Tag Archives: Shizuoka

Portraits of Shizuoka #4/PART 1: (ENGLISH CAPTIONS/FRENCH)

Greetings everyone !

Do not forget to activate the captions

. Today is the part 1 of our short video/documentary about Roger Voltz, Martial Arts Specialist and Noh Masks Carver. This video focus on two points.

1: The legend of Hagoromo, taking place in Miho No Matsubara which was registered as a part of Mt. Fuji’s world heritage site in June of 2013. 2: A short introduction of Roger Voltz, how he made is way to Japan and his particular relationship with Martial Arts and Noh Masks. The Second point will be developed in the next video that will be released soon

. The third video Roger will go further into the masks creation process. Stay in tune !

[English/Japanese] Portraits of Shizuoka #3 : Aizome, Indigo Dyeing

Greetings everyone Today we will talk about the Shizuoka traditionnal dyeing : Aizome

It is of utmost importance to respect the private life and work of the people we introduce, many of whom are friends/personal acquaintances. If you wish to contact them we would be most grateful that you proceed through us first.

We specialize in Shizuoka where we have lived tens of years. The local gastronomy is one of our main focuses. We invite you to peruse the following sites to follow our reports:

https://shizuokagourmet.com/ (French/English) https://saveursdujapon.me/ (French) https://www.facebook.com/Japanecdote

e kindly remind you that this video is our sole property. We believe that because of the Covid 19 it is important to focus on our particular region which has welcomed us along the years but we do not pretend to know all its richness yet and hope you will discover and enjoy them together with us… in front of your screen or one day on site! Our most sincere thanks to you and them all!

Portraits de Shizuoka #1: Marufuku Seicha /Shizuoka Portraits #1: Marufuku Seicha

Do not forget to activate the subtitles in French/English !

Greetings, everyone!

Here is the first video of our series called “Shizuoka Portraits” conceived with a will to introduce the faces of all those who work hard to make what our Prefecture is

. We endeavored to concentrate our attention more on the “people” than on their art without forgetting to extoll on the latter.

This work being totally amateur and without any financial gains, we hope you will be kind enough to forgive the eventual beginners’ mistakes we are well aware we made in this first edition (sound, background and transitions in particular) which will be corrected in the next episode. This particular video is divided into two distinct parts. The first part is a general enough introduction with a tour of Marufuku Tea factory, and the second one involves more personal points (the conditions, difficulties and personal life of an enterprise lady boss). Do not hesitate to address each part in your preferred order according to your interests.

It is of utmost importance to respect the private life and work of the people we introduce, many of whom are friends/personal acquaintances. If you wish to contact them we would be most grateful that you proceed through us first. We specialize in Shizuoka where we have lived tens of years. The local gastronomy is one of our main focuses.

We invite you to peruse the following sites to follow our reports: https://shizuokagourmet.com/ (French/English) https://saveursdujapon.me/ (French) https://www.facebook.com/Japanecdote/

We kindly remind you that this video is our sole property. We sincerely hope that it will help and please you and we are ready to welcome your comments and reply to them. We believe that because of the Covid 19 it is important to focus on our particular region which has welcomed us along the years but we do not pretend to know all its riches yet and hope you will discover and enjoy them together with us… in front of your screen or one day on site! Our most sincere thanks to you and them all!

Bonjour à tous !

Voici la première partie de notre vidéo de notre série “Portraits de Shizuoka” qui a la volonté de montrer le visage de ceux qui travaillent à rendre notre département ce qu’il est. Nous nous efforçons de nous focaliser plus sur les “gens” que sur leur art sans pour autant oublier d’en parler.

Ces vidéos sont le fruit de résidents à Shizuoka uniquement, depuis plusieurs dizaines d’années pour certains. Pour vous donner une image de notre travail… imaginez par exemples des japonais en Bourgogne et présentant les bourguignons ! C’est une démarche qui sort un peu de l’ordinaire mais nous croyons en son intérêt.

