http://www.chow.com/boards/45 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:10:22 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/669974#5210640 Suji's is only meh in general, and when all said and done, can run you close to what the Okura charges for what may be a sub-par experience. And the tables are really close together, it is full of annoying families, and the service is weak for Tokyo. Roti and Beacon both run a good brunch but it isn't all you can eat, you will pick from a menu, but it is pretty decent. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:09:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669974#5210640 http://www.chow.com/topics/669979#5210613 If you want company, let me know. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:01:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669979#5210613 http://www.chow.com/topics/659219#5210234 Back when I used to frequent Chunagon, there were more locations in Osaka (and there were none in Tokyo). The one I used to go to was in Shinchi (I used to work nearby), which had only private rooms. If I remember correctly, the least expensive course was 15,000 yen. So it seems like the prices have decreased, thanks to deflation or Japan's "lost decade(s)". We had these dinner courses http://www.chunagon.co.jp/shop_detail.cgi?mode=menu&shp_shopcode=52&men_menucategorycode=139 and I feel I can get better food for less elsewhere, esp. in Osaka. It's probably still a good place for an overseas tourist/lobster lover to go. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:22:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659219#5210234 http://www.chow.com/topics/665633#5209215 Chinatown in Nagasaki is pathetic, especially in light of the other Chinatowns around Japan (I think "China Alley" is a more accurate description. The food is alright, but frankly there is not that much to see or eat around there. Natives keep recommending Chinatown because historically, there's been a big influence from the Chinese in Nagasaki. It's what Nagasaki is known for. It's a pity, though, because there is so much more to try and explore in Nagasaki than Chinatown, especially when Chinatown is so... unimpressive. For nightlife, you need to go to Shianbashi, which is Nagasaki's nightlife district. It's right by the Kankodoori tram stop and next to the Hamanomachi area. All the bars are open there all night long, people stumble down the alleys drunk and ready for some ramen... but other than that area, yes, Nagasaki shuts down pretty early. However, here are my recommendations for Nagasaki. I'm sure I'll have more soon, as I continue to live around here, but what I've discovered: 1. Castella (kastuera), brought by the Portuguese. It's a cross between an spongecake and a pound cake, made chiefly with sugar, butter and eggs. Very simple, but when made well, it's very good. Not too too sweet. There are inventive flavors like matcha, chocolate, peach, and "chocolate latte," but I find the original to be the best. This is the food Nagasaki is best known for. 2. Champon and saraudon are the other two Nagasaki staples, influenced by Chinese cuisine. Champon was invented by a cook from China who made a dish for homesick Chinese college students -- his restaurant, Shikairo, still exists in Nagasaki and serves some really delicious champon. (There is also a Korean version called jjampong, but these two are totally different -- champon has a mild taste in a slightly white broth, with lots of vegetables and some seafood; jjampong is oilier, resembling ramen more than anything else, and is more packed with seafood.) Saraudon is like champon, but the noodles are fried, like chow mein, and the toppings are gloppy. I personally don't find either of these THAT great, but to each their own. 3. Buta kakuni -- or pork belly buns. You can buy them piping hot in Chinatown for about 200 yen a bun. You can't really mess this up. 4. Toruko rice ("Turkish rice"). It's a weird East-meets-West deal, combining spaghetti, rice/pilaf, and hamburg steak with demiglace sauce. It is a gut bomb for sure... Tsuru-chan is a very famous place in Nagasaki for this, but my personal favorite is Hustle Heart Cafe in Hamanomachi, which serves up a chicken AND steak version. 5. Nagasaki is also known for kamaboko, or fish cakes. I don't have a very discerning taste for kamaboko -- they all taste the same to me, so I can't say much on this... 6. Goto Island, one of the smaller islands off Nagasaki, is famous for its udon (called Goto udon). I haven't tried it myself so I can't vouch for taste, but it seems much finer than regular udon, almost like a cross between somen and udon? Goto is also famous for kankoro mochi, which is mochi made with sweet potatoes, so it's got a starchier feel. The thing with Nagasaki cuisine is that it is not very traditionally Japanese -- and by that, I mean you feel a lot of "foreign influence" in the food, since Nagasaki was Japan's first open port of entry for foreigners. A lot of the food "feels Chinese," and there are some good Chinese restaurants (though not so much around Chinatown, in my experience). And there are other great restaurants, but I guess Nagasaki's weakness is that there isn't one dish or food that they are that famous for, that is SO delicious, so it seems less of a culinary destination than other places in Japan. But here's a fun fact for you: that highly praised Kobe beef? I've been told by many people that it's actually all from Nagasaki... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:21:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665633#5209215 http://www.chow.com/topics/668011#5207601 Hi FourSeasons, Sugoi! It's impressive. :) Please let us know if you run across the full list of all winners this year. Thanks. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:13:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668011#5207601 http://www.chow.com/topics/668824#5205787 Yukari-san, I'd like to try Yukari next time I'm in Tokyo (next year). May I mention your name to the owner? Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:40:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668824#5205787 http://www.chow.com/topics/668882#5204588 Folks, we have locked this thread. Please discuss the logistics of your planned dining event via email, Delucacheesemonger has noted his email contact in his profile page. Thanks. