Bio Farm Matsuki in Fujinomiya City!

Shizuoka Prefecture is a haven for vegetarians and vegans, and I will never tire to repeat it!
Although I’m neither, I do appreciate the needs and priorities of my friends who take the time to visit our region.
The reasons why Shizuoka is blessed land for my friends is 1) that the climate allows for vegetable culture all year round, 2) Shizuoka Prefecture has always been a research center for agriculture resulting in the greatest number of vegetables (and fruit) varieties in a single Prefecture in Japan, 3) that it is also the most active Prefecture when it comes to organic agriculture.

All the photos represented in this article were all taken in restaurants in Shizuoka City (except for the last two!), demonstrating that with a little research you can find restaurants catering to your priorities and pleasure!

The title mentions the number “10” for appeal, but I included more to convince you!

Cold corn soup (Vichyssoise) at Aquavite Italian Restaurant!
The corn was grown in the mountains of Ikawa in Shizuoka City.
It includes only a little salt, olive oil and water used to boil the corn!

Vegetable appetizer at Yasaitei Izakaya!
It includes shiso/perilla leaf, finely sliced myoga ginger and fresh ginger, sweet hijiki seaweed, sesame seeds and a simple dressing based on olive oil and amazu sweet vinegar!

Vegan sushi at Sushi Ko Restaurant!
Menegi/leek sprouts nigiri.
The one on the left is not vegan/vegetarian as it includes katsuo bushi but the latter can be easily not included for a real vegan/vegetarian sushi.
Secured with a thin band of dry seaweeed/nori and topped with umeboshi/pickled salty Japanese plums!

Another vegan sushi at Sushi Ko Sushi Restaurant: Manganji chili pepper nigiri!
Manganji chili pepper is a long soft green variety of chili pepper.
The one at the left is topped with yuzu kosho, the other one with umeboshi/pickled salty Japanese plums!

Boiled jumbo peanuts at Taihei Izakaya!
These jumbo peanuts are at least three times the size of “normal” ones and are grown only In Shizuoka and Gunma Prefectures (until now!) and incidentally are eaten boiled only in these two Prefectures! A must-try!
These were grown in Fuji City.
Some organic varieties have also appeared on the Shizuoka tables!

Waga-style cucumber salad at Waga Izakaya!
Waga uses thin and crunchy Japanese cucumbers sprinkled with crushed peanuts and served with sweet miso dressing!

Daikon Katsu at Waga izakaya!
The picture above is not vegetarian/vegan but here is the vegan version:
Simmer a small daikon (peel it first but simmer it whole!) in vegan dashi, soy sauce and a little sake until it has got soft and beautifully colored.
Drain and cool down completely.
Wipe water/humidity off the surface.
Roll it plenty of cornstarch dissolved in a little lukewarm water.
Roll it in vegan breadcrumbs to cover it completely.
Deep-fry to a nice brown color.
Leave it for a couple of minutes over some kitchen paper to soak off excess oil.
Cut it as shown in picture above and season it with a vegan dressing!

Potatoes are staple food for vegans and vegetarians!
Here are a few examples!
The above is Yutoo Style fried potatoes at Yutoo Izakaya!
The potatoes are organically grown at Bio Farm Matsuki in Fujinomiya City!

Roasted potato gnocchi at Le Comptoir de Bio-s!
Note that the gnocchi contain only potato, flour and salt!
Made with potatoes organically grown by Bio Farm Matsuki in Fujinomiya City!

Belgian Fries at Caravin French Restaurant!
Note that potatoes were first fried in Belgium! French fries are a historical mistake!
The fries are served with mustard (not ketchup nor mayonnaise!) and fine premium chili pepper!

Uzu-style fried potatoes at Uzu Izakaya!
Note that potatoes are not all white!
Potatoes organically grown at Bio Farm Matsuki in Fujinomiya City!

Greens and mushroom salad at Le Comptoir de Bio-s!
The mushrooms are organically grown in Fuji City at Hasegawa Farm while the other vegetables are grown organically at Bio Farm Matsuki in Fujinomiya City!

Simmered tougan/winter melon at Kagatsu Japanese Restaurant in Fujinomiya City!
The vegan version would be to simmer in vegan dashi! Served with fresh organic okra!

Vegan yuzu jelly cake at Myouken Sushi Restaurant in Gotemba City!
The jelly was made with local agar agar and yuzu!
A dessert fit for any vegetarian/vegan repast!

