IKEBUKURO: Okinawa Shokudo Yanbaru Restaurant... hmm... the Oki Soba might be good but not for drinks. (Sony RX100M2)

I`m a fan at supporting new restaurants and even more so if its Okinawan.  Yanbaru Okinawa Shokudo Restaurant recently opened in Ikebukuro.  Lots of girls bars in this building. 

Lots of items on the menu.

Had to get the standard Goya Champuru 620 yen.

Lots of goya but very little SPAM.  Ho hum...

Then one of my favorites! Mozuku Tempura! 

This wasn`t quite tempura... more like fish cakes wrapped in mozuku then fried in oil. It was soooo greasy... Okinawa Paradise in Shinjuku was much better.

http://tokyobelly.blogspot.com/2012/12/shinjukukabukicho-okinawa-paradise.html

First time to see Indian chefs at an Okinawan Restaurant.  Normally they are either owned by an Okinawan company or the owner/chef is from Okinawa.  Maybe they are trying to sell the Oki concept?

I should have realized this place is a Shokudo... not really a sit in and drink izakaya kinda place.  Almost all the customers were ordering Okinawa Soba.

Didn`t have that Okinawan feeling... won`t be back for my Orion Beer needs.  Only good thing was no Otoshi fee (that automatic appetizer).

Restaurant:  Okinawa Shokudo Yanbaru Ikebukuro Branch

Restaurant J: 沖縄食堂 やんばる 池袋店 

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13269934/

Address J: 東京都豊島区東池袋1-7-7 鳥駒総本店ビル 1～2F

Address E:  Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Higashi Ikebukuro 1-7-7

MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/cuvHzPdwAtEBSuEa9

沖縄食堂 やんばる 池袋店, 沖縄料理、沖縄そば、居酒屋, Japan, Japanese, foodie, yelp, tokyobelly, sony rx100m2, cheap, family restaurant, bar, beers, izakaya, OKinawa, Okinawan, 

OSAKA NISHINAKAJIMA: Hanagasa Okinawan Restaurant. So cozy and immaculately! Can enjoy both standing or seating. (Canon S120)

Who doesnt love Okinawan food... Unfortunately the live music was only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of the month and I came on Sunday! UGH

Slight variety of Beer, Highball, Chu-hi and soft drinks...

Awamori menu was vast!

Todays Osusume (Recommended items).

Lonely counter.  Seems this area is mostly a business district so not as busy on the weekends. 

Awamori Tasting menu, 

Orion Beer girl... pretty. 

Small section of items you can purchase.

Pork Tamago... volume was rather small but still went well with my beeru. 

Goya Champuru... wish it had more volume. 

The chef and I assume manager was non stop busy... 

You can see the stage in the back. 

Next up Okinawas favorite Gurukun fish. 

Its rather a small fish but then again great with Orion beer. 

Totally missed the Taco Rice! One of my favorite Okinawa soul foods.  Next time!

I have never seen a restroom so immaculate! 

Overall its Okinawan comfort food and service was great.  If in the area goto Hanagasa!

Restaurant: Hanagasa Okinawan Restaurant

Restaurant JP: 沖縄料理 はながさ 西中島店

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270301/27085443/

Address J: 大阪府大阪市淀川区西中島4-2-3

Address E:Osaka, Yodogawa Ward, Nishinakajima, 4 Chome−2−3 西中島ビル

MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/xRgs9duVAPcR4q3G6

西中島南方駅, 西中島南方駅, 沖縄料理, 生演奏, ライブ、民謡, Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station, Japan, Japanese, Osaka, foodie, yelp, tokyobelly, okinawa, pub, bar, live music, band, Canon S120, sake,