Tag Archives: Shimada City

Japanese sake, Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

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

February 12, 2020 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

LA SOMMELIERE

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurant, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Italian Gastronomy: Dinner at Il Dritto in Shimada city!

December 2, 2019 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

Succulent and elegant Italian cheese amuse!

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

Check he specials of the day!

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

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

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

Of course the herb bread is exclusively home-baked!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Japanese Gastronomy, Japanese Restaurant, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Soba, Tempura

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

November 30, 2019 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

The restaurant is just left past the entrance!

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

The local vegetables used in the dishes of the day!

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

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

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

Cold soba!

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

Cold soba mounted with fresh hot tempura!

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

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

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Japan Tourism, Japanese Gastronomy, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Cycling Gourmet Ride 1: Shimada JR Station North Exit Area

June 5, 2018 dragonlife 4 Comments

Cycling has many advantages when searching nice places both on and off the beaten tracks!
You can stop anywhere, any time while moving at an easy pace faster than on foot and with much less strain. Moreover it is a very healthy way to eliminate the extra calories you have been enjoying on the way!
Moreover, cycling is a joy in Shizuoka Prefecture thanks to its mild climate allowing for long sorties any time of the year!
Shimada City is a location rapidly gaining recognition, what with the nearby international airport and the ever increasing influx of tourists, so shall we start by getting off or meeting at the north exit of Shimada JR Station!

B Cafe is a nice little cafe cum bar very close to the station but along a side street away from the traffic.
The cakes there are all made on site and although food generally is yummy this is my favorite spot for a quiet drip coffee and one of those succulent cheese cakes!

427–0022 Shimada City, Hontori, 1-9-10
Tel.: 0547-35-6538
Opening hours: 10:00 am~~
Closed on Wednesdays, 1st & 3rd Sundays
Entirely non-smoking!
Check the opening hours and other offerings on AYANO ASAOKA on FACEBOOK!

Tonbo/とんぼ is a real find when it comes to takoyaki/octopus dumplings, a favorite among tourists and Japanese alike!
This is the genuine article in Osaka-style fashion cooked in front of your very eyes!
And don’t forget the succulent hot plate cooked okonmiyaki, soba Modan and pork egg roll, the whole accompanied by a local Oomuraya Brewery sake!

427-0029 Shimada City, Hinode-Cho, 1-1 ( few minutes’ walk straight from Shimada JR Station North exit)
Tel.: 0547-35-7635
Opening hours: 17:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays and national Holidays.
Orders on the phone and take-out OK!

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花 is not only a way above average soba/buckwheat noodles restaurant but an establishment specializing in exquisite tempura, all at reasonable prices, served with rare sake from the neighboring oomuraya sake Brewery!
Come early as it tends to be full quickly!

Shimada City, Hontouri, 2-3-4
Tel.: 0547-35-5241
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Monday and third Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking for lunch!

HIZUKI/ひづき for such a “country city” is just extravagant while very reasonably priced. A French/Japanese style Izakaya, it offers all the classic in a modern manner from juicy chicken karaage to butter-fried scallops and shrimps!
A place to take your “special one” to!

Chef/owner: Akimasa Ooishi/大石明昌さん
Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada City, Hon Toori, 1 Chome, 9-19
Tel.: 0547-54-5860
Opening hours:17:30~23:30
Closed on Wednesdays

OKONOMIYAKI SAKURAI/お好み焼桜井 is also another favorite both with locals and visitors for serving authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and this in enormous and reasonbly-priced portions! Take-outs ok!
Satisfaction guaranteed!

Shimada City, Ougi Cho, 11-14
Tel.: 0547-37-6777
Opening hours: 11:30~13:30, 16:30~20:30. 11:30~20:00 on Sundays
Closed on Wednesdays
Take-outs can be ordered on the phone
Parties welcome!

din/g.place is another cafe tucked away from the main street but definitely worth a visit, especially in the afternoon if you have a sweet tooth! Enormous dessert plates and fine coffee!