Il existe à notre connaissance peu de fournisseurs de vidéos en français sur le Japon se focalisant essentiellement sur un département, à l’heure où le Japon est de mieux en mieux connu, nous voulons parler du local, pour eux, mais aussi pour vous, pour essayer de vous dresser au fil des vidéos une idée de ce qu’est une région japonaise ainsi que ses particularités. Nous n’avons pas la prétention de couvrir le territoire japonais en entier et cela n’est pas notre but. Nous croyons qu’avec le virus, il est important de se focaliser sur la région qui nous héberge et n’avons pas la prétention d’en connaître encore toutes les richesses et espérons que vous pourrez en profiter avec nous…derrière votre écran ou un jour sur place !

Le travail étant totalement amateur, et sans contrepartie financière, j’espère que vous nous pardonnerez les erreurs de débutants dans ce premier montage dont nous avons conscience (son, décor et transitions précisément) qui seront réglées dans le prochain épisode. En ce qui concerne cette vidéo, elle est découpée en deux parties : La première est une introduction assez générale avec la présentation de l’usine à thé de Marufuku, et la deuxième aborde des points plus personnels (condition d’une femme cheffe d’entreprise, difficultés et vie personnelle), n’hésitez pas à vous reporter directement à celle-ci selon le sujet qui vous intéresse. Il est important de respecte la vie privée et le travail des gens à qui nous faisons appel, qui sont pour beaucoup des amis/connaissances. Si vous désirez rentrer en contact avec eux merci de passer par nous. Nous sommes spécialisés sur Shizuoka, et y vivons pour certains depuis plusieurs dizaines d’années.

La gastronomie locale est un de nos axes principaux, merci de vous reporter aux pages suivantes pour suivre nos articles : https://shizuokagourmet.com/ (Français/Anglais) https://saveursdujapon.me/ (Français) https://www.facebook.com/Japanecdote/ Inutile de préciser que la vidéo est la propriété de notre chaîne 🙂 Nous espérons que cela vous plaira et attendons tous vos commentaires et à y répondre. Merci à vous, merci à eux.

Lobster: Basic Sashimi Preparation/Langouste : PRéparation standard de sashimi

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To answer Christina’s question (visit her great blog at Lobster Queen!) who asked if a lobster could be eaten raw, here is the basic recipe for preparing it.
Note that lobsters are fine, but spiny lobsters are best, especially small/medium specimens!

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The lobster should be still alive before you start proceeding.
First clean the live lobster under running clear cold water.
Note that live lobsters are very “lively”!

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Use a short and sharp wide blade knife.
Maintaining the lobster securely in one hand, stab the lobster with the knife point deeply just behind the head at a slant forward.

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You should be able to easily twist the tail away from the head.

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Put the head aside (will come onto the plate later).

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Turn tail over and cut bewteen soft underbelly part and hard shell part.

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Cut along both sides.

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You should be able to easily pull out the underbelly shell. If you have problems pulling it out, insert a spoon between the shell and the flesh.
Should come out easily then.

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Pull the flesh out the shell.
Peel off the thin brown skin and discard.

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First cut tail flesh lengthwise through the middle.
Take innards out and discard.
Ten cut the flesh across into one bite size (small size by European/American standards!).

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Drop into iced water and clean off the sticky juices. As the flesh will turn white if you leave it in the water too long, this process should not last more than 1 minute!

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Take water off in kitchen paper.

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Using the shell (cleaned in cold running water and wiped), arrange sashimi as above. Very easy!
You will find out that the flesh is sweet.
A little wasabi and soy sauce (ponzu is even better) is all you need!

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On nous demande souvent si la langouste peut se déguster cru, et voici la réponse avec une recette simple !

Les homards sont utilisables pour cette recette mais les langoustes seront préférées, de petite/moyenne taille de préférence.

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La langouste doit être vivante avant de commencer le processus. D’abord commencer par laver l’animal sous de l’eau propre coulante en continu. Attention car les langoutes vivantes sont très vivaces et frétillants.

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Utilisez une lame courte et bien aiguisée et faites en sorte de bien stabiliser le homard quand vous le tenez de l’autre main, poignardez derrière la tête, celle-ci incliné vers l’avant (voir les photos).

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Avec un mouvement de torsion vous devriez être en mesure de séparer les deux morceaux.

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Mettez la tête de côté (elle servira de décoration !)

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Retournez la queue et coupez entre la partie charnue et molle et la partie dure de la carapace.

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Tranchez de tout le long.