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:50:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668882#5204588 http://www.chow.com/topics/606582#5204350 Everywhere::: http://www.yamaya.jp/pages/store/index.html Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:16:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/606582#5204350 http://www.chow.com/topics/669114#5201603 Roti actually does two different packages - Y1500 for turkey/ gravy/ stuffing/ cranberry, and Y1800 for the "full turkey meal with potatoes and vegetables". You could also try asking at Kimono Wine Bar; they run the former Fujimamas catering service. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:59:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669114#5201603 http://www.chow.com/topics/536503#5199746 I attended a friend's wedding today in Kobe and I had the absolute best wedding reception meal ever. If you happen to be in Kobe and have an itch for French food, the branch of Alain Chapel at Portopia Hotel is a must-do. Well-prepared food with a perfect balance of flavours. The only miss for me was the dessert (mont blanc with a bittersweet chocolate ice cream), but the rest was excellent (well, I wouldn't have minded if the filet of beef were rare or medium rare rather than medium-well, but I suppose when cooking for 70-ish, it can't be helped). We had: Gelee tremblotante de langoustines a l'aneth des jeunes legumes et du caviar Royale de champignons d'automne Saint-jacque et truffes "Cappuccino" Chausson de daurade aux epinards et tomate une sauce a l'anchois Filet de boeuf poele, une sauce au vin de la vallee du Rhone Gateau de mariage Creme de marron de "Tanba" sur une confiture de lait "Mont Blanc" (copied as written except I've left off all the diacritics) Frickin' amazing. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:34:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/536503#5199746 http://www.chow.com/topics/666037#5198552 Thank you for the info! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:27:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666037#5198552 http://www.chow.com/topics/663449#5197889 They are of Japanese descent and don't eat Japanese food? That is incredible! Please do keep us posted as to what happens. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:13:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663449#5197889 http://www.chow.com/topics/665811#5195624 I don't know. I never tried to book at a time he was away. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:41:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665811#5195624 http://www.chow.com/topics/667474#5195268 I went to Frijoles last night and was very happy. It is a complete copy (rip off?) of Chipotle in the US. The menu--everything is exactly the same, even down to the drinks and the bags that the chips come in. I hope the Frijoles people paid for the menu/concept because it'd be a shame if they got sued for copyright infringement. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:20:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667474#5195268 http://www.chow.com/topics/668441#5194829 First off, thank you to all that have posted responses to my previous post, asking about where to eat on Christmas day (in Tokyo for the 1st time or only one day). I realize not enough time to take in all the great food this city has to offer, but unfortunately, this time around, that is all the time we have. That said, we'd decided on the Molecular Tapas bar, but after reading many posts, we are wondering if we should go to a traditional Kaiseki dinner or not. So now thinking about that, I have made a short list based on reviews here on chowhound as well as other places. Of the restaurants I have listed, which one would be the best one to go to? We are staying at the Westin near Meguro Station, so easy accessibility is a huge plus. Kozue Kanda Ishikawa Ryugin Koju Kikunoi Nihonbashi Yukari If someone has been to most/all, a comparison would be great! Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:26:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668441#5194829 http://www.chow.com/topics/668415#5194655 Are there any places to go get Kushiage for lunch somewhere near Shibuya? We'll be in that area, and was hoping to find a good place to get some. Thanks! Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:13:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668415#5194655 http://www.chow.com/topics/667975#5192985 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/660625 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:43:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667975#5192985 http://www.chow.com/topics/663851#5190388 Are there any other similar restaurants doing kaiseki with molecular techniques other than YC and Ryugin? I was extremely impressed with Aronia de Takazawa earlier this year, but I'd say Takazawa-san's cuisine is closer to the French part of the spectrum. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:21:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663851#5190388 http://www.chow.com/topics/666453#5187798 Like kikisakura, I think you'd have to settle for Italian or Indian. Maybe French, but I find French to be more risky for vegetarians, and there are fewer pure vegetarian options on French menus. At an Italian restaurant, you can at least get something like some kind of pasta pomodoro, but French places often have stock in their sauces, etc. Chinese will often have bits of pork or stock-based sauces. Another option might be tempura. I took a vegetarian acqaintance to a tempura place, and they allowed her to do the set without shrimp or fish, and they subbed in some other vegetables. Your wife won't be able to use the tentsuyu (dipping sauce), but there are often salts provided for certain ingredients. She won't be able to have the miso soup, either. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:32:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666453#5187798 http://www.chow.com/topics/666897#5187621 Unfortunately HungryGirl was not up for ramen at the time, next time.. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:40:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666897#5187621 http://www.chow.com/topics/646853#5187410 Incidentally, I'd argue that the finest Kitakata ramens in the country are probably not in Kitakata. I stopped there for an afternoon a couple years ago on the way back from somewhere else, carefully planned a walking tour, and got through 3 or 4 shared bowls without finding anything worth mentioning. The thing I really remember is the absolutely decrepit state of the town, but even that seems normal now that I've been to a lot of depressed Japanese country towns. Anyway, If you're going to or coming from Tohoku and were thinking about Kitakata, don't. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:49:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646853#5187410 http://www.chow.com/topics/507444#5184836 No idea about lunch, I had dinner there. That was the price range when I was there in Feb this year. As for getting a reservation, like prasantrin says, can't hurt to try! Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:33:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/507444#5184836 http://www.chow.com/topics/659191#5184705 Enjoy the holidays and let us know what happened at customs ... Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:56:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659191#5184705 http://www.chow.com/topics/667456#5184569 After a wonderful meal at Fuku (slightly dampened by a rude patron asking us to be quiet -- my companions voices bothered her!) five 5 of us went to Wine Bar Mayu in Kamiyama-cho. We had just a few bottles and the cheese plate but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and music. You can check out the wine list here: http://www.winebar-mayu.jp/wine.html and the menu here: http://www.winebar-mayu.jp/food.html A couple at the bar were eating when we left and it smelled great, I hope to go back and try out the food next time. If you're large like I am, I recommend not trying to squeeze 5 people into one cave. 2 or 3 people is my suggested maximum (unless you're sitting at the bar) Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:14:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667456#5184569 http://www.chow.com/topics/667418#5184207 Enotteca is liquidating his stock… 3 bottles for 10,500.-yens : Champagne Paul Dethune (pinot noir-chardonnay), Margaux, Puligny-Montrachet 30% off is a good deal for a party drinks and the new year planning (hihihi). Any suggestions... shopping ideas,… Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:05:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667418#5184207 http://www.chow.com/topics/616978#5184203 The web site looked fantastic, also the pistaccio flakes on the pistaccio macaron, and I told myself to command and I taste them this week-end. But, but, but, I have to say there are like an heavy cake macaron. Not as expected. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:04:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/616978#5184203 http://www.chow.com/topics/666525#5184199 Thanks Robb. I`ll be first to post then. This “ojiya” speciality was at a small place in Kyoto : http://gourmet.yahoo.co.jp/0005146767/P051711/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:03:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666525#5184199 http://www.chow.com/topics/658747#5159302 domo! sometaro & tettiri both look subarashi. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:19:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658747#5159302 http://www.chow.com/topics/663450#5157587 Thansk. The sushi place on the "kyotofoodie" blog got also my interest. With your answer, in the occasion, I will try it. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:11:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663450#5157587 http://www.chow.com/topics/659847#5154735 Oh yeah, that guy's hilarious. He worked at Au Pied Du Couchon, in Montreal so being a Canadian we had lots to chat about. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:37:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659847#5154735 http://www.chow.com/topics/660625#5154439 I ate this this evening in Fukuoka. I have to say, as someone who goes hunting or fishing several times a week, it seemed unnecessarily cruel to me. It tasted pretty good, especially the tempura, but I won't be having it again. Glad I tried it though. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:42:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660625#5154439 http://www.chow.com/topics/654464#5149593 Well, we finally finished making all the reservations for Tokyo. Luckily our hotel helped us with it. On the first Christmas day we will be visiting Kondo (awsome introdution to world of tempura). The second christmas day w'll be going to La Bombance (heard some great things about this place). On the 31st of December we are of to Restorante Aso, for a pre fix dinner. We will also have lunch at Gordon and Tateru Yoshino. And luckily we could reserve a place at Quintessence, really looking forward to this place. ;) Kyoto hasn't yet been filled in, so any suggestions for some good Kaiseki dinners would be great. We will be staying there for 2 nights. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:52:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654464#5149593 http://www.chow.com/topics/660514#5148318 I took that walking from the train station to the Kamakura Buddha in March of this year. Original image is too big to upload, alas... Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:40:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660514#5148318 http://www.chow.com/topics/663128#5140579 yeah i saw that Pichu post... looks good Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:05:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663128#5140579 http://www.chow.com/topics/530962#5137128 I'd like to add my thanks for sharing this place, it was great. Pictures here if anyone is interested, http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118878&id=511423443&l=c101960609 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:13:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/530962#5137128 http://www.chow.com/topics/610701#5136546 Hello, Can anyone suggest a 2-star restaurant in Osaka that I will be able to book for mid to late November? I haven't been able to get through to Hajime on the phone for a whole week. Nearly given up. :( Thanks! Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:47:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/610701#5136546 http://www.chow.com/topics/660440#5136481 Okay, thank you so much for all of your help, guys. I am hopping on my plane tomorrow and I have my list. I'm hoping to try everything you suggested, and bring back or find it in the states once I'm hooked on each thing. You all are very appreciated by a girl on her farm in Ellensburg! Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:02:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660440#5136481 http://www.chow.com/topics/660892#5133728 To add : The StarYuk cafe`s don`t feel confortable. The coffee is more a water thing, internationalized taste and are far from the French and Italian coffee ''tasse'' ones. Hope to have complete the review on it. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:35:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660892#5133728 http://www.chow.com/topics/661196#5122128 If you drink PBR at home then you won't mind drinking happoshu, they even have some that says strong on the label that weighs in at 7 or 8 percent alcohol. Like Lost Squirrel says the chu hi's are pretty cheap and there are a lot of interesting ones out there. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:37:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661196#5122128 http://www.chow.com/topics/509094#5121991 The Tempura MIKAWA, at the Monzen-Nakacho, was really really great. An art ! The master Saotome does love art and the place entrance reflates it. The same artist I think who did the "kaze no otto" in Echigo-Tsumari triennale in Niigata 4 years ago. Here below a comment made by Japan Times years ago : http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fg20030606rs.html I will recommend the counter, the master explained me everything and I had some much interest in hearing it that I stayed 2 hours. The list of each one. and the description won't be right here on the chowhound if you want to enjoy the passionnate speech. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:47:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/509094#5121991 http://www.chow.com/topics/632435#5119005 I've dined solo at Ippudo (counter), Chikuyoutei (small table) and Ginza Bairin (counter), all of which were accomodating. I think Sasagin would be fine too to sit at the bar counter, as long as the reservation is made in advance, BUT I am not sure how non-Japanese speaker would fair. Although I was at Bulldog with others, I would consider going there alone (and just watch out on some creepy men trying to hit on you! Haha). i would treat Ninja restaurant like taking people to Benihana for a friend's birthday or something. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:29:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632435#5119005 http://www.chow.com/topics/660647#5118074 And don't forget, the best Japanese restaurant in Asia couldn't possibly be in Japan. Of course a HK branch of an American-based "chain" of Japanese restaurants would have better Japanese food than, say, any restaurant in Japan. I'm curious about White Fox. I'll have to do more research. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:17:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660647#5118074 http://www.chow.com/topics/661007#5118040 What is everyone's TOP 5 NEWEST BARS & RESTAURANTS in Tokyo? Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:03:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661007#5118040 http://www.chow.com/topics/660225#5114047 Hi Robb S, Please report back on how it went (or if you find a good Yamanashi or Kagoshima restaurant in Tokyo). Thanks. :) Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:53:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660225#5114047 http://www.chow.com/topics/660632#5113679 Hi, My hotel concierge recommended this place as the best place to hvae Japanese beef in Osaka - is he right? Or is there somewhere else I should be going? http://www.itoh-dining.co.jp/ Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:53:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660632#5113679 http://www.chow.com/topics/600693#5111655 Also, the pastry "patisserie Pierre Gagnaire" in Shinjuku Takashima is closed. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:54:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/600693#5111655 http://www.chow.com/topics/658777#5111644 This is better than the little train kaiten sushi. The place is WADA sushi at Shimbashi : http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130103/13017505/dtlphotolst/458846/?ityp=4 For sure, I did not order the omakase course but a konomi simple ikkan 2 by 2. The best piece was a tennen buri, seasons fish, did not order the tuna… My Japanese friend said it was correct and a fun experience. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:29:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658777#5111644 http://www.chow.com/topics/659836#5111458 "Hanase Masen" should take care of that real quick. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:42:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659836#5111458 http://www.chow.com/topics/657113#5102481 Monkuaruka - thank you so much for your reply. Will try to make a reservation at Matsumoto - perhaps try on the day (each day we are there....) for a last minute cancellation. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:46:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657113#5102481 http://www.chow.com/topics/647048#5102247 Here you go: http://namba.keizai.biz/headline/1010/ Momen's "No Ichigen-san" policy isn't written on stone so people have gotten a reservation simply by calling on their own. However, that was prior to them getting two stars and I can't think of a more affordable two star restaurant especially for dinner. So, it might be a really good idea to call before the guide hits the bookstand in two days. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:21:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/647048#5102247