ROPPONGI: Gatten Sushi (Below Outback Steakhouse)...friendly Kanpai's!

I'm usually one to stick with what I like...  centering around three very basic things; quality of food, atmosphere but most of all service.  Was a regular at Tsukiji Sushi-ko (on the corner of Roppongi Crossing) for several years until a new sushi chef so obviously decided to serve me less portion than the Japanese customer sitting shoulder to shoulder with me at the counter.  But ultimately the regular sushi chefs rotated out of the Roppongi shop and the new staff seemed to assume customers were just tourists thus service lacked.  Then I  got hooked on Sushi Zanmai (2 shops in Roppongi).  Great staff... nice atmosphere and the occasional 1/2 off Tuna special was too good to pass up.

I've seen Sushi Gatten a few times on my way to Outback but never ventured inside.  Brand new shop and a bit hidden away...hmm could the fish be fresh... but Mari convinced me to give it a try plus their 130yen Chu-Toro (Fatty Tuna) was such a deal compared with SushiZanmai 298yen.

The shop is only a few months so the wooden interior is immaculate, service was just beyond good and the quality of fish very consistent and sooo tasty...especially the Chu-Toro (fatty tuna).  I really can't see myself going anywhere else from now on.

250yen "Otooshi" (Appetizer that comes automatically if you order alcohol).  If you can't eat whats brought out just return it right away...otherwise you will be charged 250yen per person. You'll encounter this at most Japanese restaurants/izakaya's.

Raw Scallop and Ama-Ebi with 3 shrimps! Normally 2 at any other shop! Well other than Roppongi Tsukiji Sushi-ko on the corner that sliced one tiny piece in half and evenly spread it over the rice... that was my last straw.

Our way too cool Sushi Chef. Mr. Watanabe.  Check out their name tags. Hometown, hobbie and name written. A conversation starter~.  Don't be surprised if the staff Kanpai's with you on your first sip of beeru.

** MENU's are all in ENGLISH **

A few things in the restroom. Little touches make a difference.

And when you are done just ask for "Agari" and the waitress will bring you a free cup of Hot Green Tea.

SHOP: Gatten Sushi 江戸前がってん寿司

Location: ROPPONGI
Address J: 東京都港区六本木6-1-3

Address E: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi 6-1-3 (Just look for Outback Steakhouse 2F).

Website: http://www.gatten.co.jp/contents/gatten/

Foodie Blog: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1307/A130701/13101346/

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IKEBUKURO: Giant Gyoza's at Ginza Tenshu

Normally gyoza's are those little fried dumplings that accompany a great bowl of Ramen but if you are craving just Gyoza then visiting Ginza Tenshu in Ginza (http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13002427/)or Ikebukuro (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g067059/) is a must.  We went for spicy Chicken Banbanzee (sp?) 580yen, mushroom soup 200yen and the 11inch 6 piece Gyoza/Rice set 870yen.  You can tackle the Gyoza's on your own but after 3 you'll definitely get overloaded on those things and want something else... best to share those.  Not something i'd go out of my way for but if you are in the Ikebukuro/Ginza area its a good time.

870 yen Gyoza/Rice Set.

Mini Ebisu Beer's 350yen.

Either mushroom or corn soup... forgot. But had a great flavor...similar to Tonkotsu Ramen Soup.

Banbanzee Spicy Chicken...had a kick to it. On a bed of cucumbers.

