http://www.chow.com/boards/45 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:38:49 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/633954#4829843 I will be traveling to Mitaka to go check out the Ghibli museum, and I know the cafe they have there will be packed and full of kiddies. Are there any yummy places to eat around there? I know it's more of a suburban area in Mitaka, but I don't mind a walk. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:02:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633954#4829843 http://www.chow.com/topics/633355#4829722 sorry for OT.. any reviews on kyoaji? Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:55:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633355#4829722 http://www.chow.com/topics/633627#4828820 There are some great eat-in counters at depachika if you find yourself near any. These are mostly solo diners. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:15:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633627#4828820 http://www.chow.com/topics/600693#4828448 Made a reservation for another lunch at L'Osier. First available date was July 30th. Recession, schmesession, indeed. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:34:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/600693#4828448 http://www.chow.com/topics/514274#4828176 thanks ninisix!.... unfortunately, today is our last day in tokyo.... and i didn't see your response until now... some of us don't have much money left...hahah...(and we can't read japanese)....but whale bacon sounds amazing!! we did try nihonbashi yukari for keiseki lunch (from an old rec on another thread)....and we loved it!...we sat at the counter and watched/chatted with the head chef (in broken english)....we did feel like it was a bit favoured towards foreigners, but it was still a great meal and good value too!....we also got photos with the chef after since no customers were left by the time we finished... hopefully, i'll make it back to japan in the future and be able to try more eclectic foods!.....(maybe on a business expense account??)...hahah Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:35:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/514274#4828176 http://www.chow.com/topics/632242#4826415 Can you suggest directions to the place?? Which train to take, etc. Thanks!! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:10:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632242#4826415 http://www.chow.com/topics/513183#4825975 Hi, Thanks for the recommedation of Sushi Mizutani! That was the greatest meal of my life. The food was so incredible--I guess I have never had sushi before. Although its going to be hard to go back to NY sushi after this. Not only was the food was incredible, but the service, the ambiance, and just the generally welcoming feeling was amazing. In the beginning I was quite intimidated given that none of us spoke japanese...and the whole place was quiet in reverence of the master. But soon everyone became a bit more comfortable and more talkative and the jokiningness--the attempts at translation all began. It was quite comical as there was a Parsian at dinner as well who barely spoke any english--so there was quite a bit of three way translations going on...anyway the whole thing was very amusing. After dinner Chef Mizutani walked us out, and noticing that we had a camera bag in our hands asked one of the servers to come out and take a picture of us standing with him. He also amused himself by rubbing by big pot belly after dinner! All in stark contrast to the seriousness of eating the food. It was amazing--a truly memorable experience and one that will likely never be topped again. Thank you so much for your recommendation--I would never have tried this place otherwise. Oh total price--in case people are interested came out to 790k for 3 people sushi and sashimi course with 3 bottles of sake. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:04:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/513183#4825975 http://www.chow.com/topics/574503#4823513 Sundaydriver - how were your meals at the Hyatt and Gora Kadan - I am staying a couple of nights at the Hyatt this October. Thanks. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:51:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/574503#4823513 http://www.chow.com/topics/615500#4820875 On our Kyoto Support forum (www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/) we were asked if there is a Mochi Cream store in Kyoto, and there is. It is in Daimaru Department Store. More info here www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-cream. A little wagashi shop in my neighborhood also carries Mochi Cream products, only a limited line up, so you may be able to find these yummies other places around your town. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:52:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/615500#4820875 http://www.chow.com/topics/631103#4820383 Next, Tokyo. I'm afraid I'll post these in dribs and drabs, as I don't have much time at the moment :( Venue: Imaiya Address: 6F Marunouchi Building, 2-4-1 Marunouchi Total Bill: Y 6,550 English menu: Yes English spoken: A little When we arrived this place was very busy. There were no tables left, so we took the last 2 seats at the bar. And as it happens, at the bar, in front of the open kitchen is the best place to sit at this great izakaya on the 6th floor of the Marunouchi building! We were served by a waitress that spoke some English, and we also got an English menu (although there were a few amusing mistakes on it, the meaning was quite clear). I'd only ever had sake a couplke of times before, and so I asked the waitress for a recommendation. I think she pronounced it like English 'you'. Anyway, Y 1,000 got me an enormous, chilled glass of the sweet sake, which was particularly nice! We ordered several grilled skewers: leek, shitake, peppers, chicken breast with leek, chicken meatball with raw egg yolk, chicken hearts. We also ordered some rice with sour pickles, which was nicely presented as a triangle of rice containing the pickles. Everything was cooked to absolute perfection and was delicious! My only complaint would be that it's relatively expensive, and each menu item is only one skewer with 3-4 pieces on each. A couple of nights later we went to another izakaya. Tanyu Kurumaya in the Caretta Shiodome (write up will follow) - prices there were perhaps 40% cheaper, but the food is just as good (although it doesn't have the same atmosphere and buzz that Imaiya has). Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:11:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631103#4820383 http://www.chow.com/topics/632741#4817056 Having a special meal there on Saturday, and because I've never been there I was wondering if you have any recommendations on what to order, or if there is anything I should be aware of, e.g. no English menu. Thanks alot! Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:42:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632741#4817056 http://www.chow.com/topics/631276#4814719 Thanks for the info! Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:13:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631276#4814719 http://www.chow.com/topics/632435#4814714 Hi yuko, You might consider Sushi Mizutani; I had a wonderful time there, and the Sushi there has become my current favorite. :) http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/508418 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:12:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632435#4814714 http://www.chow.com/topics/631169#4812076 Same subject from about this time last year. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/530186 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:00:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631169#4812076 http://www.chow.com/topics/628975#4804303 If there is something spicy in it, try mixing in rayu (spicy chili oil). You can control how hot you want it. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:29:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628975#4804303 http://www.chow.com/topics/623119#4804018 A wise choice. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:31:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/623119#4804018 http://www.chow.com/topics/627195#4803044 When you get out of the bar at 6am or whatever, the only places to go are fast food chains for the most part; just head to Wendy's. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:32:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627195#4803044 http://www.chow.com/topics/629808#4798306 Some Tsukiji guidebooks I have (translated into Chinese from original Japanese book pressings) say that Ryu Sushi encourages the use of using your hands to eat, neta and shari are on the average, bigger than most other sushi-ya's in the area, and focus on sourcing natural/wild seafood. Have you been to Sushi Bun? I'm wondering how that compares with the other big name places. The same book also recommends Iso Zushi (they specialize in using tuna from Indian Ocean). Other mentions include -Yamahara for the only place open only at night 6 pm to 10 pm - Iwasa Sushi for their clam and shellfish themed nigiri combo (~3300 yen) that from the pictures I see hotate, akagai, torigai, kobashira, aoyagi, himo-kyu hosomaki (himo probably from the aoyagi), tairagai, and another clam that looks similar to torigai. And here are some more picks from the book (non sushi) Ankouya Takahashi for what looks like kinki nitsuke and another kind of stewed fish (I want to say monkfish or anko), as well as ni-anago don. Washoku Kato for Kinmedai Nitsuke (atama / head) teishoku, sanma shioyaki teishoku Edogawa for stewed cod (four pieces), aji no hiraki Tenfusa (already mentioned) tempura specialist place Nakaya for kaisen don (of high popularity seems to be the Hokkaido uni don, some variants paired with toro and ikura). Oedo Shokudo for various uni themed kaisen don's. Yonehana for Unadon (1200 yen), unaju (2200 yen), unagi kabayaki (2300 yen) Yoshinoya (flagship store) Fukusen for unagi and yakitori don Tomiena for Yoshoku (cwhole crab on shell and tomato spaghetti) Yachiyo (near Sushi Dai) for Chashu, egg, and rice (teishoku), agemono (ebi furai) Takeda for stewed tuna tail Nakaei for curry rice Toyochan (another yoshoku place) for omurice Odaysau for ebi furai with egg donburi Fujino for chashu ramen (is this place good?) Yajima for what looks like a Japanese Chinese place, signature dish giant shumai, and egg