Tag Archives: Shizuoka Prefecture

The Rugby World Cup is coming to Shizuoka!

August 18, 2018 dragonlife Leave a comment

We are barely a year left before the coming of the Rugby World to Japan and Shizuoka Prefecture is feverishly gearing itself for it with a new sense of responsibility!
After all, Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, will be the venue for no less than 4 games, the third busiest in all Japan!
The first game will provide a true gem as it will feature Japan against the European Champions, Ireland!
Moreover, we shall be offered the great chance to see major teams in the names of South Africa and Australia from the Southern Hemisphere, Scotland and Italy from the VI Nations Tournament and some truly “exotic” teams represented by Georgia and newcomers, Russia!

Ecopa Stadium was chosen as a major venue for many reasons:
The Stadium with a capacity of over 50,000 was built for the Soccer World Cup and needs little improvements as it is used regularly for major events.
Shizuoka Prefecture is the home of Yamaha Jubilo (the rugby club, not the soccer club which belongs to the same company and is based in the same area), a powerful member (Japan Champions once) of the Japan Rugby Top League.
The neighboring Shinkansen Stations in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka City and Hamamatsu City.
The local International Airport, Shizuoka Fuji Airport in Shimada City.

Now, games will kick off early in the afternoon or early evenings, meaning that a lot of people will have to stay overnight in Shizuoka Prefecture!
What better opportunity can it be to introduce all these visitors, tourists and guests to our Prefecture, to its tourism and to its superior gastronomy?

Rugby fans all over the world are a hungry and thirsty lot! Not only before and during the game, but mainly during the “third half time” when any rugby player or fan worth his name spends as much time as possible socializing with the opponents of the day for some great talks and exchanges. Accordingly, Fukuroi City in particular should seriously think of cooperating with local producers and brewers to keep such a crowd happy for as long as possible not only during the game but after, thus encouraging all these welcome visitors to at least stay overnight and enjoy Shizuoka’s famed gastronomy! To start with, food and drink stands should be erected around the Stadium itself where there is enough space for such an enterprise and bring a great profit to the local farmers, brewers, food companies and local restaurants/izakayas!
The city should also seriously think of providing extra accommodation and services to all these Japanese and overseas fans! One solution would be to invite and encourage local farmers to provide farmhouse stays as the majority of foreign rugby fans hail from the “country” and certainly prefer the rural pleasures to overcrowded and senseless cities!

Food for thought, if I may allow myself this corny comment!

Ecopa Stadium 2019 Rugby World Cup Schedule
Saturday, September 28th (14th game), Group A, Japan vs Ireland, kick off at 16:15
Friday, October 4th, (23rd game), Group B, South Africa vs Italy, kick off at 18:45
Wednesday, October 9th, (31st game), Group A, Scotland vs Russia, kickoff at 16:15
Friday October 11th, (33rd game), Group D, Australia vs Georgia, kick off at 19:15

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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!

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Vegan & Vegetarian Sushi Bento

April 7, 2018 dragonlife 2 Comments

Although I’m not a vegetarian I’ve wanted for a long time the Missus to concoct me an entirely vegetarian bento. Not only she complied, but she made it a sushi as well!

She first steamed the rice and prepared it as sushi rice (blending it a little salt, sugar and rice vinegar) before mixing plenty of sesame seeds in.
She then proceeded to cover the lot with vegetables.

She fried sliced lotus roots in spices for a hot addition to the plain boiled green peas in their pods (“snap endo” in Japanese).

Then, keeping in mind the color arrangement and the whole balance, she first added a shredded carrot salad seasoned with gomadare/sesame dressing and crushed peanuts, and next gobo kinpira/stir-fried spicy burdock root (seasoned with chili pepper and black sesame seeds). She finally topped the whole with some sliced plum tomato.

For salad and dessert she prepared a vegan/vegetarian kabocha and black beans salad to which she added fresh lettuce and Akihime strawberries from Shizuoka!

I don’t plan to be a vegan or vegetarian but my sometimes tired body can really appreciate the cuisine now and then! At least this could give good ideas to my vegetarian/vegan friends!

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Japanese Gastronomy, Manhole covers, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Gastronomy on Manhole Covers!

March 16, 2018 dragonlife Leave a comment

Yaizu City is the most famous Bonito/Katsuo fishing harbor city in Japan!

Japan is increasingly becoming known all over the world for its gastronomy and more recently for its unequaled manhole covers. Shizuoka prefecture is no exception when it comes to either, or even better, to a combination of the two!

Shizuoka Prefecture has a lot to offer when it comes to gastronomy and is certainly above all when it comes to variety, be it vegetables, fruit or meat when it comes to land and a bounty of seafood when it comes to sea!