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Vous devriez pouvoir ensuite retirer toute la carapace de la queue. Si jamais cela coinçait quelque part, s’aide d’une cuillère en la mettant entre la chair et la carapace devrait faire sortir tout ce beau monde !

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Sortez la chair, et retirer la pellicule marron et récupérez le précieux aliment 🙂

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Ensuite coupez la chair de la queue comme sur la photo dans le sens de la longueur, retirez les impuretés à l’intérieur.

Ensuite coupez les morceaux de manière à ce que cela puisse faire une bouchée…japonaise (donc petite pour les gourmands que nous sommes).

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Mettez le tout dans de l’eau gelée et nettoyez ensuite tout ce qui pourrait avoir une texture un peu collante. Comme la chair va devenir blanche si vous la laissez dans l’eau trop longtemps, tout doit être fait en une minute maximum.

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Posez le tout sur un sopalin pour absorber l’eau.

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Utiliser la carapace lavée vous permettra de présenter les choses ainsi, c’est relativement facile et en envoie plein les mirettes.

La chair obtenue est sucrée. Un peu de wasabi et de sauce soja ou ponzu permet de varier les goûts !

Bon appétit !

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

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日本語のブログ
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Sports, Health & Vegetables in Shizuoka With Mitchell Duke at Shimizu S-Pulse

Mitchell and Charlotte Duke

Mitchell Duke, who also played for the Australian National Football (Soccer) Team, is now in his 4th year at Shimizu S-Pulse Football Club in Shizuoka City, a member of the J1 League with a long tradition and history.
He gracefully agreed to an interview to answer questions and express his views on culinary diet and especially vegetables in a region which boasts the largest official number of varieties in all Japan.
Question: Dear Mitchell, thank you so much for sparing your time. First of all, what was your daily diet back in Australia before moving to Shizuoka City?
Mitchell Duke: Quite heavy, actually! As a typical Ozzie (Australian) it started right away with enormous breakfasts with eggs, meat, avocadoes, bread and what else. In comparison, Japanese breakfasts would amount to calories ingested in our comparatively lighter dinners. Lunches and dinners still included large amounts of carbohydrates, what with all the steaks and pasta!

Q: What has changed since you came to Japan?
MD: Everything! I immediately began in earnest to research more into nutrition to the point of taking a TFE course in nutrition. First of all, I cut out the red meat to shift to a pescarian (fish, especially white-fleshed fish) diet. I also came to bypass most dairies although I still eat eggs. And of course, I came to pay more attention to all vegetables of all kinds.

Q: Do you find it easy to maintain your new diet in Shizuoka (and Japan for that matter!)?
MD: Yes, indeed! There are enough restaurants (I do have to eat out, what with trips and inevitable socializing) with enough variety to allow me to choose food according to my priorities without much of a fuss. Truth to tell, my teammates often indulge in plenty of meat, especially at their favorite yakiniku restaurants. In such cases I keep to grilled vegetables and dig a lot into the kimuchi! LOL. One thing is sure: I keep my eyes and ears open for new venues and possibilities!

Q: Can you obtain your requirements when eating at the club facilities?
MD: no problem there! Meals are served on a buffet style basis which allows me plenty of options including heaps of vegetables and salads! The food there is not only plentiful, but definitely above average cafeteria!

Q: Where do you usually make your daily food shopping?
MD: So far I have used the local Max Value supermarket and other local shops, but I must admit that I probably need to investigate a bit further! The more options, the better! If you have any suggestions, I shall be the happier for it!

Q: Do you consider Shizuoka an easy place to follow your diet compared to the rest of Japan?
MD: Yes, I may say that Shizuoka is arguably the best place when it comes to satisfy my personal dietary requirements, especially when you consider that it is an endless discovery! When you choose to concentrate on vegetables, the variety offered here is nigh unbeatable! The neutral weather plays an important role when it comes to a yearlong search for the best vegetables!

Q: What are the main benefits from your present diet?
MD: First of all, weight control has become so much easier to attain. And I actually enjoy the whole experience. I haven’t been sick for a long time, and most importantly I do recover faster from fatigue or injuries inherent to my occupation! The few times I do have to ingest meat I always end up feeling sluggish the next day! A kind of food hangover!

Q: The last question: would you be kind enough to introduce one your favorite restaurants to our readers?
MD: Ristorante Massimo Italian Restaurant (89-1, Miho, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City. Tel.: 054-335-0030. http://www.geocities.jp/granmassimo/)!