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:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 農業, Fish, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

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

October 16, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

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:

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚, 農業, Food, Food Health, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Culture, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, sake, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya: 2012 Autumn Shizuoka Products at Uzu-Shizuoka City!

October 15, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

As I mentioned time and again, Uzu is the reference when it comes to all izakaya in Shizuoka Prefecture!
The reason is simple enough: The greatest combination of local anf Japanese gastronomy you could expect anywhere!

A truly traditional, but very comfortable, Japanese atmosphere!

If you can reserve or take seats by the window facing the small garden!

Ｋeep an eye open for the small interesting details! (Where did I find that?)

The gastronomy is truly wide-ranging: gaspacho appetizer made with local tomatoes, eggs and potatoes!

Always have a good look at the menu of the day handwritten on a separate sheet!

“Neba neba kaisen sarada/Sticky seafood salad”!
A salad composed of sashimi, seaweed and sticky vegetables such as okra topped with chopped leeks.

So tasty and healthy!

Rainbow trout sashimi plate!
The fish is raised at Kunugi Farm in Fujinomiya City!

Note that the wasabi root (grown by Mr. Sugiyama in Umegashima) is not grated but finely chopped! Extravagant!

Also served with finely chopped myoga ginger!

Now, what else did we have?

“Mangenton no negiton”!

Mangenton pork raised by Sanoman Co. in Fujinomiya City serves as tonkatsu with plenty of chopped scallions!

Half-raw tsukune made with Amagi Shamo Chicken bred by Mr. Horie in Shuzenji, Izu Peninsula!

It might be half-raw, but it is safe, healthy an yummy!

Fried organic potatoes, the Uzu way! All organic from Matsuki Bio Farm in Fujinomiya City!

For once I wanted a dessert!
Now, what did I have?

Now, you will get this dessert only in Japan!
Vanilla ice-cream topped with chopped ume/Japanese plum out of umeshu made with brown sugar left to mature for more than a year!

To be continued…

UZU
Shizuoka City, Otowa-cho, 3-18
Tel.: 054-249-6262
Business hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Mondays and first Tuesday
Reservations recommended
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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:

レシピ, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚海の幸, 農業, Fish, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Iazakaya: Another Quick Visit at Waga (Fall 2012) in Shizuoka City!

October 7, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

What are these?
See below!

Service: Very friendly and easy-going! Slow food!
Facilities: Very clean overall. Large and clean washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great list of sake and shochu. Typical izakaya gastronomy with a personal touch!

When you don’t have much time, back at night from a long trip and still too hungry to go straight away back home where you don’t want spend time cooking and what else, there is only one solution: stop by in an izakaya as there are plenty still open very late.
Now, if you happen to know one better than average near your place, there is no hesitation!
So once again we visited Waga in Shizuoka City!

Now, what can you expect, even in such a hurry?

A great range of sake at the very least! They also have wine, shochu, beeer, etc.

Talk of a cute sake label!

Late at night food ought to be light:
pickled myoga ginger salad!

Maguro tataki/Seared tuna!

For a closer look of a Waga’s specialty!

Daikon Katsu, another Waga’s specialty!

Pickled shiro uri/white gourd salad!

Pickled cucumber salad with fresh spicy miso paste!

Deep-fried yama imo/Japanese yam as it is!
So light and crunchy!

Beautiful madai/True seabream sashimi!

Katsuo/Bonito sashimi salad!

Assortment of pickled fish and squid!

Baked stuffed eggplant!

Another Waga’s specialty: Tori Nankotu Karaage/Deep-fried soft chicken cartilages!
A must-try!

A great comfort dish before going back home:
“Yasai ga Tappuri Kata Yaki Soba/Hard-fried soba in soup with plenty of vegetables”!

Come winter and the cold weather, I will want that again!

To be continued…

WAGA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 2-1-20, Kuroyanagi Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-271-7121
Business hours: 17:30~23:30, 17:30~26:00 (on Fridays, Saturdays and National Holidays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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:

Bars, 美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, French Cuisine, French gastronomy, French Restaurant, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism, Wines

French Wine Bistro: Himawari-Tei in Shizuoka City!

August 12, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

Service: Easy-going and attentive. Very friendly if somewhat shy
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb Washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very good list of reasonably-priced wines by the glass or bottle. Typical French Bistro gastronomy. Gastro bar concept

After spending so many years learning his trade in France, particularly in the Lyon Region and Tokyo, Michihito Osuga/大須賀道人さん finally came back to his hometown to open Himawari-Tei (Sunflower Abode) in the increasingly busy Shichiken-Cho District, near Aoba Street in Aoi-Ku, Shizuoka City!

