GINZA: Yamato Seafood and Steak aka Teppan Yaki!!!

Yamato has been around since Mari's mother was still young?  Am I explaining this correctly... well, its been around for a very long time and a favorite among families in and around Ginza.

On the 7th floor.  Don't expect the fancy flair of Benihana's in the US with non-stop visual excitement but this is a more peaceful setting with the Chef perfectly preparing each item.

This is the seasonal dinner menu starting at 12,500yen course... but don't stop reading here!

The 4:00-10:00pm Menu... but keep going!

The greatest deal in Tokyo is lunch at up scale restaurants... dinner starting at 12,500yen!?  Why not hit up Teppan Yaki lunch startiing at 2,100yen!  The volume is more than enough.

The 6 older ladies/grandma's sitting across from us were glittering with diamonds and pearls... after a few glasses of wine one lady fell asleep... can't beat enjoying wine even as senior citizens.

First came the salad and soup... super tasty dressing... hint of onion and garlic.

Salmon, Shrimp and White Fish... 

Chef recommended Medium Rare for our beef.

The beef with some vegetables stir fried in the beef oils.

Great meal.. all smiles.

The little touches.

You can either choose bread OR Miso Soup, rice and pickles with your lunch set.  I'd recommend the the Miso soup set... so much more and compared to the bread its a way better value.

Choice of Coffee or Tea to close the meal.

Click to enlarge.. some info about Yamato on the business card.

Nice alcohol cabinet... guess the regulars keep their bottles here. 

Look at this interior... classy old school... Japan from the 70's?

I'd absolutely recommend this place if you visit GINZA.  Forgot to take a pic of the lunch menu but if you can read a little Japanese click here http://www.mikasakaikan.co.jp/restaurant/japanese/yamato/menu

I'd suggest the 2,300yen KIKU lunch set with a mix of beef and tasty seafood burger (they sold out of it this day) and Mari loves the 2,100yen NADESHIKO with its 150g of tasty beef.

SHOP: Yamato Seafood and Steak (MIKASA KAIKAN Building).

LOCATION: Ginza

Restaurant Website: http://www.mikasakaikan.co.jp/restaurant/japanese/yamato/index

Foodie Website:  http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13006512/

Address E: Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-5-17

Address J: 東京都中央区銀座5-5-17

MAP: 

View Larger Map

GINZA: Kitchen Sugimoto Revisted! 525yen Kuroge-Wagyu beef bowl... yum!

Sugimoto revisited!  Was in the area shopping for Mari's bday present and I couldn't resist.  For details check out my previous entry:  http://tokyobelly.blogspot.com/2010/04/ginza-kitchen-sugimoto-in-matsuzakaya.html

Three choices: 1,500yen Matsuzaka Beef sukiyaki, 800yen Kuroge-gyu Sukiyaki or 525yen Kuroge-gyu (beef bowl.  Whats Kuroge-Wagyu?  I've always stuck to the 525yen beef bowl but you should check out the 800yen Sukiyaki too.

Counter seating... so you can check it out alone too.

Free Japanese cold tea.

Choice of a mini Orange Juice or Red Wine.

525yen Beef Bowl set.

Japanese mix the egg and pour it onto the beef... if u like.

Tasty pickles.

Miso soup.

Sugimoto Kitchen is in B1 of Matsuzakaya Dept store in Ginza... Just look for FOREVER21 (Its in the same building).

LOCATION: Ginza MATSUZAKAYA Dept Store.  (On the main road thats closed off on the weekends)

Foodie Website:  http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13009511/

Matsuzakaya Dept Website: http://www.matsuzakaya.co.jp/ginza/restaurant/08.html

Address J: 東京都中央区銀座6-10-1 銀座松坂屋 Ｂ１Ｆ

Address E:  Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 6-10-1 (B1F)

MAP:

View Larger Map

YUTENJI: Bistro Pont Leveque (French)... in my neighborhood!

Mari and I decided to go for a walk around Yutenji on a Sunday... on a Blazing HOT Sunday with a mix of thick sauna temperature... We headed for the first restaurant in our sights.  No checking foodie blogs for rankings or minding if the shop was empty at noon. Oh Tip of the day: Avoid Japan in August at all cost~.