Yaizu City has no less than three different manhole covers depicting Katsuo/Bonito for the simple reason it is the most important fishing harbor in Japan as far as bonito is concerned!

Hirame/Soles or Flounders in Hamamatsu City!

But when it comes to seafood, Yaizu City is only a portion of it all!
Come to Hamamatsu City for example. They managed to make a pun out of their own manhole covers! In Sakana, an area in downtown Hamamatsu City they have no less than four covers representing fish because “sakana” written with a different kanji/Japanese character means “fish”!

“Tara” or Cod!

Another “Hirame”/sole or Flounder!

And “Maguro”/Tuna!

Shall we continue with seafood?
Hatsushima Island is one of the few islands administered by Shizuoka Prefecture. It can be easily reached by ferry boat from Atami City.
It is celebrated for its “Iseebi”/Spiny lobster and “Sazae”/Turbo shell!

Izu Inatori fishing harbor in south west Izu Peninsula is celebrated all over Japan for its “Kinmedai”/Splendid Alfonsino!

At the very tip of Izu Peninsula Minami Izu is also proud of its “Iseebi”?Spiny lobsters!

Heda, in North eastern Izu Peninsula, now part of Numazu City, is known for “Takahashigani”/Japanese Giant Crab, the largest crab in the World!

And to conclude with seafoods one must visit Yui, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, known all over japan for its “Sakuarebi”/Cherry Shrimps. Actually there two more tiny covers depicting this little gastronomic treasure!

It is about time to switch to land products, and one cannot overlook green tea! Introduced to Shizuoka Prefecture more than 800 years ago, we are still the biggest producer in Japan. Interestingly enough, covers depicting tea are to be found only (that is, for the present!) in Kikugawa City with two different types, one of them representing the “Cha Musume”/Tea leaves handpicking girl/lady!

Shizuoka Prefecture is also renown for its strawberries and one can find them on covers in Nirayama, Izu City, also famous for World Heritage Hansharo and its beautiful views of Mount Fuji!

Hamamatsu City is not only famous for its fish, eels in particular, or oysters, but also for its oranges to be found in Mikkabi!

And we can conclude (that is, for the moment, as there must be others to come in the future, what with the booming tourism!) with a lesser known piece of gastronomy: back to the beginning of the 17th Century when Shogun Tokugawa Ieayasu retired to Sumpu (present Shizuoka City) he discovered “nasu”/egg plants exclusively grown in the Orito area (prensently Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City) and grew so fond of them that he awarded them the appellation of “Orito Nasu”/Orito eggplants. These are still grown there and are a rare vegetable searched by all sorts of renown chefs!
Can you see it at the bottom right of the manhole cover?

Good search and bon appetit!

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Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Bandai Brewery-Shuzenji Monogatari Tokubetsu Honjozo

February 22, 2018 dragonlife Leave a comment

Shuzenji in Izu City, Izu Peninsula, is witnessing a fast resurgence of its tourism, what with the increasing influx of overseas tourists and the Olympics looming large over the whole Peninsula.
Accordingly local products tend to reflect the local history and folklore more and more for the pleasure of visitors.
Bandai Brewery, the only sake sake brewery in the Peninsula has come out with a brand of its Tokubetsu Honjozo with the name of Shuzenji Monogatari/Shuzenji Story!

Rice milled down to 60%
Alcohol: 15 degrees

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. Dry plums
Taste: Dry and fruity attack.
Dry plums,loquats.
Lingers for while warming up the palate before departing on note of drier plums.
Turns smoother with food.

Overa;;: solid, dependable and straightforward sake conceived to accompany food.
A lit unusual for Shizuoka for its old fashioned approach.
Will make for a nice souvenir back home though.
Recommended pairings: Japanese yam salad, onsen tamago:hot spring eggs, marinated oysters.

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Shizuoka Shochu Tasting: Umeera by Bandai Brewery!

February 10, 2018 dragonlife Leave a comment

This is another schochu by Bandai Brewery in Shuzenji, Izu City in the Izu Peninsula and is the more interesting for using another famous local farm product!

It was also awarded the Izu Peninsula Geopark label!

The name, “Umeera” means “very tasty”!

It is made with fresh water collected in deep sea water currents of the Izu Penisula and New Summer Ornages cultivated in Izu Prefecture!

Classified as liqueur in Japan
Rice white lees shochu, pure rice alcohol, Izu Peninsula New Summer Oranges, sugars, deep-sea fresh water
Single distilling method
Alcohol: 25~26 degrees

Clarity: very clear
Color: transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. strong summer oranges
Body: very fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack. Deep new Summer oranges
Lingers for quite a while on the palate with more soft of the same oranges and rice spreading over the palate.
Changes little with food if for a slightly sweeter turn.