and chive noodle soup Ramen Kiku Fujimiya for zaru soba (also soba with duck meat) Aiyo for (drip) coffee Senriken for coffee and sandwiches (the tonkatsu sandwich looks nice) Any comment on these, as the pictures on the book make me drool but true hounds might feel otherwise. There's more, although the remainder listings are market vendors/outside boundaries shops/gift shops etc but I don't want to bore all of you :-) Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:16:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629808#4798306 http://www.chow.com/topics/630674#4798253 That's funny, I have a reservation there for the end of July and the price they quoted me was no different than what they've charged in the past which was around Y20, 000 per person. Could the hotel have been giving you a quote for two people? If that's the case that sounds about right, but per person should again, be around the 20k mark. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:02:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630674#4798253 http://www.chow.com/topics/626605#4796853 The branch of Keawjai in the basement of Lumine (in Shinjuku station) has been replaced by a different Thai restaurant, and the Chinese restaurant next to it has been replaced by a different Chinese restaurant. (Either that or I accidentally wandered into a parallel universe.) The new place is called Khao San (03-5909-7450) and they advertise Bangkok street stall food (Bangkok yatai). So far (after trying four dishes) it seems to be about as good as Keawjai was, and they have dishes like Nam Phrik Kapi, which one doesn't see that often in Tokyo. They do take-out, and the four or five most popular dishes are ready to go immediately, although they'll prepare almost anything on the menu. (Not Nam Phrik Kapi though - apparently they're worried about liability issues if the stinky shrimp paste explodes in transit.) Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:29:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626605#4796853 http://www.chow.com/topics/626816#4795812 Yes, went to Kakiya at Esta bldg last time I was in Sapporo.. was amazing. So good that I ended up at the honten in Susukino later that night.. Drunk ofcourse! Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:15:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626816#4795812 http://www.chow.com/topics/629257#4786461 I think this place deserves its own post. Kanza opened 1-2 months ago, about 5min from Kanda station. http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1310/A131002/13061115/ http://ramendb.supleks.jp/shop/17966 http://www.m634.com/kanzan.html The pork is quite soft, cooked in a salamander along the back wall. The chashu-men usually comes with 4 extremely hefty chunks and the noodles are the thick cut variety, but not housemade. I recommend this to lovers of fatty, porky ramen. I really really like it. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:02:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629257#4786461 http://www.chow.com/topics/627921#4783534 Wow! They look gorgeous but the prices are a bit much for a big group... I think I'll save Daigo/Tofuya Ukai for anniversary dinners instead =) Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:27:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627921#4783534 http://www.chow.com/topics/422734#4782289 Last year I had maybe 5 pieces of sushi there and paid somewhere in the region of Y2500. That being said, I had some of the more expensive pieces--hotate, uni, ikura, anago (their anago is amazing) and one more but I can't remember what (a winter fish). I don't think they do lunch. If you're planning on going with 3 people and want to actually eat together, then I'd suggest going as soon as they open. You're not likely to get seated together (or even get to eat at the same time) after that. FYI--they close indiscriminately. I've gone a couple of times only to find a sign on the door saying they were closed for the week. Since they don't have a website, you have to call to make sure they're open or just take the risk and drop by. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:30:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/422734#4782289 http://www.chow.com/topics/628731#4781010 My boyfriend went to Kyoto for Sakura this year and brought me back some of the candy that is sold only at that time of year. It was sesame based, came in a little cello bag, different colours (the colours of Spring), I think one of them had peanuts in it as well...I think there was also a green tea flavoured one. I quickly became as addicted to them as he did whilst he was there and I would love to make some for us. Anyone got a recipe, or even the real name so I know what I should be searching for? Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:35:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628731#4781010 http://www.chow.com/topics/628594#4779653 Does anybody know of anywhere that sells this sandwich of magnificence? I have serious cravings!! Cheers, Bucky Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:33:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628594#4779653 http://www.chow.com/topics/627009#4775621 Another great spot, with excellent service and a great wine list (reasonably priced) is Beacon. http://www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp/restaurants/beacon_e.html One of the best chefs in the city, excellent food, good service, and for sure will impress. There is a private room, but the main dining room is nice. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:52:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627009#4775621 http://www.chow.com/topics/626158#4762283 jkrell, when you mentioned "local spots", are you only referring to Japanese eateries? If you happen to like Indian food, there's Samrat which is 5-10 minutes' walk from Grand Hyatt. The reason I mentioned it is because, a couple of years back, and friend & I decided, for a lark, to dine on ONLY Indian food every night for the whole 2 weeks we were in Tokyo (that's because we travelled to Japan so often and had eaten in so many Japanese places, we wanted to do "something different" for a change). We subsequently went all over Tokyo in search of a different Indian dining spot each night. We found Samrat pretty good, so much so that we went back there a couple of times. As for Japanese eateries, there are certainly no shortage of good ones in the Roppongi Hills vicinity but I think Tokyo-based Chowhounds would be in a much better position to advise you on the latest hotspots. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:15:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626158#4762283 http://www.chow.com/topics/617583#4762005 We are not speeking about the bottom up here, the sukiyabashi jiro is to be prepared before eating there. You want to understand sushi in Tokyo ? The Edo period in Nihonbashi the sushi was a fast food and a good one. You will eat sushi has never been prepared : the rice has a vinegar accent, not as suhi in Kansai who is sweetened, the order and the chef thoughtful to have the temperature to each of it. I felt great after and will work hard to go again eat some sushi at another season. My little precious.... time to continue Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:07:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/617583#4762005 http://www.chow.com/topics/626842#4761720 Hi everyone, I'm going to be in Tokyo from July 8th to the 17th. While I'm there, I'd really like to learn how to make at least one or two dishes! I'm an American student studying in Beijing, so I'm fairly experienced with both Hunanese and California style cooking, and I'm fairly confident I can pick up whatever you want to teach me! In return, I'd be more than happy to a) teach you some delicious central chinese dishes, or b) bring you something nice from China. I'll be staying in the Claska Hotel over in Meguro district, but I'm willing to trek pretty much anywhere in Tokyo for this. If any professionals would deign to have me in the kitchen after hours, I'd be honored, and likewise anyone who would be down with teaching me something at home! Let me know, my email is cainengzuo@gmail.com Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:30:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626842#4761720 http://www.chow.com/topics/573351#4757579 I've had really amazing wagyu at Imahan in Nihonbashi. It's a teppanyaki place with a butcher shop next door bearing the same name, and you can order a la cart or their set menu. I think some grades of the beef was reasonable, but the top quality is pretty expensive, almost $100 for 100g. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:46:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573351#4757579 http://www.chow.com/topics/625258#4755078 How is Uoshin Nogizaka? I've walked by on the way home a few times and it looks fun, good food? EDIT: Just found this on Japantimes: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fg20070817rs.html Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:08:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/625258#4755078 http://www.chow.com/topics/624563#4751626 I'll second the atlas, it's very useful for finding places and slim enough to fit in most medium bags. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:06:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/624563#4751626 http://www.chow.com/topics/619172#4743847 6/6 - 6/7 EcoLife Fair: http://www.ecolife2009.com/ 6/13-6/14 Bangladesh Festival: http://www.bangladeshjapanfestival.com/ Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:41:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619172#4743847 http://www.chow.com/topics/615189#4743460 Fantastic! Thanks so much! Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:59:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/615189#4743460 http://www.chow.com/topics/623958#4738721 Hi sylvia80, I'd second Lucil's recommendation for Ryugin. Phenomenal; easily one of my Top 5 restaurants I've ever been to. Enjoy! :) Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:36:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/623958#4738721 http://www.chow.com/topics/624003#4731360 Ichiran is a pretty popular shop in Roppongi, with an English menu. I'm not a fan of the thin noodles though. There is also an Ippudo that is quite popular late at night. For ramen though, I'd suggest getting on the train and heading somewhere else like Shibuya for Suzuran or Ichigaya for Men Dokorokoruri or any of the other highly rated places. Roppongi just doens't satisfy my ramen cravings. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:19:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/624003#4731360 http://www.chow.com/topics/589763#4714560 after 5 months , i tink aroma fresca is afterall a very good restaurant.. better than quintessense to me.. no single bad dishes at aroma fresca, produce were very fresh, bread and olives were superbly good.. best i had while i was in tokyo... but no particular standout dishes.. i think the reason why this restaurant is so popular is because of the Cost performance. Afterall this is a fine dining restaurant, and one tends enjoy everything there and not just focusing on particular dishes etc.. therefore if i was a japanese, i would tend to go back to aroma fresca everytime, as it wouldnt fail on some dishes that i do not like etc.... the menu changes everytime too.. yes i still remember their ravioli basilico( i think the ravioli is superbly done, simple but skillfully done, taste of basil with the butter enriching the taste ), the steak and the strawberry soup... maybe one shouldnt tink of this as an italian restaurant, but rather a rather special place.. Tue, 26 May 2009 08:09:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/589763#4714560 http://www.chow.com/topics/613338#4711645 ...or any spots that serve Irizake instead of Shoyu in Tokyo? Mon, 25 May 2009 00:43:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/613338#4711645 http://www.chow.com/topics/554866#4711210 I would have to say that the best bar in Tokyo is Junc de CoteCote in either Shimokitazawa or Sangenjaya. They have really good drinks and sides but what does the place is the amazing atmosphere and a huge collection of Jazz and Soul music, all on vinyl ofcourse. For a first-timer I would suggest the Shimokitazawa bar, even more so if you don't speak japanese. The owner Akira speaks some english and one or two of the bartenders as well. The prices are also good, starting from Y600 for a cocktail Edit:Spelling Correction Sun, 24 May 2009 21:22:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/554866#4711210 http://www.chow.com/topics/622113#4710697 Question still remains, was this a restaurant in Japan? If so, which part of Japan? If it wasn't in Japan, do you know which area of Japan the chef is from? It matters a lot, since every region of Japan has specialties not offered in other parts. Hard to answer your question without any detailed info. Sorry. Sun, 24 May 2009 16:50:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/622113#4710697 http://www.chow.com/topics/619165#4706705 Hiyashi-chuka rules! Further suggestions on the cold noodle dish list: zaru soba, zaru udon and somen (super thin noodles). Fri, 22 May 2009 17:04:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619165#4706705 http://www.chow.com/topics/614279#4689920 Exactly Sat, 16 May 2009 21:32:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/614279#4689920 http://www.chow.com/topics/483440#4689917 http://www.okinawahdr.com is a good one too Sat, 16 May 2009 21:30:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/483440#4689917 http://www.chow.com/topics/619950#4688642 Japan has plenty of delicious, amazing foods at reasonable prices, don't worry! I'm not best qualified to give you specific recommendations for Tokyo and Kyoto as I live in Nagoya, but I'm sure someone will be along soon. Or you may want to check the Japan board for ramen or izakaya (Japanese pub & grub) threads, there have been many discussions. Have a great trip! Sat, 16 May 2009 05:29:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619950#4688642 http://www.chow.com/topics/612462#4676533 thank you so much for your responses!!! I am going to go to Ginza Kyubei as one of my choices. Tue, 12 May 2009 15:49:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/612462#4676533 http://www.chow.com/topics/614897#4675283 those 'colonial' accents, always hard to place :) Tue, 12 May 2009 02:21:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/614897#4675283 http://www.chow.com/topics/561603#4675268 When I went awhile back, the chef was new and I think it may be the Jacob guy. He was half Japanese and had only been at the place for about a week. Tue, 12 May 2009 02:17:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/561603#4675268 http://www.chow.com/topics/618888#4673780 I would definitely second Hasegawa in OH. You could do a Sake tasting there to see what you like as well. I would also check out the Sake Shop in the Isetan Depachika (Isetan is a department store and a Depachika is a food shopping area in the basement) it's also very good. Another option for you would be cup Sake which are single portion Sake servings. You could get an assortment of these to bring back. My favorite place to go is machidaya in Nakano. They're a special shop because they carry some higher end cup sake which is a little harder to find as most cup sake is of low quality. My advice to you is to bring an extra suitcase for all the stuff you're going to bring back. You will regret it if you don't. Edit: sorry, here's a link to the whereabout of Machidaya http://www.bento.com/rev/2532.html Mon, 11 May 2009 18:40:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/618888#4673780