Shimada City, Hon Toori, 1-1-10, Miyanokomichi Passage
Tel.: 0547-35-5005
Opening hours: 11:00~18:00, 08:30~18:00 on week ends. 17:00~21:00 on reservation only (from 5 guests~)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
FACEBOOK

And don’t forget OOMURAYA BREWERY
Sakes internationally recognized and be always on the lookout for extravagant and rare nectars!

Oomuraya Brewery (Wakatake, Onigoroshi, Onna Nakase)
Shimada City, Hontoori, 1-1-8
tel.: 0547-37-3058

Now, this is only a fraction of a discovery, but I am sure you will a special pleasure adding to it!
Until then, good cycling and appetite!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Fusion Cuisine, Izakaya, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture Izakaya: Hizuki in Shimada City!

December 29, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: smiling and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: overall spotless clean. Superb washroom
Prices: reasonable~slightly expensive
Strong points: Fusion izakaya cuisine mainly with local products. Excellent sake, wine and whislies list

Shimada City is finally awakening from a long torpor and it is time to keep your eyes, ears and other senses open!
Just stroll from the north exit of Shimada Station and you are bound to make a discovery!

My good German friend, Stefan Wimmer, and I took only a few minutes to discover Hizuki/ひづき!

The recommended menu posted outside certainly whetted our appetites!

The interior is definitely that of a modern izakaya/Japanese-style bistro but with a real chef in the person of owner Akimasa Ooishi/大石明昌さん who boasts a long experience in French cooking acquired in one of the best hotels of the Prefecture!

The menu is truly fusion cuisine with a happy marriage of Japanese and French cuisines in particular!
The two of us did not have much time on our hands that night, that waiting for the train to head back to Shizuoka City, but we certainly made the most of it!

The o-tooshi/お通し, snack served with the first drink set the tone!

Absolutely succulent grilled beef tongue that looked, bit and tasted more like a real steak!
A discovery and a must!

We couldn’t ignore the karaage/Japanese-style fried chicken, which has become a Japanese cuisine hallmark all over the world!

Now, Akimasa’s karaage is not only appetizing but absolutely above anything I have tasted so far, not an overstatement as it combines all kinds of ingredients and tastes! One does find oneself at a loss describing simple-looking but exquisite food!

We were both intrigued by the “butter-fried scallops and prawns”!

Definitely French-inspired!

Superb local vegetables!

Great butter and herbs sauce! More French restaurant than izakaya!

And unbeatable enormous scallops with their eggs!

See you there again soon, you can bet!

HIZUKI/ひづき

Chef/owner: Akimasa Ooishi/大石明昌さん
Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimada City, Hon Toori, 1 Chome, 9-19
Tel.: 0547-54-5860
Opening hours:17:30~23:30
Closed on Wednesdays

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Nanburyu Satoru Hibino 55 Wakatake Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu Homarefuji

November 20, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Satoru Hibino, master brewer at Oomuraya Brewery in Shimada City has come up with a limited edition labeled with his own name!

Satoru Hibino belomngs to the Nanbu School of brewers which originated in Sendai.

The whole long name for this particular nectar is:
Nanburyu (Nanbu School of sake brewers) Satoru Hibino 55 (millage) Wakatake (generic name of that particular sake)Junmai (no pure rice alcohol blended in) Ginjo Nama (unpasteurized) Genshu (no pure water blended in) Homarefuji (sake rice grown in Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.4
Amino acids: 1.2
Alcohol: 17 degrees
Bottled in September 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Plums
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and very fruity attack backed up by puissant junmai petillant and pleasant alcohol.
Complex: plums, melon, chestnuts, sweet potato.
Lingers for a while before departing on notes of mandarines.
Turns drier and deeper with food.