Overall: another rare, elegant and intriguing shochu!
Drinks like a fine strong aperitif distilled alcohol or liqueur.
Very elegant liqueur, but low enough in alcohol to enjoy at ease.
Would well poured on a cassata ice cream!
Will do very with asparaguses, salads, and seafood in Western gastronomy!
Another splendid gift to offer anywhere in Japan and overseas!

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Shizuoka Shochu Tasting: Wasabi Shu by Bandai Brewery

February 7, 2018 dragonlife Leave a comment

It has been quite some time since I enjoyed the only true shochu made with wasabi in Japan, namely Wasabi Shu (can also be pronounced “Wasabi sake”)!

it is made by the only sake brewery/shochu distillery in Izu Peninsula in Shuzenji, Izu City!

Although made with rice shochu and wasabi essence it is sold as a liqueur for various lawful reasons!

Classified as liqueur in Japan
Rice white lees shochu, wasabi essence (20%)
Single distilling method
Alcohol: 20 degrees

Clarity: very clear
Color: transparent
Aroma: dry and fruity. mild wasabi
Body: very fluid
Taste: dry and fruity attack.
Soft and mild wasabi
Lingers for quite a while on the palate with more soft wasabi and rice spreading over the palate.
Changes little with food if for a drier turn.

Overall: A rare, elegant and intriguing shochu!
The rare kind that even ladies would drink straight at any time of an evening or of a celebration.
Thoroughly enjoyable at any temperature or on the rocks, although best on its own.
Probably best enjoyed on its own as a nightcap but will go with any Japanese food, especially sashimi and light vegetables dishes.
Will do very with asparaguses and oysters in Western gastronomy!
A splendid gift to offer anywhere in Japan and overseas!

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Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hatsukame Brewery-Daiginjo Genshu “Ai”!

January 29, 2017 dragonlife Leave a comment

The other day I had the rare pleasure to visit again Hatsukame Brewery in Okabe Cho, Fujieda City in the company of a professional farmer consultant from the USA!
Hatsukame Brewery has a special place in my heart for many reasons: it is the oldest single family-owned Sake brewery In Shizuoka Prefecture for more than 380 years!
Interestingly enough it used to be located in the very center of Sumpu City (the old name of Shizuoka City) before moving to its present location during the Meiji Era!
I must admit a special treatment has always been offered to me and my visiting friends and I dare not reveal what presents and services I have been granted there!

This Daiginjo Genshu (no water blended in) called “Ai” (“Love”) was brewed before Hatsukame Brewery switched from Noto Master brewer to a young talented one from the Nanbu School in Iwate Prefecture!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 45%
Dryness: +3~+4
Acidity: 1.0 (low by Shizuoka standards)
Alcohol: 17 degrees
Bottled in March 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: dry and fruity. Strawberries
Body: fluid, almost sirupy
Tasting: dry, smooth, deep and very fruity attack.
Complex: strawberries, dark cherries.
Lingers for a while before departing on more fruity notes of strawberries.
Very pleasant alcohol all the way through, warming back of the palate.
Turns drier with food with liquorice and mandarines making a late appearance.

Overall: elegant and extravagant sake very much in the tradition of Hatsukame Brewery!
Very smooth in spite of its high alcohol contents.
Continuously entices to the next cup.
At its best on its own slightly chilled, although marries very gracefully with almost any cuisine.
Gentlemen will fight for it, but ladies need not worry about the high alcohol contents!
Makes for the perfect digestif in special company!
Recommended pairings: terrines, dry cured ham, cheese, smoked duck.

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Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Southern IPA

January 15, 2017 dragonlife Leave a comment

Aoi Brewing in Shizuoka has come up with a different IPA brewed exclusively with New Zealand hps: Southern IPA!

Served on tap
Barley. Maris Otter malt (Great Britain), Munich malt (Germany), Aroma 150 malt (Belgium). All malts were of the same amount and simultaneously used.
Rakan hop, Southern Cross hop and Wainea hop (all from New Zealand). No dry hopping.
Nottingham Pale Ale yeast (Great Britain), sugars
Unfiltered
Natural carbonation
ABV:6.5%
IBU: 35
Production: 450 l

Bubbles: long head, very fine bubbles, creamy, white color
Color: deep orange/persimmon color
Aroma: dry, deep and fruity. Citruses, oranges, dry honey.
Taste: dry but not bitter at first, well-rounded fruity attack.
Oranges, bread, biscuits, faint honey.
Lingers long enough on palate for true tasting before departing on more notes of biscuits with acidity surging ahead and lingering on palate.
Stays smooth on the tongue and palate all the while in spite of the late bitterness.