Prices started at 1,150yen to 1,300yen with +250yen option for Salad & Soup set otherwise you can pick one.

Cozy interior with tables and 4 seats at the counter overlooking the kitchen.

We went for the "A" Pasta lunch: Clams and Mushrooms in Tomato Sauce and "C" Pasta Lunch:  Pork, Beans and Prosciutto Ham.

Lunch set comes with a choice of drinks.  Iced Herb tea for us.

The days special soup was Cold Pumpkin and Mari had the house salad.

The tomato sauce pasta with clams reminded me of when I lived in Pisa many years ago... something about the tomato sauce that bought back memories of Italy.  The cream sauce pasta was so tasty... if you like a rich  flavored sauce then this place is for you.  Both dishes were very flavorful.

Ask for cheese or spicy olive oil... gave the pasta a nice kick.

dessert was delicious... cold earl gray tea cake with cream.  Oishiiiii.

Wine board (Click picture to expand).

Cold water... Chef/Waiter noticed our ice cubes melted and he gave us a new water jug.  Service was excellent and he kept an eye on us during the meal.

I've walked by this place regularly but never bothered to go inside... why eat lunch in Yutenji when I could hit up IL Pacioccone in Omotesando for 1,000yen.  Well glad we gave it a try.  Service was perfect, interior very comfy and food much better than I expected. If you are lost in Yutenji and in search for a cozy restaurant why not give Pont Leveque a try... hmm... thinking back is Pasta common in a French restaurant named after Cheese?

SHOP: Bistro Pont Leveque

Location: Yutenji Station (across from Yutenji Temple and neighbor to a great Ramen shop Jyanmaru).

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13009646/

Address J: 東京都目黒区祐天寺1-16-4

Address E: Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Yutenji 1-16-4

MAP: 

View Larger Map

SHIMBASHI: Dry-Dock Pub... hidden under the tracks

Located under the tracks in Shimbashi... who owns this piece of land?

Scott invited me to check out one of his favorite watering holes in Shimbashi micro-brewery "DRY DOCK."

My image of salary-man on a budget Shimbashi is 200-300yen beers and cheap eats but this place charged a premium for import beers (American, Belgium, German, Cech, Hawaiian etc).  Draft beer started from 650yen with a range to 1,500yen.

Had to start with the house recommendation from Maui Brewing Co.  Bikini Blonde Lager was light and smooth... a great start to the evening.

Scott recommended the Chicken Basket... fried (mochiko chicken?) chicken on a bed of giant french fried potatoes. 650yen for 3 or 950yen for 5... but can add an extra chicken for 150yen.

Mari's Belle-Vue 850yen... Cherry flavored and very easy to drink.

Making my 650yen Asahi Draft Beer~... 

Bartender was non-stop making beers during the 2hrs we were there.

Simple draft beer done to perfection... dipping the beer. Guys hands were all wrinkled up like he was at the pool way too long.  Must be making goooood yenjamins~.

First floor is all stand up counter area and 2nd floor with tables.  If you want to mingle then hit up the 1st floor...you are only inches away from fellow beer lovers.  

Tiny one man kitchen at the end of the bar.

 Closed out the night with Hopsun and Belle-Vue.

Noticed some Softsoap in the bathroom... isnt this from the US?

7 Beers, Chicken Basket, French Fries Total: @8,000yen.  Overall the place was immaculate, friendly crowd, great staff and so many selections of beers from around the world.  If you are in the Shimbashi/Shiodome area please give this place a try.  Under the tracks on the main road so hard to miss.  I'd suggest to use this place as a starting point for your night out...import beers were on the expensive side so try the famous chicken basket and have 2 beers... then move on~.

SHOP: Shimbashi Dry-Dock

Location: SHIMBASHI Station (But can also walk from SHIODOME Station).

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130103/13041814/

Shop Website: http://www.shimbashi-dry-dock.com/

Address J: 東京都港区新橋3-25-10

Address E: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Shimbashi 3-25-10

MAP:

View Larger Map