Overall: splendid sake to be enjoyed on its own or with a meal, at any temperatures although at its best slightly chilled.
Will reveal new facets with rise in temperature.
Can be enjoyed as an aperitif as well as a digestif!
Recommended pairings: foie gras, blue cheese, pickled vegetables.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Okonomiyaki, Restaurant, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture

“Hiroshima Yaki” Okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Sakurai in Shimada City!

August 28, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: shy but kind and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Old-style basic Japanese but very clean overall. Non smoking
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Okonomiyaki in many forms, Yakisoba, take-outs

Okonomiyaki Sakurai is a Kansai-Style (Western Japan) restaurant with a history spanning over more than 40 years where his original chef/owner is still officiating although his son Ryuutarou Sakurai/桜井竜太郎さん is looking after the business.

The interior is still very much reminiscent of After War Japan although it is non smoking!

You can either sit at a table or on the tatami especially if you are with company but I do prefer to sit at the counter where I can observe all the action!

Okonomiyaki after their first stage of cooking!
Very big portions!

Yakisoba!
Also big portions!

Okonomiyaki ready to be served!

Drinks of all kinds, alcoholic or soft are available.
I had a sake from Okayama Prefecture!

My order: Hiroshima Yaki Okonomiyaki!
Although lighter than the Osaka-style okonomiyaki, it was still bigger than I thought!

Its bottom consists of thin pork slices topped with yakisoba.

It is topped with a thin layer of batter and a thin layer of omelet!

And the top is pasted with sauce, mayonnaise and green powder with a little pickled ginger on the side!
A meal enough for two!

I will to visit the place with company next time! LOL

OKONOMIYAKI SAKURAI/お好み焼桜井

Shimada City, Ougi Cho, 11-14
Tel.: 0547-37-6777
Opening hours: 11:30~13:30, 16:30~20:30. 11:30~20:00 on Sundays
Closed on Wednesdays
Take-outs can be ordered on the phone
Parties welcome!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Gastronomy, Pork and Egg Roll, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tonbo

Osaka-style Pork Egg Roll at Tonbo in Shimada City!

July 8, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: shy but very kind and smiling
Equipment & facilities: Old but very clean. Clean washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: takoyaki and okonomiyaki and other traditional izakaya foods. Local sake

Having some time on hand before an assignment in Shimada City I decided to make a quick visit to Tonbo, a popular Osaka-style restaurant near the JR Station and sample something new!
“ふわふわ卵ロル”/”fuwafuwa tamago roru/””fluffy egg roll! Interesting!
It came in two varieties, one with “ぶた”/”buta”/”pork” and “ぶたチーズ”/”buta chiizu”/”pork and cheese”!
I opted for the pork one this time!

The chef first of all fried some pork rashers on a very hot plate and seasoned it with his special sauces (one secret chefs will never tell you!)!

Once the pork has been cooked he pushed aside onto a cooler part of the plate.

He then spread beaten eggs (3, I think) and started working quickly as obviously the eggs should not be overcooked. For all its simplicity it does need a quick and experimented hand!

Then the eggs are carefully lined with the pork near the inside edge.

Then the inside edge of the eggs is carefully rolled over the park with the help of metal spatulas.

The chef keeps rolling the lot carefully as quickly as possible.

Done!

The top of the roll has been pasted with at least three sauces and sprinkled with fine herbs.

You are provided with a metal spatula to cut it yourself along to your liking!

At 670 yen, very good value when you consider the volume sufficient for two and the simple and great taste!
To be savored with beer or local sake!

TONBO

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Premium Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Homarefuji (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

May 8, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

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

This time we tasted a very special and extravagant sake by Oomuraya Brewery in Shimada City!

Wakatake Premium Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Homarefuji!
This is still the only Junami Daiginjo made with Shziuoka Prefecture-grown Homarefuji sake rice in the whole Prefecture!

It was conceived by Master Brewer Wataru Hibino/日比野哲杜氏!