Overall: totally different IPA type!
Very easy to drink and complex with a double impression starting smooth to finish on pleasant acidity.
Will definitely please both genders of any age!
A real pity it is a limited craft beer!
Suggested pairings: Nuts, sausages, dry meats.

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 18:00~25:00
Closed on Tuesday
Parties welcome
FACEBOOK

BEER GARAGE

Aoi Brewing Co.,Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyagasaki Chyo, 30
Tel.: 054-294-8911
Opening hours: 17:00~23:00 (Monday~Friday), 15:00~23:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
COD, Cash On Delivery only for all orders.
MAP
FACEBOOK

AOI BEER STAND
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den bill, 1F
Tel.: 054-260-5203
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00
Credit cards OK
FACEBOOK

Some Aoi Brewing beers are also available at the mother company’s other restaurant,

GROWSTOCK

420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi Naka Building, 5F
Tel.: 054-293-9331
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00 (Mon.~Thurs.), 17:00~27:00 (Fri & Sat.), 17:00~24:00 (Sun.)
Parties welcome (reserve!)
Credit Cards OK
FACEBOOK

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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

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Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Eikun Brewery-Yamahai Junmai /Look Before You Leap(conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

December 17, 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!

Recent years have seen quite a few breweries in Shizuoka Prefecture tackle the difficult creation of Yamahai.

This time it is Eikun Brewery in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City which produced a yamahai Junmai!

With the addition of an interesting subtitle: -Look before you leap- although the Japanese translation somewhat differs!

Rice: Hyakumangoku (Toyama Prefecture) as the Kojimai/麹米, leavened rice
Donmanaka (Akita Prefecture) as the kakemai/掛米, added rice
Rice both milled down to 60%
Yeast: Shizuoka NEW 5
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: + 7
Acidity: 1.6
Bottled in September 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma dry, soft and fruity. Plums, custard, mandarines, melon
Body: fluid, almost sirupy
Taste: dry and very fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex: melon, custard, plums.
Lingers for a while on the palate before departing on drier notes of dark chocolate and custard.
Tends to linger with a drier and drier accent. mandarins and dry nuts make a late appearance.
Varies little with food.

Overall: Very elegant for a Yamahai and drinks very easily.
Can be truly enjoyed at any temperatures.
Definitely conceived to accompany food.
Great on its own but would be more appreciated either as an aperitif or a fine dry white wine.
Suggested pairings: ankimo, cheese, quiche.

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!

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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.

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City, sake, Sake Brewery, Sanwa Brewery, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Sanwa Brewery-Garyubai Fukurotsuri Shizuku Junmai Ginjo Nama Genshu Homarefuji (conducted at la Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

August 29, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

This time we tasted a nectar produced by Sanwa Brewery in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

As usual it bears a long name!
Fukurotsuri Shizuku (the sake is filtered through a suspended cloth bag drip by drip) 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 5%
Alcohol: 16~17 degrees
Dryness: + 5
Acidity: 1.5
Bottled in May 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: light golden hue
Aroma: very dry. Greens, water spinach (kuushinsai)
Body: fluid
Taste: dry and vegetables backed with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex. Lychees, faint dark chocolate, star fruit.
Lingers for a while before departing on more notes of sweet and sour vegetables.
Ends up more complex and dry with rise in temperature.
Varies little with food.

Overall: a very unusual sake, difficult to classify and the more intriguing for it.
Taste it first chilled to later discover more and more new facets with rise in temperature.
A discovery!
Suggested pairings: Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines, mabodofu, dry curry rice.

LA SOMMELIERE

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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!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Fukuroi City, Kokko Brewery, sake, Sake Brewery, Shizuoka Prefecture

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

August 22, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

For a change this time we tasted a Junmai Ginjyo concocted by Kokko Brewery in Fukuroi City!
Incidentally Kokko Brewery was the first a long time ago to use the new Shizuoka yeast!

Rice: Yamada Nishiki (Hyogo Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 50%
Yeast: Shizuoka Ginjyo HD-1
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness: +7
Acidity: 1.2
Amino acids: 1.2
Bottled in July 2016

Clarity: very clear
Color: faint golden hue
Aroma dry and fruity. Pears, flowers,herbs
Body: fluid
Taste: very dry and fruity attack backed gentle junmai petillant.
Complex. Banana, persimmon, walnuts, chestnuts, almonds.
Lingers for a short while before departing on notes of oranges and bitter chocolate and faint coffee beans.
Will finally end up on an even drier note at the back of the palate.

Overall: Superb sake, but not as dry as this brewery uses to.
Probably best enjoyed on its own.
Starts it slightly chilled to discover new facets as temperature rises.
Suggested pairings: salads, grilled whitie fleshed fish, cheese, chocolate.

LA SOMMELIERE

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