Tag Archives: Tourism

Sushi: Sushi Sets, Bentos and Takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores-6

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A great set for two, but don’t fight over the single items! LOL

Due to the incredible wealth of fresh fish all year round, there is an enormous consumption of sushi at every level in Shizuoka City, from very cheap takeouts to expensive ( but certainly not as expensive as in Tokyo, qulity fro quality!) sushi restaurants.
Next time you come to Shizuoka City for a few days and are looking forward to budget sushi do visit the local department stores where you will have the surprise to discover tasty, from reasonably fresh to very fresh, and reasonably priced sushi sets, bentos and takeouts you can take beck to the hotel or into a park for instant pleasure.
Naturally I would advise the foreign (and Japanese) residents to do some homework!
As for prices count 100 yen for 1 US $ or 130 yen for 1 Euro!

This is unfortunately the last installment, but I will come with another theme next time!
Isetan Department Store’s display is not wide-ranging as the other other but it is nonetheless worth a visit and a long look. Be aware that their offerings go fast, so come early!

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At 1,500 yen (but with a 100-yen disount!) the price seems a bit high for this one, but it includes “hon maguro/blue fin tuna”, ikura and raw salmon among pricey items. Note the menegi/leek sprouts sushi nigiri!

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Two very reasonable set for 580 yen (minus a 100-yen discount):
Hirame Tsukushi/Sole (halibut, grouper) sushi nigiri
An all tuna set with sushi nigiri, grated tuna/negitoro gunkan and tekka maki!

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An individual sushi set for 780 yen including tuna, flying fish roe, negitoro gunkan and cuttle fish!

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Two different individual all-tuna sushi sets for 580 yen! Now, this is cheap!

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The day Special sushi set!
15 sushi pieces for 1,780 yen! A whole dinner!
Including pricey items such as hon-maguro, mebachi tuna and conger eel!
What would you pay for that even in a sushi restaurant?

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4 inari zushi for 210 yen! The perfect accompaniment to another set of fish or fowl for example!

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All kinds of sushi rolls (2 per pack cut into 4 pieces each) from 210 yen to 420 yen! An embarrassment of choices!

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kaisen donburi/Fresh seafood bowl with 7 different ingredients including tuna on a bowl of sushi rice! Only 680 yen! A whole meal!

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A Shizuoka specialty: Anago donburi!
Broiled conger eel and tamagoyaki atop rice!
At 580 yen, a real bargain!

Right, that is all for sushi sets, bentos and takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores!
Of course if I have the opportunity to visit other Department Stores in a different city of our Prefecture I’ll be glad to report on them!

Any suggestions for the next theme based on food you could buy at Shizuoka City Department Stores?

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Japanese Gastronomy: Eels at Chigusa in Hamamatsu City!

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Service: shy but very friendly
Facilities: traditional but very clean
Prices : reasonable for eels (eels are very expensive in Japan)
Strong points: Eels! Only local fish used! Great view on Hamana Lake

Summer is eel eating time in Japan, especially in Shizuoka renown all over the country for its great eels mainly bred around Hamamatsu City and in Hamana Lake in particular.
So the other day we decided to visit at long last a famous but traditional and very reasonable eel restaurant lost by the Hamana Lake in Mikkabi, Hamamatsu City, called Chigusa (ちぐさ/千草)!

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So instead of boarding a regular train, and taxi or bus we took a local train along the Tenhama Line (Japanese web site), a trip I would advise any true traveler (and photographer) to take to enjoy the sights and discoveries of old Japan!
We got down at an unmanned (yes, they still exist! Talk about Japanese trust!) station in the blazing sun.

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The station is called Okuhamanako/Far side of Hamana Lake.
Get down there and try to reach the main road through the countryside as soon as you can (there are many ways!)!

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This particular area, Mikkabi in Hamamatsu City, is famous all over Japan for its (still green now) oranges!

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Once you reach the main road turn left and walk along for 10 minutes along the Hamana Lake!

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You can’t miss it even if you can’t read Japanese as a long black eel is welcoming you from afar!

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A picture/snapshot not to miss!

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The entrance with unagi/鰻 written on the noren/暖簾, entrance curtain!
Who’s that guy taking a picture? LOL

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Past the entrance you will find these long metal tubes wrapped in rice straw ropes.
What are they? Can you guess?