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 40%
Alcohol: 17 degrees
Single pasteurization
Dryness: + 3
Acidity: 1.3
Amino acids: 1.1
Yeast: Shizuoka HD-1
Bottled in April 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma: Assertive and fruity. Lychees, faint pears, melon and banana.
Body: fluid. Slightly sirupy
Taste: Strong, dry and fruity attack backed with beautiful junmai petillant.
Complex: oranges, lychees.
Lingers for a while on the palate before departing on drier notes of oranges and apricots.
Lychees make a constant comeback with every sip.
Very pleasant alcohol but not overwhelming in spite of its high contents. Will actually milder with rise of temperature.

Overall: Extravagant, elegant and really masculine despite its complexity.
Will of course please ladies thanks to its superlative balance in strength and elegance.
A sake which ought to be tasted and enjoyed on its own but if you must absolutely pair it I would recommend blue cheese, chocolate, foie gras or broiled conger eel.
Definitely a high class digestif!
At its best slightly chilled, but beware of its alcohol contents! LOL

LA SOMMELIERE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Junmai Ginjo Homarefuji (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

April 28, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

On Friday, April 22nd, A special sake tasting party was held at La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, with Master Brewer Wataru Hibino/日比野哲杜氏 who brought four different sake all made with Shizuoka-grown homarefuji sake rice!

The four sake!
All Junmai (that is no pure rice alcohol blended in!)!

Our fourth tasting was a Junmai Ginjai would eventually be called Wakatake Junmai Ginjo!

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 55%
Dryness: + 2
Acidity: 1.4
Amino acids: 1.2
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Bottled in March 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: Dry and fruity. Banana
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: banana, vanilla, almonds, lychees.
Lingers for a while before departing on notes of sweetish lychees.
Varies little with food but for some oranges.

Overall: Another elegant and intriguing sake!
Would do do well with any vegetable-based food although eminently enjoyable on its own!
Suggested pairings: Shrimps salad, bamboo shoots dishes.

LA SOMMELIERE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-“Take No Kaze” Junmai Daiginjo Homarefuji (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

April 27, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

The four sake!
All Junmai (that is no pure rice alcohol blended in!)!

Our third tasting was Junmai Daiginjo which will be called “Take no Kaze/Wind in the Bamboos” when it is bottled!

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 50%
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.2
Amino acids: 1.0
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Bottled in April 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: dry and discreet. Pears.
Body: fluid
Taste: very dry and dry fruity attack backed up a little junmai petillant.
Lingers for a little while before departing on drier notes of lychees, and coffee beans.
Turns a little sweetish with food at first but quickly switches back to dryness.

Overall: Intriguing sake.
But a dangerous ones as it slyly entices you to try the next cup and the next cup!
Just superb!
Suggested pairings: light vegetable stews.

LA SOMMELIERE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-“Oniotome Koi” Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Homarefuji (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

April 23, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

The four sake!
All Junmai (that is no pure rice alcohol blended in!)!

Our second tasting was the summer edition of the now famous “Oniotome/The Goblin’s Fiancee” seasonal series called “koi/Falling in Love”!
It is a Tokubetsu Junmai (no pure rice alcohol blended in) Nama (unpasteurized)

Rice : Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 60%
Dryness: + 1
Acidity: 1.4
Amino acids: 1.3
Alcohol: 16 degrees
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Bottled in March 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. Banana, vanilla, lychees
Body: fluid
Taste: Dry and fruity attack backed up with pleasant junmai petillant.
Complex: lychees, oranges.
Very soft on the palate.
Lingers for a while before departing on drier notes of oranges.
Tends to get drier with food.

Overall: Another sake for all seasons in spite of the fact it is a summer edition!
Definitely becoming a classic!
Best enjoyed on its own, although it will marry easily with food!
Suggested pairings: Sashimi, vegetable salads.

