AKASAKA: Japanese Standing Bar Joe... friendly atmosphere and one coin drinks :)

I've always been a big fan of Joe's in Nishi Azabu but never realized there was a sister shop in Akasaka!  

Draft and Bottle Beers start at 500yen... a fan of any bar that stocks Okinawan ORION Beer :)

Staff was very friendly.

1st and 2nd floors are all standing.  Had a small birthday gathering for a friend.  Place can easily accommodate a nice sized crowd.

Stairs to the 2nd floor.

If you are in the Akasaka area give Joe's a try.  Great price points with appetizers starting at 300yen, great service and conveniently located across from Akasaka Biz Tower.   Just 1-2 minutes from the station too.

Shop: Standing Bar Joe

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1308/A130801/13017582/

Address J: 東京都港区赤坂3-14-5

Address E: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Akasaka 3-14-5
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KABUKICHO: Ramen Jiro... thin noodles lacked that great chewy texture of Jimbocho Jiro. (Elon Musk Visited Here!)

I've always had my eye on this Ramen Jiro in Kabukicho but in the back alleys surrounded by host clubs, love hotels and suspicious folks its really not a spot I'd go out of my way to check out...

But I was in the area catching up with friends so thought I'd give it a try before catching the last train home.  Just line up at the entrance and pick you ramen... standard starts at 700yen

All counter seating.

Went for the 800yen Charsiu ramen

Lots of free toppings!  I ordered the garlic topping and regretted it the next day... fresh garlic lingers waaaay too long.

And there it is!  Not the monster of a ramen like Jimbocho Ramen Jiro...

Noodles were on the thin side... prefer chunky noodles with great texture myself.

Overall it was worth it to check out one time but I don't think I'll ever be back.  Has a respectable foodie ranking of 3.5pts. http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13019616/

Tesla's Elon Musk went to this Jiro!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWub60_ghyt/?hl=en&taken-by=elonmusk

Shop: Ramen Jiro Kabukicho Branch

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13019616/

Address J: 東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1-19-3

Address E: Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Kabukicho 1-19-3

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KAGURAZAKA: Massive 200gram all beef patties grilled to perfection

I recently received an invite from Owner and New York native Eliot-san to visit his shop in Kagurazaka.  

http://martini-burger.com/about/  

Solid menu of things other than Burgers that I didn't expect...the Hummus spotting definitely caught my eye as I will hunt high and low for hummus...  Pita The Great is a must :)

6 different burger selections on buns then there is a signature 200 gram Martini "Toasted English Muffin" Burger.  First time to spot this bagel combination but images of having McD's bagel Egg McMuffin breakfast meals with my American relatives steered me away from the signature dish.  But I'll definitely have to give it a try one day soon.

A bit under the weather so settled for the Lemon-Aide (all non-alcoholic drinks are 300yen).  

Its hard to find great Quesadillas in Tokyo!  Tasty treat with Chili topping but lacked in consistency as some pieces were perfectly balanced with Chicken/Cheese while others seemed to be a bit lonely.

Beautiful interior with bar-like counter seating.  

And thus my owner recommended Brooklyn Burger arrived! Nicely balanced with mushrooms, gouda cheese and bearnaise sauce.

My mac and cheese side dish... 

I love burgers in Japan but never have I encountered 200grams of beef!  In a class of its own and an amazing value with quality in line with The Beacon in Omotesando and Grand Hyatt Oakdoor.

Solid and grilled to perfection by chef Aki-san.  There was a very nice consistent texture throughout the burger and the juiciness was under control as most other spots have me going thru multiple napkins and wet tissues~. 

Friend ordered the Fifth Avenue with Gouda and Chedder cheese with mustard aioli. On the way to the station he commented this burger was excellent.

Home made desserts.

We were incredibly stuffed by the end of the meal but had to give the "Chef Jason's Cheesecake" a try... very rich in texture and would go perfectly with a cup of tea.

Friendly host, beautiful interior and satisfying burgers... A must if you are in the Kagurazaka area.  AND! If you want to know anything about New York definitely chat up bilingual Eliot-san.... he knows everything!

4.18.2013 Congrats to Martini Burger! Featured on a great foodie ranking program "Onegai-Ranking"

http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/onegai/up_rank/130418/index.html#project01

Shop: Martini Burger

Shop Website: http://martini-burger.com/

Foodie Webiste: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130905/13117569/

Japan Times: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fg20110304rs.html

Trip Advisor:  http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1066457-d2638530-Reviews-Martini_Burger-Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Address J: 東京都新宿区中里町31

Address E: Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Nakazotocho 31

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YOTSUYA: KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken for a sad glorious limp Twister!

I was watching TV and noticed a KFC commercial having specials on their normally 300yen priced Twisters.  This has always been my favorite item so walked down to my local KFC in Yotsuya.

Looks like a beauty... stuffed full of crispy lettuce, tasty spicy mayo sauce and a crispy on the outside juicy on the inside piece of chicken.  http://twister.kfc.co.jp/

So when I got home I was greeted with a very limp sad looking twister... FML.  Honestly after living in Yotsuya for nearly 2 years every encounter with Yotsuya KFC has simply led do such a huge disappointment. 

I should have realized everything inside the twister would be lacking and soggy as it only took the lady a quick spin to pick up the pre-made Twister and hand it to me.  I've only had the best experience with KFC in Ebisu that cooks to order so everything is just crispy and perfect... but honestly Yotsuya KFC really sucks balls.   I will never return to this spot... I'm done.

Shop: Yotsuya Eki-Mae KFC

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130902/13124733/

Address J: 東京都新宿区四谷1-3

Address E: Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Yotsuya 1-3

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GAIENMAE: Shinetsu Soba... friendly soba chef

A tiny soba and udon spot that I've been meaning to try for a very long time... 

Ordered the "Ten-Zaru" soba. Just place the chip on the counter.

All standing counter

And there it is... tempura and some seaweed with soba below.  It definitely hit the spot and beats McD's or Ramen when its way past dinner time.  

Chef was very friendly... smiling in the wee hours of the night.

Its almost across the street from the Tesla dealership.

Shop: Shinetsu Soba

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130603/13034142/

Address J: 東京都港区北青山2-13-4

Address E: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Kita-Aoyama 2-13-4

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