-Dear Mitchell, thank you so much for sharinggyour time! It was a rare pleasure!
-You are most welcome, mate!

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird beer Shuzenji Heritage Helles (Tasted at Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster in Shizuoka City!)

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It was certainly good to discover that it was possible to conduct the tasting of at least 9 craft beers by Bryan Baird’s brewery, namely Baird Beer Co. in a small cafe & bar in Shizuoka City!: Hug Coffee Espresso Roasters!

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This time I sampled Shuzaenji Heritage Helles!

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Name: Baird Beer Shuzenji Heritage Helles
Bottle contents: 330 ml
Barley, barley malt, sugars, yeast
Double fermentation
Unfiltered
ABV: 5%

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Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. white
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: orange
Aroma: dry and fruity.Bread, biscuits, oranges.
Taste: dry and fruity attack.
Complex: bread, biscuits, oranges.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing on a soft and dry note with oranges, apricots and hints of lemon.
Very pleasant on the palate.
Soft oranges and biscuits tend to come back with every sip.

Overall Elegant and deep lager for all seasons.
Both complex and gentle on the palate, a craft beer best appreciated slightly chilled at first and slowly drunk as its temperatures slowly to reveal more facets.

HUG COFFEE ESPRESSO ROASTER

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 8-1-1, Sunrose Bldg., 1F, No. 1-2-8
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Subtle IPA

Aoi Brewing Co. in Shizuoka City is about to come with quite a few new brews for the summer and it will be a scramble to taste them all!
Here is the first one!

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Subtle IPA!

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Served on tap
Barley, Maris Otter malt, Crystal Malt, Munich malt, Australia Galaxy hop, Kent Holding hop, Belgian strong ale yeast
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 6~7%
Bubbles: fine bubbles.Longish head. Creamy. White
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Deep orange color
Aroma: Refreshing and dry. Bread
Taste: Refreshing attack with plenty of body.
Bread, oranges, orange peels, Hints of biscuits. A little welcome acidity

Overall: A very solid and reliable IPA craft beer!
Very satisfying. Another improvement on an already excellent craft IPA beer!
Eminently enjoyable on its own, but would pair beautifully with pork meat!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
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 beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

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

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Aoi Brewing-Primeur French Saison, Partially Matured

Just tasted Aoi Brewing’s latest brew although this will be the first of a two-step tasting session!

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Primeur French Saison, Partially matured limited brew!
For the sake of comparison part of this new beer is available on tap before the fully matured version is made available end of May!

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Served on tap
Barley, Pilsner malt, Wheat malt, Topaz hop, Select hop, Willamette hop, Summer hop, coriander, orange peel, nutmeg, lemon grass, cinnamon, cloves
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 5.8%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles.Longish head. White.
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: Deep lemon color
Aroma: Refreshing, dry, spicy, herbs, hints of lemon
Taste: Refreshing, very dry attack with plenty of acidity.
Still very young with a consequent high acidity.
Complex: lemon, coriander, cloves.
Lingers long enough in palate for true tasting before departing with more spicy lemon.
Varies little with food.
Stays true to first impressions all the way through.

Overall: French Saison type, of the Pilsner family, that is a beer you will start drinking with the better and warmer season.
Very refreshing and solid craft beer but definitely for lovers of beer with plenty of acidity, “hoppy-style”!
Would pair well with shellfish and seafood, but not so much with fish.
Wait for the comparison with the matured article in late May!

Beer Junkie MOTEL

420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 11-5, IMAKKOKO Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-253-6558
Opening hours: 17:00~25:00, 17:00~26:00 (Saturday), 15:00~22:00 (Sunday)
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 beers are also available at Aoi Brewery’s restaurant in Shizuoka City, namely

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

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Kawahagi/Filefish: As Delicious But Cheaper Than Fugu/Puffer!

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Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん at Sushi Ko/すし幸 Sushi Restaurant in Shizuoka City holding a live filefish before preparing it!