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Portable fireworks!
This very rare festival is held beginning of August in Hosoe near Hamana Lake. I couldn’t manage my schedule to report but I’ll do it next year! Promise!

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Have a good look at the souvenirs before entering the dining room!

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Very traditional Japanese atmosphere inside!

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The menu is in Japanese, but the pictures will give a very good indication!
I personally chose the above, the best eel “double-decker” lunch set. Even at 3,200 yen (32 US $) it is very reasonable when you realize that the eel prices have almost doubled in the past 3 years!
And the eels are exclusively locally bred in Hamana Lake!
It is worth the trip, even by car as there is a big car park!

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Another important detail: you will have to wait some time before your order arrives. A good sign proving that contrary to the “cheap diners” food is individually prepared for best quality!
The lunch arrives at your table in a bento box shape on a tray.

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Take off the lids…. et voila!

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A succulent light soup containing eel liver/鰻肝!

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Home-made Japanese pickles, o-shinko/オシンコ!

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The broiled eel double decker/unagi jyuu/鰻重!

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Two layers of eel grilled and broiled to perfection with two layers of freshly (very important!) steamed rice enhanced by the sauce of the eel
Take your time and use chopsticks to make sure you eat slowly and appreciate it to the fullest! This eel in eel country!

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This gourd-shaped receptable contains shijimi/七味 mixed spice powder you can sprinkle over the eel for extra zip!

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Dragon (my worse half) chose the above which contains a single layer of broiled eel but with finely shredded omelet between the fish and the rice!

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Really appetizing, isn’t it?
I forgot: we visited Chigusa on Dragon’s advice! LOL

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Do I need to mention I helped Dragon to finish it under the pretense of sharing?

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It would certainly be a dilemma if I had to choose only one of those two lunches!
Make sure to come with a special company to taste as much as you can as I daresay that yen for yen this is the best value for eel in the whole Prefecture! (but I’m sure a lot of people will disagree! LOL)

CHIGUSA ちぐさ/千草
Hamamatsu City, kita Ku, Mikkabi Cho, Mikkabi, 1148-10
Tel.: 053-525-0218
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00, 16:00~20:00
Closed on 31st of December and 1st of January only
Reservations strongly recommended
Take-outs OK!
Cards OK
Non-smoking at lunch time
Car park available (30 spaces)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG (Japanese)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Sushi: Sushi Sets, Bentos and Takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores-5

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The little red and white tag means that the wasabi is served separately!

Due to the incredible wealth of fresh fish all year round, there is an enormous consumption of sushi at every level in Shizuoka City, from very cheap takeouts to expensive ( but certainly not as expensive as in Tokyo, qulity fro quality!) sushi restaurants.
Next time you come to Shizuoka City for a few days and are looking forward to budget sushi do visit the local department stores where you will have the surprise to discover tasty, from reasonably fresh to very fresh, and reasonably priced sushi sets, bentos and takeouts you can take beck to the hotel or into a park for instant pleasure.
Naturally I would advise the foreign (and Japanese) residents to do some homework!
As for prices count 100 yen for 1 US $ or 130 yen for 1 Euro!

This time let me take you to Cenova Department Store basement Floor where you will find not one but two supermarkets proposing sushi bentos, sets and takeouts!
Let’ visit the second one which is owned by the Shizutetsu Stores Chain!!

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Thin rolls for all priorities, including vegetarian all 260 yen a pack!

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A pack of 8 tuna nigiri sushi for 580 yen or (right) or 6 horse mackerel nigiri sushi for 398 yen. Horse mackerel is Shizuoka specialty!

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A set of 10 smaller nigiri sushi for 680 yen including flying fish roe, tuna, scallops, salmon and so on!
Perfect for small appetites!

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A similar set in an easy to carry bento box for 780 yen but with ikura!

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Two similar sets for 780 yen including 9 nigiri sushi (with a 100 yen discount!) one with flying fish roe on cucumber, the other with negitoro/grated tuna!

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A very reasonable set for 690 yen comprising 10 nigiri sushi! Note the small pack of pickled ginger!

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Now this set of “Shun/旬/Seasonal seafood”, 10 of them is really good value, even in spite of the smaller toppings!

