Kyoto Sweets

We wandered around Kyoto the following day. 

I love traditional Japanese sweets and in Kyoto, it's the best because they are famous for Matcha. After walking around after lunch, we randomly found

Yamagishi, a Japanese cafe run by an old couple.

Ordered the Matcha Azuki Kanten (抹茶小豆寒天)

I love when the Matcha flavor is strong and bitter.

After dinner before heading back to Osaka, we stopped by Nakamura Tokichi Honten inside of Kyoto Station. Their first store opened 150 years ago and they are famous for Uji Tea.

We shared this Uji Parfait (most of which was devoured by me)

and sipped on Matcha Cappuccinos.

Before going back, we made a quick pit stop at

Mochitsukiya Naomasa a traditional confectionery shop that is famous for Warabi Mochi. Warabi Mochi is probably my absolute favorite Japanese dessert so I was dying to try. 

This man makes all of his confectioneries at his shop. He was so charming and friendly and it was so cool that he used an abacus! 

The 3 in the front are the Warabi Mochi. They are different than other places because these had red bean fillings, but they were so good. The outer warabi just melted and the red bean was the perfect sweetness. Heavenly.

Osaka Eats

Earlier this month, we took a quick weekend trip to Osaka & Kyoto. After arriving in Osaka on Friday night, we went to eat...

Okonomiyaki at

Yukari

They were one of the only Okonomiyaki restaurants that were open late.

After dinner, we walked around Osaka city and had a drink at Mille Caresses, a wine and champagne bar.

The next day we spent in Kyoto (will blog separately) so our last day, before our Shinkansen back to Tokyo, we grabbed a quick Osaka-n snack.

Takoyaki at Hanadako.

Negi-Mayo (Scallion-Mayo) Takoyaki

Definitely a Japanese comfort food.

Meguro-gawa

A couple of days before I left Japan, I went to go see Sakura in Nakameguro. This was my second year in a row making it out to the Meguro River (last year) but this year, I missed 'mankai' (full-bloom). Sakura is so delicate and short lived but I guess that is what makes us look forward to it even more.

This year's sakura felt extra special and beautiful, symbolizing hope and new beginnings after going through such a disasterous March.

My Japan

My friends have started My Japan, a charity photo exhibition. It is a collection of photos of Japan from people all over the world and what Japan means to them. By 'liking' photos through Facebook (Facebook page) or 'commenting' through the website, you are helping out choose the top 50 photos which will be beautifully printed and exhibited to be sold in Tokyo on May 11th. All proceeds from photo sales will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross. Please check the sites for more info, and get involved by sending in your photos, voting and spreading the word! 

きらく亭(Kiraku-Tei)

I don't eat a lot of beef normally, but I definitely enjoy occasional "yakiniku" dinners. Out of all of the yakiniku restaurants I've been to in Tokyo, my favorite still has to be Kiraku-Tei. The restraunt's location is inconvenient (in between Shirokane-Takanawa and Hiroo stations) but the food is excellent and the meat quality is amazing. It's also always packed with reservations so it's best to make them ahead of time.

椿サロンカフェ(Tsubaki Salon Cafe)

In Ginza, there aren't too many cafes that are casual and spacious. I had seen Tsubaki Salon Cafe in a magazine and when I met my friend for coffee in Ginza, I suddenly remembered this place. It's a cafe from Hokkaido, so they have a lot of desserts using milk (supposedly, they are known for their pancakes). The atmosphere was warm and it was so spacious. Not to mention, super inexpensive in Ginza. The interior, vibe and the music were so chill, I'll definitely be returning here when I have time to kill in Ginza.

Exterior.

Interior.

Love that its all wood and the super long center table.

The light bulbs were put in Milk bottles. Clever.

I ordered Coffee Jello with Milk Ice Cream.

The Coffee Jello wasn't that sweet and the milk ice cream was so rich. To my liking.

My friend ordered the Tsubaki Roll Cake which had milk pudding in the middle.

I would definitely recommend this place to take a coffee break or to chat with friends, when in Ginza.

