NERIMA: Thai lunch at Hyotan... Sawadee-blah blah boring...

I've always been curious about this tiny Thai spot with a small counter space and a tiny back area with mini tables. 

Everything on the lunch menu is 600yen.

Owner gets a special deal on this specific Thai sake... 2,500yen big bottles.

... and 1,380yen small bottles (normally 1,800yen).

And so my 600yen Krapao Gai arrives... hmm... um... hmm...

Didn't quite look like whats pictured in the mneu.

Lettuce soup with a cube of Tofu.

Hmm... only see a few shards of red pepper.

After a few bites I was hella bored and just couldn't understand why this basic dish wasn't simply delicious... the meat was extremely minced with no texture, seasoning bland, no spicy kick and well it just kinda sucked.  I much prefer Naflan in Nogata.  Oh, the Chef was a middle aged Thai woman with no smiles.

http://tokyobelly.blogspot.jp/2013/01/nogata-nayfan-for-some-cozy-thai.html

Rice used was normal Japanese instead of Thai Jasmine Rice...

The side dessert contained corn?  For real? I've never had it this way before.

During my meal the owner started to chat with me about where I was from etc... He's been in business for 3 years and many of his customers are with TV & Publishing so he's been featured in both.  I can only assume the great foodie ranking of 3.53pts is due to the evening beer drinking crowd because luck really Sawadee-sucked.   I just regret putting on calories for boring food... Hasta La Sawadee Hyotan!

Shop: Hyotan Thai Restaurant

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1321/A132102/13113225/

Address J: 東京都練馬区豊玉北5-22-15

Address E: Tokyo, Nerima-ku, Toyotama-Kita 5-22-15
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EBISU: Aburidori Baricho... aka pleasantly smokey Yakitori!

Back in the day I lived in Ebisu for about 4 years and enjoyed searching for new reasonable spots and years later I was pleasantly surprised to see Aburidori Baricho still open with a solid 3.53pt foodie ranking.

Menu's in English!

Order's are taken on this little piece of paper of items written in Japanese... but it will test your J --> E Skillz.

All you can eat cabbage Otoshi arrived... this is great.  Normally otoshi consists of something so insanely boring like seasoned bean sprouts or a bit of potato salad.

Portions were a bit larger than my last visit to Gonpachi Shibuya. 

Liver...

Of course... my favorite Bonjiri (Chicken Butt)... big pieces.

I'm not a fan of Nankotsu (fairly hard cartilage) but this was a bit more soft and there was so much meat on it... If you are not a fan you gotta try it here.

Closed with a stick of mochi.

Shop was a really really smokey mess... they closed the front door due to the cold evening and well we all smelled like Yakitori by evenings end.  I guess that might be part of the attraction here... Full house and a small mix of foreigners too.

Free Popsicle of choice for dessert.

Oh, there are baskets to store and hide your jackets away from the smokey smoke.  

I'll definitely be back again but highly suggest their 5-7pm Happy Hour too... can't recall what the drink deals were but hey, we all love HH.  Oh, staff was friendly and beers came out quickly.

Shop: Aburidori Baricho Ebisu

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130302/13016621/

Shop Website: http://www.commercial-art.net/shop/tokyo/baricho-ebisu/baricho-ebisu.html

Address J: 東京都渋谷区恵比寿南1-1-4

Address E: Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Ebisu Minami 1-1-4
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NAKAMEGURO: Salon De Huit with a view of Ferrari FF/Modena, Murcielago and Bentley

BALS is a great spot to stroll around in with their nice selection of wines, small gifts, food items, furniture etc but never did I try their cafe. 

http://www.balstokyo.com/jp/shopinfo/nakameguro.php

Nice selection of items but beyond costing a bit more than other cafe's its a very nice place just to chill for a few hours.

We were seated in the only sofa seating next to the huge window with views of the main road.

Friend ordered Tea with Honey... 

... I didn't realize they could be this generous with the honey.  A definite must!  Will be on my list for the next visit.

My 630yen unsweetened Cocoa... aaahhh... guess I'm paying for the cushy sofa.

Great little petite seasonal cake selections.  Hit the spot.

But if you are a guy who enjoys tea time with the ladies with the added benefit of being able to spot exotics right outside the comfy sofa seating this is the spot for you!  Lamborghini Murcielago, Ferrari FF, Ferrari Modena, Bentleys and a few more in the 1-2 hours were were there... and this was just the items I spotted between conversations. 

Ferrari FF dropping off a fluffy jacket lady...

If the comfortable sofa seating is available I'd definitely recommend this place for the views but if not you may be facing in a direction with less eye candy and more shutters...

Shop: Salon De Huit (BALS Nakameguro)

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1317/A131701/13102103/

Address J: 東京都目黒区中目黒1-10-21

Address E: Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Nakameguro 1-10-21
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