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An all-salmon sushi nigiri bento for 590 yen with raw salmon, seared salon, and gunkan containing oya-ko/parent and child/ikura and small pieces of raw salmon!

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For maki/rolls lovers! Extremely good value!

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At 599 yen ridiculously cheap 5 gunkan sushi filled with ikura! For the Russians? LOL

The next and last stop will be at Isetan Department store!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Sushi: Sushi Sets, Bentos and Takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores-4

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Do not ignore the great sashimi sets either at Cenova Department Store!

Due to the incredible wealth of fresh fish all year round, there is an enormous consumption of sushi at every level in Shizuoka City, from very cheap takeouts to expensive ( but certainly not as expensive as in Tokyo, qulity fro quality!) sushi restaurants.
Next time you come to Shizuoka City for a few days and are looking forward to budget sushi do visit the local department stores where you will have the surprise to discover tasty, from reasonably fresh to very fresh, and reasonably priced sushi sets, bentos and takeouts you can take beck to the hotel or into a park for instant pleasure.
Naturally I would advise the foreign (and Japanese) residents to do some homework!
As for prices count 100 yen for 1 US $ or 130 yen for 1 Euro!

This time let me take you to Cenova Department Store basement Floor where you will find not one but two supermarkets proposing sushi bentos, sets and takeouts!
Let’ visit the first one which is affiliated to the supermarket at Shizuoka JR Station Parche Department Store!

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A classic set with no less than 11 varieties of sushi nigiri including the Shizuoka specialty, a big conger eel!
At 1,380 yen a bargain considering that ikura and sea urchin are also featured!

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At 950 yen all seafood local coming from Numazu Harbor!
Talk about local freshness!

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For the thin maki/rolls lovers at 260 yen a box!

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599 yen, another ridiculously low price for ikura!

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Two different donburi:
Tekkadon with tuna and scallops fro 525 yen
Maguro no Tsubu Don with pieces of tuna and sweet shrimps for 398 yen!

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“Shun/旬/Seasonal no neta nigiri!
Seasonal fish only in sushi nigiri fwaturing sardine, tuna, pike mackerel, yellowtail, and bonito for 690 yen!

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Another set at the same price but all sushi nigiri different including salmon, squid and scallops!

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Almost the same for the same price but including negitoro/grated tuna and ikura!

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For the lovers of Large (actually medium here) Maki/Roll for 299 yen and inari sushi (sushi rice inside deep-fried sweet tofu pouches for 200 yen!

Next I will take you to the second supermarket owned by the Shizutetsu Stores Chain inside Cenova Department Store!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Sushi: Sushi Sets, Bentos and Takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores-3

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Shirasu (steamed sardine whiting) donburu and Enroku (large rolls and inari sushi)

Due to the incredible wealth of fresh fish all year round, there is an enormous consumption of sushi at every level in Shizuoka City, from very cheap takeouts to expensive ( but certainly not as expensive as in Tokyo, qulity fro quality!) sushi restaurants.
Next time you come to Shizuoka City for a few days and are looking forward to budget sushi do visit the local department stores where you will have the surprise to discover tasty, from reasonably fresh to very fresh, and reasonably priced sushi sets, bentos and takeouts you can take beck to the hotel or into a park for instant pleasure.
Naturally I would advise the foreign (and Japanese) residents to do some homework!
As for prices count 100 yen for 1 US $ or 130 yen for 1 Euro!

As promised in Part 1 I will take you next to Matsuzakaya Department Store just across Shizuoka JR Station
As the supermarket is located in the basement you can access to it directly through the underground passageway from the station!

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All all tuna set! O-toro and Chu-toro nigiri and a negi-toro (grated tuna) inn gunkan style. Note that the wasabi is separately served to suit all priorities. At 800 yen a giveaway!

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A more extravagant set including O-toro and Chu-toro, salmon, clams, salmon’s roe, sea urchin and white flesh fish! Only 1,285 yen!

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Among others this set features chu-toro, ama ebi/sweet shrimp, ikura/salmon’s roe and broiled conger eel! 980 yen!

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Kaisen Donburi, a cheaper and full meal devised as a donburi with ingredients arranged atop sushi rice including clam, octopus, boiled prawn, tuna, squid, shredded omelet, pickled mackerel and so on. At 580 yen ridiculously cheap!