Kawahagi, or Filefish or Leather jacket in the Land of Oz, must be one of the most underrated fish in the World!
Some people go as far as to say that penny for penny it is worth more than overpriced puffer/globefish/fugu!
And moreover it is safer!
Kawahagi or Thread-sail Filefish (or simply Filefish) is an angler’s favorite in summer, although it is caught almost all year round in Shizuoka.
Like any other fishes, it has other names such as “Gihagi, “Hagi”, “Gyuu”, “Subuta” or “bakuchiuchi”.
It is fairly common in Central and South Japan.
It is called Leather jJcket down in Australia where it is considered a pest!

The skin should be rough like that of a shark and brightly coloured.
Avoid sticky skin fish.
The bigger the size, the greater the taste (anglers, enjoy!)

In Kansai area, it replaces Fugu/Globefish when it is out of season for its similarity as sashimi.

It is such an eclectic fish that it can be appreciated as sushi, sashimi, marinated, or cooked, especially deep-fried!
When ordering such a fish at a sushi restaurant always ask it to prepared from a live fish, an easy thing here in Shizuoka Ciy as Sushi Ko Restaurant always two or three varieties swimming in their tanks!
The trick is to ask the chef to serve the whole and single fish in as many presentations as possible!
let me show you what Chef Kenta Birukawa/尾留川健太さん came up with!

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The presentation as o-tsukuri/お作り, that is the fish cut in sashimi/slices of raw fish.
It can be cut as thinly as puffer fish and make for as beautiful!

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It is served with small sticks of sscallion/negi/葱 that you wrap with thin slices of the fish. A great way to prove your dexterity with chopsticks!

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As for the dip or seasoning you do not use soy sauce.
Chef Birukawa will serve you a dip sauce made with the fresh liver of the same fish seasoned with ponzu/lime vinegar and some secret ingredients.
Dip your fish and scallion into it before savoring it.
Do not discard any liver sauce leftover!

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Another beautiful presentation of a larger variety!

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As for sushi there two main possibilities with the thin slices of the filefish and its raw liver!

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A nigiri/握り with chopped thin leeks under the fish topped with its liver!
A little dip in soy sauce will be more than enough!

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A “gunkan/軍艦/mother ship” with the sashimi topped with its liver and chopped thin leeks!
Ask the chef to sprinkle with a tiny amount of ponzu!

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And the deep-fried jowls of the same fish you eat with your fingers (that you lick later!) to cap it all!
Have I convinced you to look for that fish next time you see it in a good sushi restaurant or in a market?

SUSHI KO

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

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

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird Beer-Morning Coffee Stout (Tasted at Hug Coffee Espresso Roaster in Shizuoka City!)

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I just discovered that it was possible to conduct the tasting of at least 9 craft beers by Bryan Baird’s brewery, namely Baird Beer Co. in a small cafe & bar in Shizuoka City!: Hug Coffee Espresso Roasters!

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Bryan Baird’s recent visit to Hugs Coffee Espresso Roasters!

It all happened during Bryan Baird’s visit to the cafe when hey struck a deal to create and market a seasonal limited beer!

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Morning Coffee Stout!

Name: Baird Beer Morning Coffee Stout, No beer, no coffee, no life!
Bottle contents: 330 ml
Barley, barley malt, sugars, coffee beans (provided by Hug Coffee Co.), yeast
Double fermentation
Unfiltered
Alcohol: 7%
Bubbles: very fine bubbles. Long head. Creamy. Milk coffee color
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Color: very dark brown
Aroma: discreet, dry coffee
Taste: very deep and dry attack.
Very refreshing but solid and satisfying.
Coffee beans surging strongly all inside the palate.
Lingers long enough for true tasting.
Stays true to first impression all the way through.
Varies little with food.

Overall: Intriguing and eminently enjoyable craft beer!
Mind you, you end up torn between coffee and beer!
A must for flavored beer lovers!

HUG COFFEE ESPRESSO ROASTER

420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenma Cho, 8-1-1, Sunrose Bldg., 1F, No. 1-2-8
Opening hours: 12:00~24:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Mexican Gastronomy: Mexican Hot Dog at AOI BEER STAND, Shizuoka City!

Service: easy-going and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom shared inside Den Bill Bldg.
Prices: reasonable~slightly expensive
Strong points: Craft beer only. Home-made sausages!