銀笹 (Ginzasa)

Ginzasa was on my list of places I wanted to try. I saw on TV that it opened last October and that the owner used to be a traditional Japanese cuisine chef. When I got there 10 minutes past their opening time (11:30AM), there were people already lined up.

 Ginzasa exterior.

Order: Shio Ramen (800 yen)

Fish and chicken broth with thin Ramen noodles. The two white balls you see are made from whitefish. The attention to the little details were amazing.

It was light, not oily but the flavor of the soup had a lot of depth.

This may be my favorite Ramen I've had so far in Tokyo. It's location is inconvenient, but if I am in the Ginza/Shinbashi area, it is definitely worth a trip back. 

Spring Time in Ginza

Just got back to California.

I had been in and out the last month in Japan... sorry for the lack of updates. I have a lot to blog about...!

一周忌

Went to Fukuoka over the weekend to attend my Grandma's 1st year memorial (一周忌). Sakura was in full bloom at the temple and it was so beautiful.

Nico Donuts

I had read about Nico Donuts and was curious to try because they use soybean in their donuts. It newly opened in Azabu Juban and when I was close by, I decided to swing by to eat one. The donut wasn't oily, the texture was doughy (kind of like mochi) and the exterior had this unique crisp to it.

I returned (with my camera) to get some more and through their website, found out that they use a soy "paste". They had come up with their own way to make the soy into a paste to keep all of the nutrients, minerals, protein and fiber contained in soybean. A healthy donut? Yes, please!

Exterior.

Tiny shop (more like a donut stand). When they run out of dough, they close!

So simple, so good!

Spring

is just around the corner!

Cherry Blossoms have started to bloom in our neighborhood. Sakura and blue skies make me happy!

Bistro Aida

A couple months back as we were walking towards Ebisu Station, we found Bistro Aida hidden on a small back street. It was a tiny, inviting bistro that was packed even on a weekday. We tried to go back soon after but failed to get a reservation. Last week, my boyfriend succeeded in booking a seat for us.

Simple exterior. Only open for dinner.

They only offer the 'Chef's Omakase' course which is moderately priced at 3,800 yen. Every month the menu changes, depending on what's in season.

ヤリイカとクスクスのファルス　イカ墨と白ワインのソース

Couscous stuffed Spear Squid with Squid Ink and White Wine Sauce

I really enjoyed this dish. The Squid was so soft, Couscous was moist and flavorful and it went perfectly with the sauce.  

やさしいムースとテリーヌを贅沢に盛り込んだ2種の前菜　カリフラワーをテーマに

2 Hors d'oeuvres of Cauliflower

The 2 dishes in the front were the cauliflower dishes and the UFO-looking dish in the back was a Pumpkin 'Ice Cream' dish that was a chilled mashed pumpkin.

His: 鯛の新筍包み　桜エビのフリットをのせて

Sea Breem wrapped in Bamboo with Sakura Shrimp Fritters

The fish was cooked so perfectly and the fusion of all of the flavors was amazing. This was my favorite!

Mine: 鴨胸肉のローストとフォアグラのパイ包み(+500yen) 

Roasted Duck Breast with Foie Gras Pie

The duck meat was finely cooked, but the Foie Gras inside the pie was so minimal, it didn't really taste like Foie Gras. 

Inside the pie. You can barely see the Foie Gras. 

松坂豚とキノコご飯　柚子の香り　AIDAスタイル

Matsusaka Pork & Mushroom Rice with Yuzu AIDA-Style

This rice was bursting with flavor! The yuzu added a nice scent and the black and red pepper added a nice kick. Yum.

オレンジシフォンケーキと三種の柑橘系　ショコラショーとロイヤルミルクティーのアイスクリーム

Orange Chiffon Cake with 3-Types of Citrus, Chocolat Chaud & Royal Milk Tea Ice Cream

This was an interesting dessert and it wasn't as heavy as it looks.

Bistro Aida=2 thumbs up!

The food was delicious and unique, the plating was creative and original, the atmosphere was casual and the service was friendly. Not to mention, an excellent deal for less than 4,000 yen. I love restaurants that changes their menu according to what's in season so I will definitely be coming back here!