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A more sophisticated set of sushi nigiri featuring Chu-toro, crab, saurel, red clam, ikura and kanpachi/amberjack or yellowtail. At 680 yen for the sushi lovers!

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This particular set has obviously been designed for a couple as all ingredients come in twos!
At 1480 yen it is very cheap as it includes sea urchin, ikura and tuna!

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This set called “Hagoromo”, a name found on matsubara Beach which has just become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in the company of Mount Fuji, is perfect for a full lunch or dinner as the nigiri have been devised smaller on purpose but still featuring such ingredients as tuna, conger eel, pickled mackerel, boiled shrimp, raw salmon and so on. Only 780 yen!

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“Maguo Zukushi Set”/All tuna set!
As nigiri with slices of raw tuna, gunkan containing negitoro/grated tuna and tuna sushi rolls! At 780 yen you can enjoy tuna in 3 different ways!

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Another budget-like sushi set featuring a great variety of ingredients including tuna, squid, seared salmon, kampyou maki rolls and so on! Only 580 yen!

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All kinds of rolls for less than 300 yen a pack!

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Very reasonable and yummy set of 8 (less than 700 yen) and 4 (less than 300 yen) nigiri sushi which allow you to choose a predetermined ingredient at a reasonable price to complement your meal!

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Now, if you come late in the afternoon, at about 5:30 or later you might be able to profit from bargained prices but you will have to hurry as it is a real battle to get them after office hours! 680 yen, can you beat that?

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11 x nigiri sushi for 880 yen!

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A truly extravagant set of 12 x nigiri sushi for 1,180 yen!

next i will take you to two different places inside Cenova Department Store, about 15 minutes walk from Shizuoka JR Station!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Matcha Dipped Baguette, 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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Sushi: Sushi Sets, Bentos and Takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores-2

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Devising your own sushi meal at Shizuoka JR Station Parche Department Store!

Due to the incredible wealth of fresh fish all year round, there is an enormous consumption of sushi at every level in Shizuoka City, from very cheap takeouts to expensive ( but certainly not as expensive as in Tokyo, qulity fro quality!) sushi restaurants.
Next time you come to Shizuoka City for a few days and are looking forward to budget sushi do visit the local department stores where you will have the surprise to discover tasty, from reasonably fresh to very fresh, and reasonably priced sushi sets, bentos and takeouts you can take beck to the hotel or into a park for instant pleasure.
Naturally I would advise the foreign (and Japanese) residents to do some homework!
As for prices count 100 yen for 1 US $ or 130 yen for 1 Euro!

As promised in Part 1 I will take you next to another part of Shizuoka JR Station Parche Department Store. It is actually the first part of the market you can enter from inside the station. It is replete with all kinds of food to take out from Chinese to oden and of course sushi!

In that particular part of the supermarket sushi are sold by Uogashi Sushi Restaurants Chain Company which hails from Numazu City in the Eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture.
One of their attractions is that offer individual sushi nigiri all individually wrapped!

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There are loads to choose from and I can tell you you will have a hard time choosing form them!

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They also offer very reasonable (580 yen) shirashi donburi you can take home or to the office right away!

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Kohaku Donburi/Red and White Donburi!
A combination you will probably never see away from japan: steamed shirasu/sardine whitebait and grated tuna (raw)! A delicacy!
At 500 yen, a giveaway! Mind you shirasu is a Shizuoka specialty!

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Tokujyo Mizore Donburi.
At only 780 yen, another giveaway including crab, sea urchin and raw tuna served as chirashi sushi!

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Temaki sushi! hand-made sushi “roll” conceived in a conical form easy to handle and eat!
Prepared and sold individually!

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For a closer look!
Priced between 140 and 220 yen.
Note that the nori/dry seaweed is kept dry!

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Tappuri (a lot) anago (conger eel) donburi!
At 980 yen it is still a bargain considering the spiraling prices. The fact that is a Shizuoka-bred fish does help!
The broiled fish is very soft and a real delicacy!

Next I will take you to Matsuzakaya Department store just across from Shizuoka JR Station

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Sushi: Sushi Sets, Bentos and Takeouts at Shizuoka City Department Stores-1

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Sushi Lunch Bentos fro sale at 500 yen at Shizuoka JR Station Parche Supermarket!