Many reasonably-priced wines mainly from France, Spain and California with some really interesting surprises among them can be enjoyed at Himawari-Tei!

The fact that the area is the home of many fashion shops in day time makes it a particularly welcome addition because of its concept as a wine bistro.

You can enjoy yourself with a glass of wine and one of the dishes on the day’s menu on your own or in good company without any ostentation. Mind you, would do well to reserve a seat either at the counter or at a table as it gets full very quickly!

It is not a big place and if you choose to come as a small party, make sure that a table is reserved for you!

And the beauty of it is that it is entirely non-smoking!

Although there is a regular menu, first check the offerings of the day on the blackboard where you will discover some celebrated French food!

French salami as service of the day!

Now, this wine was an incredible surprise: Cote Chalonnaise (Bourgogne) made in Saint-Desert, the very village where I spent all my summers when I was kid! Unbelievable! I finished the bottle!

Wherever you go to France you always order the Terrine or Pate de Campagne to have a good idea of the chef’s skills!

Now, Michihiko’s terrine de Campagne is truly a faithful rendition of the terroir of my region (Bourgogne and Lyon) with all the flavors and delicious pungency. Served with greens and Dijon Mustard, no need for bread!

Yes, they make great Merlot wines in California! Smoking Loon, what a great name!

Since it was my first visit I tended to eat more than drink (expect another article soon!)!
Very delicate white liver paste!

And to finish my first meal, a hearty (but not heavy or too copious!) cassoulet (bean stew) with duck confit!

I might run into the danger of becoming a regular from next winter with such comfort foods from home!

To be followed…

HIMAWARI-TEI
420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi ku, Shichiken-Cho, 10-9, Shinwa Bldg., 1F
Tel.: 054-255-5708
Business hours: 17:00~indeterminate
Closed on Mondays
Credit cards will be OK by end of September
BLOG/HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, 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:

美食, 観光, 魚, 魚海の幸, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, seafood, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Traditional Izakaya: Shibata in Shizuoka City (part 1)

August 9, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly and attentive. Great conversations in store!
Equipment and facilities: Traditional but very clean.
Prices: Appropriate.
Strong points: Seasonal hunting food. Great fish, both raw and cooked. Mainly local food. True traditional izakaya.

Shibata, in spite of a long history spanning over more than 40 years, is what we call in Japan a “kakureya/隠れ屋/a “secret place”!
Chef Susumu Shibata/柴田賛さん used to serve mainly sushi but he recently took the sushi mention off and is having a great time serving anything from globefish/fugu/河豚 sashimi to wild boar and venison brought by friend hunters!
I had the occasion to visit again last week as he is helping me and a German TV crew get some really unusual foods for a special reportage (next article!).

His izakaya is located away from the crowds in downtown Shizuoka City and the sign does help you find it in the middle of the night.

You wouldn’t know his place is so famous among true gastronomes judging from the modest entrance!

The place might be old, but it’s clean and Chef Shibata is always smiling and ready for some good talk!

The glass display formerly used for sushi will show an array of varied seasonal and traditional foods.

Plenty of fish in wait!

Deep-fried ko-dai/小鯛/small seabream as an appetizer with the first drink!

That time it was more about talking about and preparing the next event than delving into a long meal but we took the opportunity to enjoy some great fugu/河豚/globefish sashimi!

My friend asked for the same but served on ice!

And we had the same fish fried as tempura!
Actually, people here very often prefer to eat it this way!

Served with Chef Shibata’s special seasoning!

Most of the fish is local and served the traditional way as opposed to minuscule servings found up in Tokyo!

The same fish, Maaji/真鯵/True Horse mackerel from Kurasawa near Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

Alright, this is only the first episode!
Look forward to the next one!

SHIBATA/しばた
421-2223 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Kmaiashiarai, 2-7-28
Tel.: 0909221702, 0542-469-412
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00
Closed on Thursdays

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

美食, 酒, 観光, 農業, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism, 居酒屋

Japanese Gastronomy Traditions: O-Tooshi, Tsuki-Dashi, First Snack with First Drink at Izakayas

July 18, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Celery and seaweed fried in sake at Yasaitei

Non-Japanese are always surprised to see a light food dish coming automatically with the ifrst drink ordered at most izakayas in Japan.
It is called O-Tooshi/お通し or Tsuki-Dashi/突き出し in Japanese.
It is a tradition in Japan, but misunderstandings may arise as you will be billed for it.
It is not complimentary. In the latter case, the owner or staff will clearly say” Saabisu desu!/サービスです！On the house!”.
Now, why such a tradition, definitely somewhat alien to Westerners?
There are two ways to consider it, the positive way and the negative way.
Like bad and good surprises let me start with the negative way, although I’ve learnt not to be so in this country!