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I had at last the occasion of sampling another hot-dog with a different sausage created by Ryousuke Ono/大野良輔さん at AOI BEER STAND in Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho!
Bear in mind that these sausages are always limited, but if you have missed them, either you wait for the next batch or you go BECK Co, Ltd.’s new bar, Beer Junkie Motel which will open on March 1st!

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Mexican Hot Dog enjoyed with a glass of Semi Double IPA by Ushitora Brewery (Tochigi Prefecture!)

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The Mexican sausage recipe is a secret but Ryousuke condescended to admit that it contained oregano, garlic, jalapenos, salt, pepper and pepper!
Served with a salsa sauce!

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Superb bite and really tasty!
Not that hot, actually, but really satisfying!
A true home-made sausage, definitely off the beaten tracks!

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

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

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Kumpai Brewery-Junmai Ginjo “Abe No Shizuku” Nama

Kumpai brewery is the smallest brewery is the smallest one in Shizuoka Prefecture and it is not always easy to find their brews unless you are ready to cycle all the way to the other side of Shizuoka City!

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But htey are well worth the search!
This particular one, a Junmai ginjo called “Abe No Shizuku” has been a real long seller!

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Rice: Gohyakumangoku (Fukui Prefecture)
Rice milled down to 50%
Alcohol: 15~16 degrees
Dryness : + 2.5
Bottled in January 2015

Clarity: very clear
Color: very faint golden hue
Aroma: assertive,fruity and dry. melon
Body: fluid
Taste: well-rounded dry and fruity attack backed up with puissant junmai petillant.
Complex. melon, dry apricots, macadamia nuts.
Disappears quickly on deep note with melon and hints of oranges and nuts with a late appearance of coffee beans.
Tends to become a lot sweeter with later sips as its temperatures rises with the environment.
Varies little with food but for a drier note and more coffee beans.

Overall: very satisfying dry sake with loads of fruit.
Tends to reveal more facets along the tasting.
Very elegant for a dry sake. Drinks easily.
Marries superbly with any food.
A sure value!

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Beer Tasting: Baird Beer Brewery-Suruga Bay Imperial IPA (Conducted at ICN Cafe in Shizuoka City!)

The other day I visited ICN Cafe for a chat with a friend in the afternoon and I took advantage of one the craft beers they serve there!

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ICN cafe is a bar/cafe I would recommend to people in search of some welcome quietude away from the crowds around a beer, some tasty Italian fare or just a coffee in a space which has a lot offer.

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They do have the merit to serve a whole range of bottled beers all day long and I’m pretty grateful for the fact that they offer a brand by Baird Beer Co., arguably the most famous brewery in our Prefecture!
Suruga Bay Imperial IPA!

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Ingredients: Barley, malt, hops, Sugars, Yeast
ABV: 8.5%
Clarity: slightly smoky (normal considering live yeast and being unfiltered), very clean
Bubbles: Short head, fine bubbles, white
Color: Orange/persimmon color
Aroma: Deep, dry and fruity aroma. Oranges
Taste: very refreshing, beautifully dry attack backed with lots of fruit and just the right amount of welcome acidity
Complex: oranges, persimmons.
Lingers long enough for true tasting before departing with more dry oranges and hints of apricots.
varies little with food but for a drier note.

Overall: A magnificent beer.
Easy to drink in spite of high alcohol content.
A craft beer for all seasons which should appeal to anyone!

ICN Cafe

Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 5-8, Miraie Shichiken Cho Bldg., 2F
Tel.: 054-273-8178
Opening hours: Cafe time, 11:00~17:00
Bar Time: 18:00~23:00
Cafe time only on Sundays
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE
Parties welcome!

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Along the Tokaido Nature Trail to Nihondaira Peak in Shizuoka Ciy!

Mount Fuji is best seen on a winter sunny days and there is an embarrassment of choices as to from what spot to admire it!
Nihondaira Peak inside Shizuoka City, that is in suruga Ku, is one of them.
And if you feel like having some much needed exercise one way to reach Nihondaira peak is to do it on foot!
If you are a fit person, whatever your age, it will take you only a couple of hours walk.
To avoid monotony just go back by bus but beware that the last one is at about 16:00.
Let me relate how I achieved it last week!