LA SOMMELIERE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Oomuraya Brewery-Wakatake Premiun Junmai Daiginjo Genshu Homarefuji (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

April 23, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

The four sake!
All Junmai (that is no pure rice alcohol blended in!)!

We started with the sake made with Homarefuji rice milled down to 40%!

It is not actually on sale yet but will soon hit the market under the name of Wakatake Premium Junmai Daiginjo!
It is moreover a genshu (no pure water blended in)
Incidentally this is the only Junmai Daiginjo made with Homarefuji Rice in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Rice: Homarefuji (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 40%
Alcohol: 17 degrees
Dryness: + 4
Acidity: 1.2
Amino acids: 1.0
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW-5
Single pasteurization
Bottled in March~April 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: almost transparent
Aroma: slightly sweet and fruity. Banana, melon, pears, lychees.
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack backed with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: melon, banana, honey.
Lingers for a short while before departing on notes of melon and soft lychees.
Varies little with food but for a drier note.

Overall: very elegant and intriguing sake!
The kind of sake you shouldn’t bother eating food with.
For special occasions only!
Suggested pairings: salads, asparaguses.

LA SOMMELIERE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Oomuraya Brewery, sake, Sake Breweries, Shimada City, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Oomuraya Brewing Sake Tasting Party at La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City!

April 23, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Saké Sommeliére Hisae Tsujimura/辻村尚江さん, Chef Noboru shooji/庄司昇親方, and Owner Hiromi Hasegawa/長谷川浩美さん！

On Friday, April 22nd, was held a very special sake tasting in La Sommeliere, in Miyuki Cho, Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City!

Oomuraya Brewery (Shimada City) Master Brewer, Wataru Hibino/日比野哲杜氏 had come to introduce 4 new sake all made with Shizuoka-grown Homarefuji rice!

Over 16 sake-knowledgeable guests from all kinds fields participated to the event!

An the menu to accompany the sake was exclusively japanese-style!

The water served came directly from Oomuraya brewery well!

The 4 sake of the day, some still unlabeled as not yet put on the market!

The first sake was Junmai Daiginjo Genshu which will eventually be called Wakatake Premium Junmai dDaiginjo!

To accompany a o-toshi/appetizer made with a combination of two leeks, surf clam and “shiraga” spikenard!

The second sake was Tokubetsu Junmai Nama called Oniotome (Summer Season greetings)!

Accompanying tuna and seabream sashimi and vegetable plate!

The third sake was Junmai Daiginjo called “Take no Kaze”!

Accompanying simmered young bamboo shoots, sweet simmered shrimp, giant butterbur and japanese pepper sprouts!

The final sake was a Junmai Ginjo eventually to be called Wakatake Junmai Ginjo!

Accompanying a mixed steamed rice!

Individual tasting reports on each sake of the day coming soon!

LA SOMMELIERE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Gastronomy, Osaka-style yakisoba, Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Soba Modan, Yakisoba

Osaka-Style Yakisoba: “Soba Modan” at Tonbo in Shimada City!

February 22, 2016 dragonlife 2 Comments

There is an infinite number of yakisoba/Japanese-style fried noodles in Japan, but one created in Osaka and rapidly gaining popularity all over Japan is “Soba Modan”, which is not only very tasty, but also fulfilling and easy to replicate at home!

And once again the place to watch being done and savor it at ease is “Tonbo” in Shimada City!
So let me show how “Soba modan/そばモダン” is made!

First fresh noodles of the thick ramen type are poured on an oiled hot plate!

Pieces of fresh cabbage are added!

Then a few pieces of fine raw bacon!

These are first fried!

Properly fried!

Tomato sauce added!

Seasoning added and then the whole fried together!

Yakisoba ready!

A thin round omelet in crepe style is then fried on the hot plate!

The fried noodles are packed in the center!

Then the omelet crepe is folded over the noodles in a rectangular (almost square) shape and and turned over the hot plate to show the smooth surface on top!