NERIMA: Kerala Bhavan... friendly service with a splash of boring curry and nan

My friends special of the day "800yen Today's Set" had some volume!  Definitely hit this up because compared to my more expensive choice Cost Performance was solid.

My 960yen C-Set with Nan, rice, malai tikka chicken and 2 servings of soupy bland curry! Nan just tasted like low grade bread... you know the budget private brand stuff you buy at the supermarket vs the bakery.  I've never had nan so boring before in both flavor and texture.

Lemony chicken was moist and tender... best part of the meal.

C set comes with a dessert.

This guy provided service with a smile the entire afternoon.  One thing I love about Indian restaurants in Japan is that its one of those rare occasions I can start and end in English.

Closed with a hot milk chai.

Overall would I go back again... hell no!  But I must have just ordered the wrong thing or the locals in Nerima have not tried any amazing Indian spots in town because the foodie ranking was quite high. Anyways if you are in need of a friendly smile and cheery service then by all means go and order the "Today's Set."

Shop: Kerala Bhavan Nerima

Shop Website: http://www.keralabhavan.com/

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1321/A132102/13008993/

Address J: 東京都練馬区豊玉北5-31-4 松村ビル 1F

Address E: Tokyo, Nerima-ku, Toyotama Kita 5-31-4
MAP:

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SUIDOBASHI: Anbai... a standard franchise Izakaya after Football Championships!

Japan X Bowl Championships! I went with a group of Kajima Deer supporters but of course in my heart I was supporting my former CLSA Sales Trader colleague Frank the Tank of the Obic Seagulls!

After a great game full of turnovers and interceptions OBIC continues their 3rd year winning streak

Then off to franchise Izakaya Anbai... very similar to Watami.

How to share Yakitori sticks

Food is simply alright at best but in Japan its all about Nomunication... relaxing and enjoying everyone's company no matter what the setting or how mediocre the food was~.

Met people from Fujitsu, Kajima, Resona, Taisei and Marubeni this night.

Two KAJIMA Deers Cheerleaders stopped by!

But when you drink with older guys be aware... girls usually don't pay and the bill is evenly divided among the guys!  Usually the more senior you are the more you will pay vs your juniors.

I leave you with 3 minutes of the Cheerleaders... before my battery died!

Shop: Anbai Suidobashi Branch

Gnavi Website: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g019648/

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1310/A131003/13022726/

Address J: 東京都千代田区三崎町2-19-4 三崎町MKビル 2F

Address E: Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Misakicho 2-19.4, MK Bldg 2F

MAP:

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IKEBUKURO: Mendokoro Hanada ramen (REVISITED) for Spicy Miso Ramen!

Menya Hanada revisited with the gang... Our final spot after going to Koike for Bonenkai, wandering into my very first nudie bar in Japan then off for some Ramen to close out the night.

Here you go... 10 minutes of Stir Frying ramen with the chef.

Kenta picked out the regular Miso Ramen

Went for the Spicy Miso Ramen this night...

Much like my last review of Mendokoro it was ok I guess... but as always there was good crowd eating up their noodles here.

They sure do go thru alot of bean sprouts!  

For address details just click here:

http://tokyobelly.blogspot.jp/2012/11/ikebukuro-mendokoro-hanada-ramen.html

OIZUMI GAKUEN: Akeshi Izakaya... Super hometown Japanese cookin!

Its been a long time Akeshi but we are back for some great Japanese family style Izakaya foods!

Entered and it was a full house fully booked with reservations at 6:30pm... but but sheer luck someone called in to cancel this corner spot away from all the smoke and noise.  Perfect for a family with small ones.  Parked the stroller next to the table and here we go~

Rarely see yellow Oshibori's.

Remember if draft and bottle beer is the same price always go for the bottle.  I drank with a few beer distributors and they never ever drink draft... flavor changes.

Instant Otoshi

Chicken wings with gyoza stuffing... perfect beer food.

Sliced maguro but still frozen in the center... hmm...

Pork

Fried oysters

And of course we always order the giant Flounder 580yen.

Closed with some Tofu nabe... flavored like sukiyaki

One more dish to completely fill us up... Yaki udon.

This is definitely a great place and having talked to the owner years ago he pays his monthly rent with 2 days of sales... thus he's rolling in the money every month.  He was missing tonight from his usual drinking spot... yup, you'll find him drunk most of the time.  Very very reasonable prices for great Japanese izakaya foods.

Shop: Akeshi

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1321/A132103/13040963/

Address J: 東京都練馬区東大泉5-41-13

Address E: Tokyo, Nerima-ku, Higashi Oizumi 5-41-13
MAP:

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