Due to the incredible wealth of fresh fish all year round, there is an enormous consumption of sushi at every level in Shizuoka City, from very cheap takeouts to expensive ( but certainly not as expensive as in Tokyo, qulity fro quality!) sushi restaurants.
Next time you come to Shizuoka City for a few days and are looking forward to budget sushi do visit the local department stores where you will have the surprise to discover tasty, from reasonably fresh to very fresh, and reasonably priced sushi sets, bentos and takeouts you can take beck to the hotel or into a park for instant pleasure.
Naturally I would advise the foreign (and Japanese) residents to do some homework!
As for prices count 100 yen for 1 US $ or 130 yen for 1 Euro!

Let’s start with the big supermarket on the first (ground) floor Of Parche Department Store located above and around Shizuoka JR Station!
First go to the fish and seafood area at the very end of the supermarket near the fish stand where they conduct interesting sushi lunch set sales!
500 yen a box is cheap away from Japan!

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Yamakake!
A Shizuoka specialty featuring grated yam and raw tuna atop sushi rice.

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Unagi Hitsuma Bushi!
Another Shizuoka specialty featuring pieces of broiled eel and shredded omelet atop sushi rice!

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Tekka Donburi!
Plain tuna slices atop sushi rice!

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Hoso maki Tume Awsase!
Set of 7 different thin sushi rolls!

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Ebi katsu maki!
Sliced Deep-fried prawn sushi roll!

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Ni Anago!
Another Shizuoka specialty: broiled conger eel atop sushi rice balls in nigiri style!

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A bit of extravagance!
Madai/True seabream nigiri
Zuwaigani/Snow crab nigiri!

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A general view of the sushi takeouts you can purchse till evening!

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And another one!

Next time I’ll take you to another part of Shizuoka JR Station Parche Department Store!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Weird Japan (33): Yield Someone Or Yield To Someone?

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When the omission of a single word can lead to confusion!

I found this sign posted on the window of a local train in the west of Shizuoka Prefecture!
To think that so many English-speaking people are available….

For your information the sign reads:
“Please yield those who need this seat”

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Justlovefoodleith
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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

French Gastronomy: 3 Local Fish at Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat and caught fish.

Fish and seafood is the essence of Japanese gastronomy but French gastronomy is consequently enjoying a suprlative supply of the best fish in Japan in our Prefecture of Shizuoka!
Since the number of tourists is definitely going to shoot up with the advent of Mount Fuji and Matsubara being elected as a new World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO, I would gently advise our future visitors to delve in our gastronomy!

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One place you to write at the very top of your notebook is the French Restaurant named Pissenlit in Shizuoka City!
It is simply extravagant value. I wouldn’t start imagining the money you would have to fork out (no pun intended!) in some vaunted restaurants in the Capital for the same quality and originality!

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To cut a long story short I would like to show you what local fish (only part of a grand dinner!) we had the pleasure to sample!
Incidentally the picture above is that of a peach (from Osada, Shizuoka City) Vichissoise cold potage!

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Bonito or katsuo/鰹 is one fish that made Shizuoka Prefecture all over Japan!
This particular one was caught Omaezaki/御前崎 in Central Shizuoka.
Chef Toru Arima/有馬亨さん seared it as tataki/たたき/Japanese-style seared and served it with a jelly made with Suruga Bay seawater!
As for the small vegetables, they are native/zairaishu/在来種 vegetabkes from the mountains near Ikawa!

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O-Amago from Izu Peninsula!
This is a river fish of the trout variety bred alongside wasabi fields in Northern Izu Peninsula!

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Gently sauteed on its skin to make it really crispy and attain a beautiful tenderness in the flesh!
Just a little olive oil and balsamico vinegar and voila!

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Sole/flatfish/Hirame/平目 caught off sagara/相良 in Central Shizuoka!

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The tempura is organic native vegetables from Ikawa including green tea!
The sauce is a coulis of red paprika!

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Green asparaguses from Fujieda City with an unctuous Hollandaise sauce!
The nira/ニラ/Oriental garlic-Chinese chives are also native from Ikawa!