Shop: Ginza Tenshu
Location: Ikebukuro TOBU Dept Store 11th Floor.
Address E: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Nishi Ikebukuro 1-1-25
Address J: 東京都豊島区西池袋1-1-25 池袋東武スパイス １１Ｆ
Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13023074/
Gnavi website: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g067059/
Map:

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ROPPONGI: Savoy Bar Pizzeria and Taco-Yaki! (New Open Nov. 14, 2009)

***FYI: SAVOY is No Longer Sharing this Space***

What... I don't have to go out of my way to have an amazing Savoy Napoli Pizza?  I'm a huge fan of Savoy (both Azabu Juban http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88CZjpDNAyg  http://savoy.vc/azabu/shop.html thats located about a minute from the huge Roppongi Tsutaya Starbucks and Minshuku branch http://savoy.vc/misyuku/shop.html) and randomly checked out their website last week to find there was a brand new Savoy Bar in Roppongi!  Mari and I hit up Fridays for Drinks, Sushi Zanmai for a little sushi and ended at Savoy Bar for an amazing Napoli style pizza and a unique addition... Taco Yaki balls.

Jazz BGM, quick service, cheap beer 380yen and on top of the memorable food the atmosphere was very relaxing... there are 2 counters and 2 wine barrels for tachinomi (standing/drinking) on the 1st floor.  One counter near the entrance faces the bar/dude making Taco-Yaki and the other is along the back where you get a pefect view of the Pizza dude making the pizzas... and there are 2 wine barrels behind the counter seating.

 Great smaller cozy low sitting tables/booths (semi-private) on the 2nd floor... low lighting and looked very comfy.

 If you want pizza there is no better place than Savoy in Tokyo... except for another favorite in Jiyugaoka called FERMATA (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g158638/).  You WON'T be disappointed!

Clear view of the Pizza guy from the back counter seats.

Location: ROPPONGI (1 minute from Exit #5 and just take your first right after Family Mart).

Address: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi 3-11-2

Hours: M-F 7pm-5am (Last Order)., Sat 6pm - 10:30pm (Last Order), Sun/Holidays Closed.

Website:  http://savoy.vc/

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ROPPONGI: Friday's Happy Hour! 50% Off All Drinks.

Need a place to hang out before meeting up with friends or a great pre-drink spot before heading out? Can't beat FRIDAY's 50% off drinks from 5-7pm.  The best value is probably the Large 600yen Draft Beer (about pint+ size) that will cost ya only 300yen... other than that there are great Alcoholic/Non-alcoholic shakes (the Oreo Ice Cream shake looked great). Drink Menu http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g572206/menu5.htm or http://www.tgifridays.co.jp/html/menu.html

If you show the bartender this coupon it should take 10% off your bill (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g572206/map1.htm).   Oh, the bartender will let you know around 6:55pm that last order is about over... you can stock pile drinks if you want to stay longer.

Asked about the bartender bottle tossin show but that usually happens around 9-10pm... but might get lucky and watch them do a little somethin somethin.

The hostess was bilingual and menu in English so easy easy. No worries if you are alone, there were quite a few foreigners there enjoying a drink at the bar counter.

Location: ROPPONGI (About a minute from the intersection... if you reach McDonalds or Don Qujiote you've gone too far).

Address: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi 3-12-6

Tel: 03-5412-7555
Website: http://www.tgifridays.co.jp/html/

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AZABU JUBAN: A light night at Bistro Juban Stand (Standing Bar).

If you are in Azabu Juban and a bit confused as to where to start off or need a spot to have a drink before your party shows up then check out Juban Stand (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a023701/).  Only about a minute from Oedo Line Azabu Juban line... Take exit #4 and take a left the fork in the road (or "V" in the road)... ZENSHO decided not to renew its Wendy's franchise but you'd normally walk to the left of Wendys.

Can't get enough of their demigrais motsu stew~.

Beers start at 390yen but a bit on the very small size... dude, these mugs are tiny.

Used the Gnavi coupon (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a023701/map1.htm) for a free daily appetizer, show them this coupon via your mobile or print it out~.

Shop: Bistro Juban Stand

Station: Azabu Juban (Oedo or Nanboku)

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1307/A130702/13019903/

Shop Website: http://azabu-style.co.jp/index.html

Address J:  東京都港区麻布十番2-1-9

Address E: Tokyo, Minato-ku, Azabu Juban 2-1-9

MAP: 

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