Vegetables, wakame and octopus o-hitashi at Yasaitei

The negative way:

The izakaya can adapt/arrange/recreate leftovers of the previous day/night and serve them for a profit.
It replaces the notorious “cover charge” in clubs and bars.
The unscrupulous izakaya (and that includes big chains in general!) can serve dead cheap food (frozen edamame and the like imported from China) and make an immediate profit especially if the establishement is large and busy.
You may refuse right away the o-tooshi or tsuki-dashi by immediately saying “o-tooshi Katto shite kudasai/お通しカットして下さい！” but you will have to be quick and you will establish a durable tight-fisted reputation among your Japanese friends or colleagues although Westerners might judge you as a sharp guy/lass…
Mind you, there are times when I do feel tp leave the thing untouched and point out later that I didn’t order or eat it, but you must be fluent in Japanese… In any case, I do not patronize such profiteering establishments!

Spicy edamame o-hitashi at Yasaitei

The positive way:

On the other hand, the real and honest, if still driven by economic reasons, purpose is:
First to enable customers to enjoy some food with their first drink while their orders are processed. After all for all the drink you might consume you still have chosen the place for its food (unless you are gravely mistaken!)!
Second, the o-tooshi will give you a very faithful idea of the level and skills of the izakaya (unless you are absolutely unlucky or made yourself a nuisance!).

Grilled kampachi/Amberjack with zucchini and tomato puree at Yasaitei

I personally make a rule to remember and record the o-tooshi served to me at my favorite (and expensive) izakaya and Japanese restaurants. They actually make for great gastronomic study and research. After all, a good establishment will rarely serve the same o-tooshi two days running!

Here are some samples collected in my favorite haunts:

Pan-fried spicy lotus roots and tuna at Hana Oto

Various o-tooshi at Takano

Tuna tartatre at Sushi Ko

Buckwheat tofu with kinako powder at Setsugekka Soba Restaurant

Sake-steamed cockles ar narusei Tempura Restaurant

Seared tuna at Waga

Next time you visit a japanese Izakaya or restaurant you will understand why the first impression is always so important!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Barbecue, bbq, 牛肉, 美食, 酒, 野菜, 静岡市, 観光, 魚, 豚肉, 農業, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

B.B.Q. Gastronomy in Shizuoka City!

July 9, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

The notion of a B.B.Q./barbecue in Japan is slightly different from that encountered in Western countries.
It is certainly organized with more precision and good service in mind!

Team Kumagusu is a group of like-minded chefs and friends who endeavor to promote the products of Shizuoka through different events. This particular B.B.Q., in its third edition, is the culmination of their efforts.
The number of participants (more than 60 this year!) meant that they had to change the locality of the B.B.Q. for need of more space.

SATO is a space owned by a local timber and architecture company up in the mountains in Ashikubo, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City.
It can easily cater up to 100 people with great outdoors facilities complete with washroom and shower!

They even have wooden lodges for kid’s play!

A view of the company workplace.

Smokers are invited to indulge in their habit far away from the crowd!

First of all let me introduce the characters behind the event by starting with Team Kumagusu’s leader, Kenya Yoshimura/吉村健也, owner/chef of Uzu Izakaya!

Takahiro Nagashima/長島孝博 (and his wife), owner of Nagashima Wine shop in Shizuoka City, the main back-up of the event!

Kazutaka Takashima/高嶋一孝, owner and master-brewer of Takashima Brewery (Hakuin Masamune) in Hara, Numazu City.

Yuusuke Tozaki/戸崎雄介, owner-chef of Hana Oto Chinese Izakaya in Shizuoka City!

Junya Kimbara/金原純也, second chef at Hana Oto!

Takao Shimura/志村剛生, owner-chef of Narusei Tempura Restaurant in Shizuoka City.

Masataka Mochizuki/望月正隆, owner of Kanzawagawa Brewery (Shosetsu) in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City.

Toshiyaki Horie/堀江利彰, owner of Horie Chicken Farm in Shuzenji, Izu Peninsula, the only farm raising Amagi Shamo Chickens!

The day had started under in dry weather but overcast skies.