Meat coming soon!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

Wine Bar & Restaurant: Kichi To Naru Kitchen in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Smiling, friendly and easy-going
Equipment & Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Very fresh local vegetables. Healthy and filling fusion bistro food. Wines served all day long

There is a new very welcome trend of new restaurants coming to town not only to please all budgets but also making a maximum use of local products ensuring freshness and taste at reasonable prices inside a modern and easy-going environment

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The latest addition in Shizuoka City, Kichi To Naru Kitchen, is actually the third establishment opened by Kichi To Naru Co. which originally hails from Fuji City.

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The place is extremely clean and comfortable tucked away from the heat of the summer and the cold of winter.

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The gastronomy is markedly Italian-inspired although it is more fusion than anything else comprising typical Japanese and French bistro fare.

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If you are on your own sit at the counter and enjoy the sight of young chefs working in an open kitchen!

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Even at lunch the menu offers quite some choice.
For my first lunch I chose the Milky rice (risotto-style) with curry sauce and mushrooms cultivated by Mr. Hasegawa in Fuji City!

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It comes with fresh greens and beans salad,…

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and potage.

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The milky rice risotto and (mild) curry sauce, a very Japanese concept!

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I must admit that the milky rice risotto was a bit of discovery! It was perfectly married to the curry sauce!

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For my second lunch I sampled the pasta with fried eggplants in mildly hot tomato sauce!

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Very Italian in concept!

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Very healthy and tasty al dente spaghetti!

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And home-made tiramisu for dessert!

Expect more visits at tea-time and dinner!

Kichi To Naru Kitchen
Chef: Ryo Ogihara
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken-Cho, 5-8, Miraie Shichiken Cho Bldg. 1F
Tel.: 054-255-5036
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (until 24:00 on Saturdays & Sundays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

Other establishments:
Kichi To Naru Kitchen
Fuji City, Takane Cho, 11-9
Tel.: 0545-57-0111

Kichi To Naru Izakaya
Fuji City, Urijima Cho, 108
Tel.: 0545-53-0187

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

French Gastronomy: Dinner at La Fillette in Shizuoka City!

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French Andouillette!

Service: Friendly and a bit shy
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall, pleasant washroom
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: French restaurant doubling as a wine bar. Traditional French Bistro gastronomy. Good range of wines.

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La Fillette (meaning “young/little girl) has the enormous merit to double as a wine bar (you may drink beer, lol) which allows you to sit comfortably in front of a h[glass at any time of the evening.

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It used to be a Spanish restaurant before it opened 6 years ago and the decor outside has changed very little!

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have a good look at the blackboard outside! Take your time and read it! I personally found an item that any Frenchman worth his salt has to sample!

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Actually, it is not one but two blackboards you will have to check before entering!

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A great feature of the place is that hey have their own cave/cellar which you can peek inside. I can garantee you you will discover some memorable bottles !

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if you are on your own, you would do better to sit on a high stool at the bar counter, but if you are with a special company take a table in a cozy corner!

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They have some very reasonable champagnes for the connoisseurs!

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The menu is very traditional French bistro gastronomy with many a little surprise such as the above cheese creme brulee for appetizer!

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As a Burgundian I couldn’t resist the escargots/snails!

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The single item I would kill for!
French andouillette (pork tripes sausage)!
Home-made (not easy) and serve with succulent mashed potatoes!

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Oysters gratin to damn a New Englander!

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Ox jowl wine stew!

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Another view of this traditional French Bistro fare you would find anywhere back home!

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Home-made pistachio ice-cream!

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but for me it was a succulent cheese plate!

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With the perfect garlic toasts!

Looking forward to my next visit! There are too many many morsels I had to ignore! LOL

LA FILLETTE
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Hitoyado-Cho, 2-1-4 (along Showa Street)
Tel.: 054-251-6018
Opening hours: 17:30~24:00 (from 15:00 on Saturdays)
Closed on Sundays
Credit cards OK

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

American Gastronomy: Chili Burger & New York Blue Strip Burger at Tequila’s Diner in Shizuoka City!

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The Chili Burger

Service: Shy but very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Good general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive but very good value
Strong points: Tex-Mex gastronomy of superior quality. Doubles up as bar in evenings.

This is another report which should please my good friend Quizoxy!

