http://www.chow.com/boards/45 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:00:14 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/646853#5164552 If you have time, and want to try the hot spring bath, from Nagasaki there is Shimabara http://www.jref.com/practical/shimabara.shtml The speciality is more the "somen" (cold noodle). The town of Kumamoto is famous for the ramen. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:13:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646853#5164552 http://www.chow.com/topics/606582#5162210 Costco is cheapest - google for tokyo area locations - kawasaki and makuhari are 2 I know of Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:41:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/606582#5162210 http://www.chow.com/topics/616978#5162139 If you happen to be in Kobe. . . In the Okamoto area of Kobe, there's a little French pastry shop that specializes in macarons. It's recently new, but Glamourdise http://glamourdise.jp/ has also opened at the Umeda Hankyu depachika. I bought six macarons (yuzu, cashew, caramel chocolate, praline, and one more I can't remember). So far I've tried the yuzu and the one I can't remember (some kind of chocolate flavour, but not just chocolate. I'd never have bought a plain chocolate macaron.). The flavours are very strong, but it a good way. The shell is fine (not too dry), but I do find the filling to be a bit overwhelming (there's a high filling to shell ratio). I like them more than Pierre Herme macarons so far. They had some interesting flavours like tofu that I didn't try, but I might one day. Like next week when I have to go back to the dentist. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:16:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/616978#5162139 http://www.chow.com/topics/664557#5159517 But then you may want to compare them to the cleanliness of those in super-busy Tokyo, then. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:45:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664557#5159517 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/663851#5157204 Is it this one: http://gaishoku.blogspot.com/2008/09/star-is-born-yamada-chikara.html? That's what originally got me interested in checking it out (I'll be in Tokyo in Feb). Let us know how your meal there goes! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:34:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663851#5157204 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/663449#5151780 Hi meating, I'd second all the great suggestions from prasantrin, E Eto and lost squirrel. I had to help feed a "picky eater" as well (who never eats Sushi or anything exotic (totally Midwest-raised)). What I found that worked was what prasantrin and lost squirrel mentioned: I "translated" the Japanese foods into something more "American-sounding" and ordered the safer items (that were still quite tasty): * Yakitori - "Oh this is just some 'Grilled Chicken'" - they loved it. Just stick with basic items like Chicken Thigh, Breast meat for them, maybe some Shiitake Mushrooms or Okra skewers and that shouldn't weird them out. :) At an Izakaya or Koryouri-ya, some safe dishes to try: * Buta no Kakuni = "Ah, this is Braised / Slow-Roasted Pork." They ended up loving this dish as well. :) * Gindara Saikyo Yaki = "This is Grilled / Broiled Black Cod." (This could work for Tarakasu, or any other types of grilled fish offered at the restaurant.) Ultimately, when I managed to tell the picky eater the simple essence of each dish, I managed to get them to try quite a few items out of their comfort zone. And then the Yoshoku type food that E Eto mentioned would be pretty safe as well. :) Hope it works out, and enjoy Japan. :) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:51:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663449#5151780 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/659191#5139685 costco... Any department store will kill the taste for the price Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:14:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659191#5139685 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/659219#5119023 This is a tough question because it all depends on what you like. Japan has incredible sushi places and some people love to have the experience of eating sushis by master sushi chefs in Japan... then again one could argue that you can have sushis (albeit inferior freshness & presentation) just about anywhere in the US. Also are you strictly looking for good tasting food or are you looking for the overall dining experience? I will throw out some ideas for the kind of food that I personally think are both to-die-for and difficult to get in the US. Keep in mind, I like cheaper down-to-earth type places and my recommendations reflect that. 1). Kaiseki dinner -- a multi-course Japanese meal that really varies from a place to place. I usually have these when I go stay at a hot spring inn (kaiseki dinner is included with the price of the stay) when I'm in my yukata after a long bath, but you don't have that option. There are many kaiseki places all over, typically it'll be 8 to 12-course and the prices really run the gamut. Some places as cheap as 4000yen and other places will be 20,000yen. Keep in mind that one of these meals will get you stuffed. 2). Ramen -- You can trek down to Shin-Yokohama's Ramen Museum which has about 10 ramen shops (most are very good and unique) all in one place. You will not find such place in the US. 3). Japanese bakery -- I love Japanese bakeries, especially Vie de France and Pompadour; Andersen's not bad either. These are all chain places; you'll typically find them either in department stores or inside/near big stations. Japanese bakeries typically have an amazing selection of savory breads (like shrimp cutlet sandwich, curry nan bread, croquette bread) along with awesome pastries and the most buttery, flaky croissants. 