When it started raining all the charcoal bbq fires could be safely moved under the eaves of the building!

The ingredients of the day were published on brush-painted sheets of paper for all to see!
It certainly made for great reading!
I will send more precise pictures on request!

Red Ore Tomatoes, real fruits!

Organic green and yellow zucchinis from Biofarm Matsuki in Fujinomiya City!

Fresh wasabi roots from Sugiyama Farm in Umegashima, Aoi ku, Shizuoka City!

More organic vegetables!

Plenty of extravagant sake served by our two local brewery owners!

Shosetsu/正行き brand by Kanzawagawa Brewery!

Hakuin Masamune/白隠正宗 brand by Takashima Brewery!

Warm sake for the connoisseurs!

The brewers had even brought water from their own wells for all guests to drink!

Shigeru Sano/佐野茂治 preparing a salad of nagaimo, potato and lotus!

Mr. Keiji Sano/佐野佳治 of Sanoman Co. in Fujinomiya City who had contributed his own products to the even biding his time!

The guests starting enjoying themselves in earnest in spite of the rain outside. Note that the majority are ladies!

These ladies never miss such an event (I know them well!)!

Grating fresh wasabi for all these guests required a lot of wrist work!

Toshiyaki Horie/堀江利彰 demonstrating how to prepare his Amagi Shamo chickens for a BBQ!

The kids were invited to prepare the sweets of the day!

Extravagant rainbow trout sashimi from Kunugi Farm in Fujinomiya City!

Superlative leaf ginger from Kuno, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

The vegetables, tofu and fish served while the meat was cooking!

The Amagi Shamo chicken cut and ready to be grilled!

Couldn’t wait to savor it!

Pork sausages from Sanoman Co.!

Truly extravagant dry ice-aged beef from Sanoman Co.!

I had pinched an Amagi Shamo chicken neck to grill all for myself! Actually I couldn’t resist the pleas of some friends and gave it away!

Takao Shimura/志村剛生 preparing the organic vegetables and chicken tempura!

Corn and onion tempura!

Now, who is this guy in his cups? LOL (a good friend of mine, actually!)

No need to say we shall meet again next year same place, same time with even more guests!

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美食, 酒, 野菜, 観光, 魚海の幸, 農業, Fish, Food, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Izakaya, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Izakaya: Takano in Shizuoka City!

July 6, 2012 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Old fashioned but clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Authentic traditional izakaya gastronomy. Local seafood and products extensively used. Local sake.

Takano is a venerable establishment which has appeared countless times on many a magazine all over the nation.
First opened in 1922 it is actually the oldest existing izakaya in the whole Prefecture!

Takano/多可能 (pronounce the last”no” short) is also the surname of the fourth generation although with different kanji/Chinese characters in the person of Susumu Takano/高野晋さん. Expats will be happy to learn that he speaks fluent English! (his hobby is rock-climbing!)

They even have their own crest!
Make sure to come early or book in advance as the place is crowded right from the moment the door is open!
There is barely space to move between counter, tables and tatami floors!

Open at 4:30 p.m. it is particularly full of patrons by 5:30 coming from the Prefecture Goverment offices and businessmen keen to confirm contacts around food and drink.
Interestingly enough the place is popular with single ladies of uncertain age!I wonder why…

There are of course many drinks to choose from but the sake exclusively comes from Haginishiki Brewery in Shizuoka City!

Even the bottles and cups come from the brewery!
Unusual and very positive collaboration!

The reason why Takano regularly appears on national magazines is that they serve authentic local food, sometimes very difficult to find such as the above raw shirasu/sardine whiting!

Their sakuraebi/cherry shrimps and vegetables tempura kakiage is a must!

The sake tends to disappear very quickly!
Do try the junmai ginjyou!

The sashimi is mostly local and only seasonal!

Aji/Horse Mackerel from the Suruga Bay!

Iwashi/Sardine and Katsuo/Bonito also from the Suruga Bay. Great summer fish!

Vegetable lovers will appreciate such servings as the Yaki Nasu/Grilled Eggplant/Aubergine!

Deep-fried onions!

Negima/Pork and leeks brochettes!

Tororoage/deep-fried grated yama imo!

More than half of the customers are regulars who sometimes come every night!
The reason is simple enough! They can expect seasonal food every day!

TAKANO
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koya Machi, 5-4 (5 minutes walk from Shizuoka JR Station behind Parco Department Store.
Tel.: 054-251-0131
Business hours: 16:30~23:00
Closed on Sundays and National Holidays

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