Soccer Madness

My sleeping patterns have been a mess since the world cup started. Especially with the time difference between Japan and South Africa.

A couple midnights ago, we went to Legends to watch the USA vs Algeria game.

Oh my god.

Because they were playing the US game and UK game simultaeously, Legends was packed beyond capacity. We squeezed our way to witness...

the incredible 91st minute goal by Donovan.

This was definitely a Hollwood ending to a rather frustrating game.

Yesterday, we went out to Shibuya to watch the Japan vs Denmark game.. which kicked off at 3:30AM.

The 3 goals by Japan were absolutely flawless!

This is what awaited us outside...

absolute chaos, pure fun!!

CRAZY!

Having a little too much fun at 5:30AM. Love it!

Tonight, off to watch Portugal vs Brazil.

MOOO

The next thing I most look forwarded to in Hokkaido is the

MILK!

Thanks to:

No, I didn't take this picture.. but this cow is cute.

(This picture is for you, シーシー!)

Fresh milk, yogurt, cheese... I love dairy products!

But my absolute favorite is...

Milk soft serve!

Even though it was rainy and I was freezing in my sandals... I could care less.

Just can't resist!

Uomasa (鮨の魚政)

One of the things I was most looking forward to in Hokkaido was to eat seafood. Sushi!

Before our flight, we woke up really early to go to:

Sapporo Wholesale (Fish) Market to eat at:

Sushi no Uwomasa (鮨の魚政)

We made it just in time for our 7:30AM reservation.

Just a warning that the following sushi pictures are impossible to go through without drooling!

We ate MUCH more than these photos, but towards the end I just didn't have the patience to take pictures.

Pretty much just inhaled. It was... HEAVEN.

Lightly-grilled Salmon 炙りサーモン

Chu-Toro 中トロ

Snow Crab ズワイ蟹

Pink Shrimp 南蛮海老

Anago 穴子

Sea Urchin 馬糞ウニ

Spanish Mackeral アジ

Fresh Abalone 生アワビ

Sora (そら)

My first Miso Ramen experience in Sapporo (known for Miso Ramen).

Originally, we were planning on going to a different place but it was raining so we opted to search for one near our hotel.

Sora was one of the only Miso Ramen places where there would always be a decent amount of people.

Exterior. Liked the ghettoness.

Interior.

Miso Ramen. (750yen)

Always thought Miso Ramen would be oily, but this one wasn't.. but it had a strong garlic flavor. Before they served it, they grated fresh ginger (you can see it on top of the charshu).

I must mention though, the Ajitama (flavored soft-boiled egg) was fantastic. One of the best I've had with the perfect runniness of the yolk.

The egg noodles were thicker and very al dente.

Overall, I still wouldn't choose Miso over other broths, but it is a must when in Sapporo.

Daruma (だるま)

An update on our foodie trip to:

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Hokkaido is famous for ジンギスカン(Jingisukan, literally 'Genghis Khan') which is grilled lamb that originated in Japan but was thought to be a dish Genghis Khan and his army ate during war.

Daruma in Susukino was my first Jingisukan experience.

You grill (fresh charcoal) the lamb meat with vegetables.

The marinade was tasty and the onions were super sweet.. so good!

It was really cold (in June!) so it tasted even better!

And luckily we didn't have to wait.

Tiny store that seats only 16 people but people just keep flowing in!

On a side note,

its a world cup frenzy here because Japan won 1-0 over Cameroon!

and amazingly, US tied with UK thanks to this goal:

Lacherir

We found Lacherir while jogging and had wanted to try.

To celebrate our June birthdays, we had a lunch date at this small, intimate french restaurant.

Exterior.

Its a bit hard to find in a residential area.

Menu.

The course started with this.

Carrot pudding on the bottom with green pea & mint soup on top with a chunk of lobster inside.

Mosaic of salmon and fresh spring vegetables.

The concept is simple but it was so flavorful and delicious.

Steamed Whitefish (甘鯛) with a thin ravioli skin & vegetable sauce.

The ravioli skin added to the moist texture of the fish... so amazing!

My main: Quail stuffed with Foie Gras

This was my first Quail experience and it was fantastic.

It was so tender and delicate, just perfect.

Inside of the Quail.

There were two dessert plates and finished the course with Coffee and homemade truffles & marshmallows.

I love Casablanca lillies.

The food, ambiance, service... everything was exceptional.

It was definitely a great start to turning another year older.

Happy Birthday D!

Nirvanam

I get sudden cravings for Indian Curry.

I usually end up going to the same place so this time, 

I decided to look up a new place to try via Tabelog.

Nivanam was the highest ranked Indian place in the area.

Never had Southern Indian food, so it was worth the trip.

The sign outside.

Lunch Buffet for 1,200 yen.

I tried the vegetable curry, creamy chicken curry and roasted chicken (in the middle).

It tasted different than the curry I'm used to, more spices I think.

And instead of Naan, they served Kerala Porotta.

The curry was really delicious and less heavier than normal,

but I do prefer Naan over Porotta.

The view from the street in front of the restaurant is the Tokyo Tower.

*Off on a foodie trip to Hokkaido tonight!

First time in Hokkaido, so I'm suuuper excited!!

Will update when I'm back!