Tuesday, March 30, 2010

JIMBOCHO: "TENDON Imoya" Ten-don (rice bowl) for 550yen


Authenti Japanese Ten-Don by chef's for only 550yen. You'll sit shoulder to shoulder with salarymen and university students (lots of universities in this area).

Menu is limited but most customers ordered the 550yen Ten-Don that consists of one piece of shrimp, fish, seaweed and ika (squid?).   There is also a Tempura-Don with only Shrimp for 800yen.

2 chefs behind the counter will ask you "Tendon deskuka?"  Just say "Hai" or say "Tempura Don kudasai" for the shrimp only rice bowl.  Cup of hot tea will arrive first.

All counter seating... my view.  The tempura is fried when the order is placed.

Seasoned radish on the counter.

Think this is Asari or Shijimi Miso Soup... comes with the meal.

My meal!  If you want extra rice just say "Oomori" when you order.



If you are in the area there are several IMOYA's.  Tonkatsu, Tempura and Tendon shops:

LOCATION: Between JIMBOCHO and SUIDOBASHI Stations.
Address J: 東京都千代田区神田神保町2-16
Address E:Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kanda Jimbocho 2-16
MAP: 


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EBISU: "BLACOWS Revisited!" This time Jalapeno Burger~

We were both finally able to check out BLACOWS on a weekday... can't pass up the Japanese Lunch Specials~. Burgers were a few dollars less and it came with a nice salad.

Started with a great little salad.  Lots of different veggies.

Mari went with the Jalapeno Burger, 1200yen.  She gave me a few Jalapeno's so you see a few empty spots... but this was very spicy.  Took her a while to finish the burger... Be prepared to help finish if your lunch partner isn't a big eater... burgers are very filling!


My 1,000yen burger (salad included).  

Even at a nice place like this you can have great burgers and amazing burgers...  The bread was extra chewy on this day.  Manager mentioned that it should be consistent but sometimes the consistency can change. 


Tasty fresh potatoes...

This was a first... they finally put out Jalapeno Tabasco sauce on the table. 

FOR SHOP DETAILS Check out my previous Entries:

MAP:

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Monday, March 29, 2010

ROPPONGI HILLS: Matsuda-ya Soba (Noodles and Udon)


We were in Roppongi for Art Night... just wanted something simple late into the night.

Menu in English (Click to expand)




Mari went for the Udon Nabe (Hot Pot).

Miso base Udon Nabe.

My Tempura bowl and Soba set.  Very filling.

Video of the Shop... a bit long and wobbly... sorry.

Pickled vegetables... good with rice.


Don't eat at Roppongi Hills very often but this was a nice quick meal.

Location: ROPPONGI Hills
Foodie Website: Ranked very low, 2.89!! http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1307/A130701/13020922/
Address: 5F West Walk in Roppongi Hills.
Address J: 東京都港区六本木6-10-1 六本木ヒルズ ウェストウォーク 5F
MAP:


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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

ASAGAYA: Hawaii's Own Coffee Company for a little Aloha.

There are really only two spots in Tokyo that serve a little Aloha.  One is Ogo Ono-Loa Hawaii in Akasaka and Hawaii's Own Coffee Company in Asagaya.  This shop is started by a local guy Kawika (Pearl City High/UH grad) and the style/music selection/atmosphere in the shop reflects Aloha


Mari ordered a Hawaiian Latte (will have to ask Kawika what the name was).
The 100% CONA Coffee starts at 290yen. 

I went for the Banana Shake and Kawika's recommended Hot Chocolate.

The Tuna Melt was great.  

Only 10 fresh SMAP Musubi's are made per day.  

Also serve little Brownies, have a selection of gifts and 100% Hawaiian coffee beans the owner has sent in from Hawaii. Oh yeah, the owner is a former Fighter Pilot... and if you want to know anything about Hawaii he's your man.



Location: ASAGAYA Station
Address H: 東京都杉並区阿佐谷南1-34-6
Address E: Tokyo, Suginami-ku, Asagaya Minami 1-34-6
MAP:

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OMOTESANDO: IL PACIOCCONE イル・パッチォコーネ 1,000yen Italian Lunch!

Italian in Tokyo always seems to exceed 10,000 yen for two and with a little wine and dessert it can easily reach 15,000yen.  I enjoy the quality but the volume of food can be much less that what most expect in the US. Sooooo what to do if you want Italian with the family on a budget?  EASY! Go for Lunch!!

Japanese restaurants use the 1,000yen lunch price point to lure in new customers to the shop with hopes they will return for dinner someday.  

Started with a little fresh bread. (Can ask for seconds).

I didn't take a picture of the menu (at least 15 different lunch selections for 1,000yen) but you can see the specials in my Video.  We decided to share a pasta and pizza.  There were so many toppings on the Pizza!  Normally pizza spots will only serve Marinara or Margherita but this restaurant was very generous with its toppings.

Tasted like they froze an orange and later used a blender to create this icy dessert. Excellent!

You can select Coffee/Tea (Hot/Iced) for the 1,000yen lunch plan.

The service was perfect.  Waiter noticed we left one slice of Pizza and offered to wrap it up.

Absolutely recommend this place for lunch and even dinner.  Food, service and atmosphere (with Italian BGM) was really nice.  I'll definitely go back again.


LOCATION: Omotesando (On Roppongi-Dori near Monsoon Cafe/Gas Station)
Address J:  東京都港区南青山6-15-8
Address E: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Minami-Aoyama 6-15-8
Map:

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