IKEBUKURO: Osteria Sante for an amazing Birthday Dinner! Plus the friendliest yet a bit mean on occasion Chef! (Sony RX100, iPhone Xs)

Birthday celebrations have nearly stopped after all my friends got married and had kids... but there is always one friend who is a father of 3! that I can count on to set up a little gathering.  

Our all you can drink nomihoudai drink menu had EBISU Beer! Super rare to see this premium beer on a nomihoudai menu. 

Ebisu dark beeru!

1st dish  selection of mini appetizers.

Some specials on the wall.

Sony RX100 vs.. 

...iPhone Xs.  Why is the iPhone so much brighter?

This Ika squid was soooo goood! Seasoned in basil.

Italian music on the BGM

2nd dish a tender meat stew. 

3rd. Thinly sliced potato and bacon in gorgonzola sauce. 

4th. Crab meat pasta!  Sooo incredibly creamy.

The chef! Ive known him for years but even on my birthday he endlessly criticizes my life. I dont take it to heart but he could be nice at least one day a year. 

Grilled LAMB! I havent had this in years... so amazing.

I never drink wine but had to pair the lamb with a glass of red wine. 

Lots of counter and table seating.

Sony RX100 vs...

iPhone Xs... I need to try and tweak the settings on my RX100.   I was just too stuffed to even attempt to eat this chilled pasta with grilled veggies.  

A gift from the chef! Gelato and brownie. 

The one and only birthday card this year with a message from my good friends 3 kids. 

1. Please dont drink too much alcohol.

2. Take are of your health.

3. Please make us great Okinawan Goya gain. 

Dude! Absolutely loved this clip on earphones! Unfortunately they fell my ears on day 1 and broke.

The chef was in Italy for 4 years training at a restaurant and opened his own spot.  Everything is always consistently delicious and his menu is basically what he sources that day.  YOU MUST GO! Let him know Steve aka Sutebu sent ya! 

Restaurant: Osteria Sante

Restaurant J: オステリアサンテ

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13117071/

Homepage: http://www.osteria-sante.com/

Address J: 東京都豊島区池袋2-39-8

Address E: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Ikebukuro 2-39-8

MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1NgVtGquC4yfXyF88

イタリアン、パスタ、居酒屋, 池袋駅, Japan, Japanese, tokyobelly,. foodie, yelp, sony rx100, iphone xs, ikebukuro, italy, italian, wine bar, lunch, dinner, 

IKEBUKURO: Toriikizoku in college town Ikebukuro... short walk away from top ranked Saint Paul's Rikkyo University. (Sony RX100, iPhone Xs)

 

As often as I frequent Ikebukuro I didnt realize there was a Toriki steps away from Ikebukuro Global Ring outdoor theater.  Plan was to visit Kura sushi but the wait was 30-60min. 

In the same building there is a Ginza Lion pub and the Dubliners Irish Pub. 

I arrived at 8:45pm so no waiting list.  Manager asked if I would like to be seated at the counter or at a small booth for 2. 

Nice photo menu so you dont have to scroll too much on the tablet menu. 

3 languages but give the English translation a go... its kinda off.

360yen Mega Kinmugi all me... Japans 3rd beer. 

Rather spacious Toriki... noticed alot both local and foreign students here.

Tori Ten  (Tempura) of course!

Took about 10 minutes to arrive but made to order!

Plum sauce.

Crispy on the outside and chicken sooo juicy. A must!

Free condiments.

Sansyo, Ichimi and a little bowl of soy sauce. 

Spring specials!  Shitake mushroom with meat! 

The shitake mushroom was pretty thick! What a deal for 360 yen! 

There was so much Kpop on the BGM.  Somebody here must be a fan.

Plan was to just order 3 items to enjoy that Senbelo way of life... Sen is 1000 yen and belo means tipsy. 

I actually forgot my wallet and asked the manager if I could Paypay him the money and then he could cover my bill.... Luckily Toriki accepts Paypay!  Overall I really liked this Toriki. I noticed it was much cooler in the entrance area versus the back of the restaurant. 

Restaurant: Torikizoku Ikebukuro Metropolitan Branch

Restaurant J: 鳥貴族 池袋メトロポリタン口店

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13159825/

Homepage: https://map.torikizoku.co.jp/store/348

Address J: 東京都豊島区西池袋1-10-8 サングロウビル 3F

Address E: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Nishi Ikebukuro 1-10-8, 3F

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EF5Mrij2BJ38d3Wt6

焼き鳥、鳥料理、居酒屋, 池袋駅, Japan, Japanese, foodie, yelp, tokyobelly, sony rx100, iphone xs, yakitori, izakaya, pub, bar, cheap, dinner, senbelo, 千べろ、せんべろ、