The fact of being French is not going to prevent me from enjoying real burgers!
Fortunately here in Shizuoka City (and it seems to be the only decent venue in the whole of the Prefecture) we are blessed with a Diner serving burgers made with local beef only, notwithstanding the local vegetables, other meat and buns and bread locally baked!
I suppose I will continue reporting until I have exhuasted the whole menu!

1) CHILI BURGER

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The lunch menu (on both sides!)

No, I didn’t have these two burgers in a single lunch!
These lunches, although a bit pricey, are very generous and I can guarantee you satisfaction. They even offer an extra free serving of fried potatoes on request!

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The first lunch featured a chili burger with home-made chili beans!

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I like the way they serve it as you can either eat it the American way with the burger between your hands, or my way, a little at a time with a knife and fork!

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I know a lot of American and Canadian friends who would come just to sample those beautiful chili (not really hot, thanks!) beans!

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And their potatoes are always freshly fried!

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Always coming with a very tasty corn salad!

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Try and mix those chili beans with the fried potatoes!

2) New York Blue Strip Burger

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The last time I visited the place I just couldn’t resist this intriguing New York Blue Strip Burger! French also like their beef!

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New York Blur Strip Burger!

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I couldn’t wait to slowly demolish it!

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“Raising the cap” you will discover a whole steak, grilled semi-rare, cut in strips. And plenty of it!
For once my friends will have to eat it the slow way with fork and knife!

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The bottom row queuing for your fork!

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Now, that beef is extravagant (and local!)!

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And plenty of fresh vegetables for good balance and taste!

To be continued… You bet again!

TEQUILA’S DINER
420-0035 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken Cho, 8-6 (near Aoba Park Street), ACT 7, 1F
Tel.: 054–255-7595
Business hours: 12:00~14:00, 18:00~24:00
Closed on Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Weird Japan (32) Petanque on the Kamogawa River Bank in Kyoto!

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Now, what game are they playing?

No, you are not in Southern France or even New Caledonia if you prefer a nearer destination!
You are on the bank of the famed River Kamogawa in Kyoto!

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The Japanese, especially senior citizens have the knack to adapt traditional French and other countries’ games such as croquet into “gate ball”.
But I couldn’t hide my admiration when I espied those happy senior citizens spending their weekday afternoon playing petanque exactly like they back home in France!
And they were really skillful at it, especially the grand ladies who would put many a French matron to shame!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Weird Japan (31) Pain Clinic!?

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Just came back from a short stay in Kyoto where among the usual great settings i found a few interesting hidden sights!
Have you ever heard of a “pain clinic”?

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You will discover it on Karasumaru Street.
Dragon, my worst half, explained to me that the establishment meant they are a general practice hospital covering all sicknesses, hence the mention of “pain”!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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

Soba & tempura at Setsugekka Restaurant in Shimada City (Spring 2013)!

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Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: High quality soba. Beautiful tempura. Great local sake

Soba and Tempura are two of the most representative foods of the Japanese gastronomy but it is not easy to find a restaurant serving both separately or together with equal skill and quality.
Luckily enough, thanks to an incredible wealth of fresh products, shizuoka boasts some of the best restaurants you could find in Japan.

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The other day we thought it was about grand time to visit Shimada and Setsugekka again. Actually, I wouldn’t mind visiting the establishment as they serve only seasonal tempura!
Incidentally as they take their holidays in Hawaii every year they can manage English!

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WE always inside the little cozy room by the entrance with a window onto the street!

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I ordered the menu with three different soba, all 100% buckwheat.

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The soba tofu which comes with the first drink! A real delicacy!

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The tray as it is served before the tempura are brought to you one at a time!

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The salt!

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The grated daikon!

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The chopped scallions and grated wasabi for the soba!

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Stick senior broccoli and hard mouth sardines tempura!

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The fish is also called “shirasu”!

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The slender stick senior broccoli!

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A beautiful tempura assortment!

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Sakura cherry blossoms, cuttlefish and spring onion!

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Brussels Sprout and Fukinoto tempura!

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Paprika and cauliflower tempura!

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“Dark” soba!

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The sobayu/soba boiling water to add to the rest of the soba sauce as a soup!

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Red grapefruit and fruit for dessert!

looking forward to the next visit in early summer!

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花
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!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-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