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I first took a local train from Shizuoka JR Station and got off at Kusanagi Station.
You can also reach the same destination by riding the Shizutetsu Line from Shizuoka Cenova Department Store!
Get off at Kusanagai and walk till the main crossing ahead. Turn left and look for a big Torii/鳥居 gate which will be your starting point. The torii is that of a very interesting shrine, Kusanagi Shrine I described earlier.
Walk under the torii and proceed straight ahead!

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Don’t forget to look at your feet sometimes and you will discover some interesting manhole covers!

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This type is a pretty old fire hydrant access when Shimizu was still a separate city!

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The same type with a colored center!

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An even older type of Shimizu City fire hydrant cover!

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Go along he Kusanagijinja (Kusanagi Shrine) dori/path!

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Don’t worry, there will be plenty of signs along the route to keep you on the right track!

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First you will reach the Kusanagi Shinto Shrine!

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Spare some of your time to visit it! It is worth it!

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On your way out you will find an interesting manhole cover again!

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Old Shimizu City type featuring Mount Fuji and Miho Beach with Matsubara Forest!

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For collecting river and rain waters!

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Check that you are on the right path!

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Have a good look at the map!

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It is bilingual!

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It also gives you indications on the time needed!

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Your first steps will take you through rural land!

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Green tea fields and the last winter Chinese cabbage!

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You are on the right path!

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Peach tree field!

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This is orange tree land!

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Discovered this cute shed before the next bend!

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it is only a private farm tool shed but the local primary school kids spent a great time decorating it!

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A great idea to help the local kids’ sense of creation!

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Don’t miss the next bend and walk up the passage way above the road!

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A grand view is in wait for you at the top of the stairs before you penetrate the mountain forest!

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Mount Fuji!

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Shizuoka is also the land of green tea in japan!

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A long flight of stairs will lead you to the nature trail going along the top of the mountains!

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You never know, you may meet some elves there!

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Plenty of ferns at the foot of tall cedar trees!

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Follow the trail!

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There are definitely sprites among hose trees! LOL

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Out of the woods and almost at the top of Nihondaira peak!

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Goal!

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What is that statue?

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The story of “The Little Girl with The Red Shoes Who Was taken Away By A Stranger”!

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Coming to one of the top Mount Fuji Viewing Spots in Japan!

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The overview!

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Shimizu Harbor and the Suruga Bay!

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Mount Fuji!

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Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula in the distance!

I wished I had taken more pictures but I was really running low on batteries!
Moreover the air was a bit hazy. Next time I will take pictures earlier in the morning or before sunset (problem here as there will no more buses unless I visit the place on a busy week-end!)!

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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Shizuoka Sake Tasting: Hamamatsu-Tenjingura Brewery-Shusseijo Ginjo Fujihomare Nakakumi Nama Genshu (conducted at La Sommeliere in Shizuoka City)

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!

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Owner Hiroko Hasegawa/長谷川浩美さん called me to to inform me she had received the first batch of sake brewed by Hamamatsu-Tenjigura Brewery in Hamamatsu!

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This one particularly interested me!

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It is a “Shuseijo” ( the brewery’s main brand!), Ginjo Fujihomare (sake rice grown in Shizuoka Prefecture) Nakakumi/中汲み (beginning and end of pressing not included) Nama (unpasteurized) Genshu (no pure water blended in)!

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Rice: Fujihomare (Shizuoka rice)
Rice milled down to 60%
Shizuoka yeast
Alcohol: 18~19 degrees
Bottled in December 2014

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Clarity: very clear
Color: Faint golden hue
Aroma: Very dry and fruity. Strong creamy attack with pears, melon, marshmallows
Body: Fluid and slightly sirupy
Taste: Strong and well-rounded attack backed up with pleasant and puissant alcohol.
Complex: melon, custard, marshmallows.
Lingers for a while with marshmallows and peach before ending up with dry oranges.
Changes little with food.
Superb with cheese, soft Gorgonzola in particular. Try it with Munster cheese as it beautifully enhances the smoothness of the cheese!
Should be perfect with pork meats and sausages!

Overall: Surprisingly elegant and easy to drink in spite of strong alcohol contents.
Its complexity will please ladies in particular.
Superb on its own, it would nonetheless be extremely attractive paired with cheese, particularly soft Gorgonzola or Munster!
Can be eminently enjoyed as aperitif or digestif slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Extremely good value and well above average for similar sake!

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
Closed on Sundays & National Holidays
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

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City