Leave it to the Japanese to Invent a “Cooler” Beer – Kirin Frozen Beer
I am consistently surprised by the Japanese culture of innovation. From having the world’s most advanced public transport system decades ahead of others -to- cell phones so advanced you can use them (not cash) to purchase a soda at a vending machine, the Japanese always seem to be...
These Library Lounge – Try the Late Night, Offbeat, Insider Tokyo Cocktail Scene
Just steps down from my favourite “insider” izakaya, Teyandei, is another “insider” spot for cocktails…the These Library Lounge. Near the (in)famous Roppongi area, These is so subtly marked that it is easy to miss. It’s quirky, cool crowd likes it that way – it’s the kind of place...
Teyandei Izakaya – Tokyo, Japan
A Tokyo insider izakaya – well now the secret is out! I find that I am always lucky when I am in Tokyo. There is something special about that crazy city – each time I go I am amazed at the intensity of the food culture and the...
Unforgettable Omakase Sushi in Tokyo – Hashida Sushi
An unforgettable omakase sushi experience in Tokyo Through random coincidence I recently met someone who had lived in Tokyo for 20 years. Being a Japan-o-phile, of course I picked his brain about an upcoming trip to Tokyo. I wanted to get off the beaten track and have more...
Epicurean Concept of the Week – Koshu Japanese Wine
No, this is not some new form of sake or plum wine. We are talking about a wine made from grapes that has been produced since 1877 when Masanari Takano and Tatsunori Tsuchiya returned from France after studying winemaking. But now for the first time it is approaching...
Kawaii and How Japan is Kicking the World’s Ass on Cuteness
What is kawaii and why is everything in Japan so cute? “Kawaii” is the Japanese term for “cute.” And if you know anything about Japan you know kawaii reigns. The love of all things cute is found throughout Asia, but it is heightened to an art form in Japan....
Kappabashi Dori – Kitchen Street – Tokyo, Japan
An endless array of kitchen stuffs for the commercial and home chef alike If you have even a passing interest in cooking as a home chef, you will want to make a special trip to Kappabashi Dori. You can buy everything here from plastic fake sushi for window...
Ramen – From Tokyo and Beyond, This is No Ordinary Noodle Dish
From cheap US college student food to a serious culinary tradition in Japan Let it be known I never ate ramen in college. My drunken snack of choice when out was a fried chicken place called Time Out where we would get a bucket of bones – the...
Hakone Ryokan and Onsen Hot Springs, near Mt Fuji, Japan
An amazing retreat only 1.5 hours outside of Tokyo Just West of Tokyo, lies Hakone – a picturesque Japanese town famous for its views of Mt Fuji, ryokans and onsen (natural Japanese volcanic hot springs). While one can go year round, undoubtedly the most popular time of year...
A Michelin Starred Teppanyaki Experience – Sazanka in the Roppongi Area of Tokyo, Japan
With Japanese cuisine, most people hear of sushi first. It’s shocking and stands out. I remember as a kid thinking, “raw fish, yuck” (who’d of thought I’d grow up and eat raw horse heart?). But the first “Japanese” meal most people will actually eat will be teppanyaki. Every...
Epicurean Concept of the Week – Sushi Etiquette
Hey all, I am a HUGE sushi fan. I’ve made my pilgrimage to the sushi mecca (Tsukiji fish market) and returned a changed man. I’m deeper in love with sushi… to the detriment of my ability to enjoy budget buffet grade sushi. But I recently found out I’ve...
Tokyo Becomes Top Michelin Starred Culinary Capital (For Now)
That sudden gust of air you felt around November 17th was the result of the entire nation of France collectively gasping for air. On that day the press broke the news that Tokyo had topped Paris in the number of the coveted 3-star restaurants. Should we care? Will...
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