4). Department store restaurant arcades -- Some of the bigger department stores (like Ikebukuro's Seibu & Tobu, Shinjuku's Takashimaya) have 1-3 floors of rows of restaurants of all kinds, each with a window displaying the likenesses of the menu items. Although the department restaurants are not the best, they're always reliably good and reasonably priced. And the experience of browsing all the display windows and all the restaurants is something you can't do in the US. 5). Ikebukuro's Namja Town complex -- This is a food theme park. Three floors... one floor is dedicated to all kinds of out-of-this-world gyozas; another floor is called Dessert Republic, all kinds of dessert places; another floor is called Ice Cream City (I've spent a month in Italy, but my best gelato has been in Japan). Actually I can't vouch for the Dessert Republic since I've never gotten anything there, but I love the other 2 floors. 6). Chunagon (lobster restaurant) -- certainly not a place with any kind of view or special atmosphere, but I always make it a point to go this restaurant. If you're not into lobsters, then there's no point. But if you're like me, you'll love the 8-course lunchtime special called "Ikoi" which comes with an amazing lobster salad, lobster miso soup, among other things. http://www.chunagon.co.jp/shop_detail.cgi?mode=menu&shp_shopcode=52&men_menucategorycode=143 The restaurant's in Ginza (Ginza 5-9-16). Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:02:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659219#5119023 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 http://www.chow.com/topics/658567#5101886 Yes, that's true. The delicate mousse cakes (which have the texture of phlegm) are for eat-in only. I think you're allowed 2 cakes to eat at the shop, and 6 to take out. BTW, you should really call the store if you're planning to visit. When I went, the hours were supposed to be 10-7, so I arrived shortly before 9:30. Unfortunately, there was a sign on the door saying they had just changed their hours to 11-7. Annoying, to say the least (and there were dozens of other people who were unaware of the change). Plus they normally close on Mondays, but sometimes they close on other days, too. And since they don't have a website, calling the day before is really the only way to know their hours. I've been to a tes souhaits, and I liked it a lot. I'd go back there again, even if it is very much out of the way. I haven't been as impressed with Pierre Herme. His pastries are very sweet--too sweet for me. I do like Henri Charpentier, but I find most of the cakes to be more suited to Japanese taste buds i.e. they have subtle flavours and are less sweet. I like that kind of stuff, but if you prefer more "in your face" flavours, it may not be right for you. HC won my macaron taste test (I tasted more than a dozen caramel flavoured macaron), although Cafe Tanaka in Nagoya has taken over first place. HC is still the best readily available caramel macaron, though. I didn't care for JP Hevin cakes. I'd stick with the chocolates there. And I still don't understand the fawning over Sadaharu Aoki. I think his sweets are highly over-rated. (That being said, he no longer owns his shops in Japan, but sold out to a Japanese company.) Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:55:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658567#5101886 http://www.chow.com/topics/659118#5101347 expiration date = 賞味期限　shômi kigen Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:52:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659118#5101347 http://www.chow.com/topics/651514#5101262 I think a couple of the servers were relatively young and not quite as polished. I had a great chat with one of them, and he was really excited to be at Ryugin, learning about food and service. I took that to mean he was relatively new at serving at that kind of level. And it was a very very small spill. Like a drop on the table. But I still noticed. I like observing the service almost as much as I like eating the food. Well, OK, not nearly as much as the food, but I do like observing people (plus I was alone, so I didn't have anything else to do). Generally speaking, I do find that because that style of "fine dining" is relatively new in Japan, a lot of the servers tend to be on the young side, and so a little less practised and a little less refined (in terms of service). This in no way means I think the service is bad, it just needs a little more practice and training. I also find that, in general, high-end restaurants, particularly French, in hotels in Japan (and the rest of Asia, for that matter), tend to have the most well-trained servers (in the classical European sense). I think it's largely because they have more established training programs, as well as senior staff who really know what they're doing. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:19:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651514#5101262 http://www.chow.com/topics/658197#5092899 You're welcome - I hope it lives up to my build-up - let us know. What set them apart for me was the service - once I asked the waiter a question about the food, he was enthusiastic about explaining the ingredients and cooking methods, without going overboard. (This was all in Japanese, but I'm guessing they can handle English also.) Thanks for the other links too. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:48:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658197#5092899 http://www.chow.com/topics/658432#5092894 Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Fourseasons. We also like Sawada. We went at lunchtiime, and we were the only customers there. He was actually quite gruff toward us at first, but when he realized we spoke Japanese and weren't clueless about sushi, he was engaging and funny. He even told us how hard it was for him to be accepted as a top rated sushi chef because he doesn't have the age and pedigree usually required. We loved talking fish with him, and especially liked the aged-tuna - amazing!! Now I can't wait to try out Umi! Thanks for the tip! Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:39:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658432#5092894 http://www.chow.com/topics/657416#5092725 Thanks so much for the suggestion! Happo En looks beautiful! I've just made an appointment to go see the place, hope it will all work out! Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:03:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657416#5092725 http://www.chow.com/topics/656848#5090330 I went with two guests but I think solo dining is possible since it has fixed menu and the seating arrangement can be flexible there. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:03:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656848#5090330 http://www.chow.com/topics/634069#5084650 Very interesting! I was trying to decide between Kuu and Yuian while staying at the Hyatt Regency. I guess the better choice appears to be Yuian. Any further thoughts or suggestions? I already have a reservation for Ryugin. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:05:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/634069#5084650 http://www.chow.com/topics/657100#5081893 7-11 ? I think I've had this before, I'll try to check the name next time I'm there. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:20:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657100#5081893 http://www.chow.com/topics/505567#5080023 I so glad noone stood up to tout Fukuzushi (get it? Tout a restaurant in Roppongi? Ha? I guess you have to know the place....) Anyway, I just visited Fukuzushi on recommendations like that you probably saw in numerous Guidebooks. Big mistake. YUCK! True, the sushi bar and gardens are pretty enough, but the fish was AWFUL! Tasteless fish on fall-apart rice, some fish wrapped in konbu to hide its lack of flavor. And the shrimp in the station looked like it had been fermenting there since Bush was President. Perhaps the worst sushi I've ever eaten in my life. Which would be understandable if it was a $1 boat sushi in Omaha, Nebraska, but my bill was well over $7 per piece. Not per 2, PER 1. And I didn't even eat the good stuff. If this place closes tomorrow, that will be one day too late, because I've already dropped a budget buster on something entirely forgettable. Save your money, and you tastebuds. There are two SushiZanMai places within walking distance in Roppongi. Perhaps no garden to look at while you eat, but at least you know everyone will enjoy every bite. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:44:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/505567#5080023 http://www.chow.com/topics/523531#5079122 GOOOOODDDD Bread and wine, yes ! Do like german bread, in Tokyo, can you recommend any shops ? Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:51:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/523531#5079122 http://www.chow.com/topics/656701#5079115 As the movie... so unreal photo with the rain on the glass. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:47:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656701#5079115 http://www.chow.com/topics/656722#5076187 Tried it tonight. We were a party of 3. Its in Roppongi and my wife told me the chef is either an iron chef or was on it. I liked it. Had a tomato with Mozzarella appetizer. Really good mozzarell.....also a foie grois appetizer. Best Foie in tokyo so far. plump and melt in your mouth fattiness. I had a Duck entree that was a bit salty without any other accoutrements but was cooked very well and a seafood ragout pasta that was done very well. All in all it was a good experience. only 5 or 6 tables in the entire restaurant, very minimal decor, so you go there for the food. pricey, but we are in tokyo. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:09:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656722#5076187 http://www.chow.com/topics/655462#5073307 Charing or research, the participation is free. You can say if what takes place... Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:42:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655462#5073307 http://www.chow.com/topics/655089#5073293 Personnalized web google page, you will find the link to the ''Eating out'' (one of the Chowhound Jem586) : http://iitokorone.blogspot.com/ A click on the map, the comments will stick upside and you can do a research on his blog Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:35:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655089#5073293 http://www.chow.com/topics/652414#5071005 It's much more expensive than David's Deli, but it puts David's Deli to shame in my opinion. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:04:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652414#5071005 http://www.chow.com/topics/651588#5070966 unagi in Osaka http://kansai247.main.jp/resta_news_09080101.php okonomiyaki in osaka http://kansai247.main.jp/resta_news_09080301.php tonkatsu in Osaka http://kansai247.main.jp/resta_news_09090301.php sweets in Kyoto http://kansai247.main.jp/resta_news_09081801.php Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651588#5070966 http://www.chow.com/topics/595444#5069344 Weird. Doesn't sound at all like what they serve at the home branch. My Kurobuta has always been thick cut. The sauce while a bit sweet always seems a little more complex than that in taste however I usually use Karashi with my Tonkatsu. Maybe try the home branch? Or you could go to Tonki instead... Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:41:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/595444#5069344 http://www.chow.com/topics/654344#5068190 The only Higashiya I know of is actually a wagashi cafe, but I believe that drinks at the Star Bar are similar to those at NY Bar. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:02:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654344#5068190