Lost In Translation

Minoringo Curry

I've been menaing to check out Minaringo Curry in Harajku for some time and finally did last weekend. I had to go for the keema curry, which is my favorite. Not exactly Indian, but a good approximation for a Japanese restaurant.

Showa

Won ton ramen at Showa in Sasazuka. Not bad at all.

Great Burger: Cafe Hohokam

Perhaps it comes as no surprise that Cafe Hohokam has excellent burgers, since it is associated with another Harajuku gourmet burger joint, The Great Burger. It has a Southwestern American theme and outdoor seating on an open balcony-so lots of ambiance. I always try the standard cheese burger to taste the quality-and this is definitely one of the best burgers in town. I see that they have added a pastrami sandwich, which I'll be back to try later.

WP Goldburger

This was my first trip to Shibuya's WP Goldburger, which was somewhat of a disappointment. The burger had some gristle in it, which I didn't appreciate. You can have your choice of french fries or mashed potatoes, also narrrow counter space, but there are a couple of tables outside. I think there are better burger options in the area.

White Smoke

Brisket at White Smoke,Texas style BBQ, in Azabu Juban. A little on the pricey side, but well worth it.

Phuan Thai

Phuan Thai is run by "Tick" a half Thai, half Lao woman in Meijiro and is one of my favorite Thai restuarants in Tokyo. Above, is northern style sausage.

Hoy Jor, crispy crab meat in a deep fried wrap.

Spicy beef salad.

Teppanyaki At The Intercontinental Hotel

Kraig, Dad, and me with our chef Maeda san at Teppanyaki at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel. This was my first time to have a proper teppanyaki meal. It was much more reasonably priced for dinner as well-highly recommended.

The first course was Hirame (flat fish) and shrimp-served live!

Eviscerating and cooking the shrimp.

The finished product. All dishes were served withe seasoned salt or sea salt and we were given the choice of three dipping sauces: garlic ginger, onion, and soy based sauces.

This appetizer was aki (mackerel).

The vegetable course included pumpkin, snow peas, bean sprouts, and Korean mochi (pounded rice and dango).

The presentation is always impressive in Japanese cuisine.

Dad and I had sirloin and Kraig went for the Tenderloin. It was Dad's first time to eat wagyu beef.

Big fire!

The set also included rice (garlic rice optional, which I ordered), pickles, and miso soup.

Happy diners.

The view from the 37th floor.

 

In the lobby.

I really enjoyed this meal and highly recommend it!

Yasai Sakeba

On the North side of Shimokitazawa I found another lunch gem, Yasai Sakeba. You have  a choice of seven main dishes (I chose fried chicken above) to go with miso soup, multi grain rice, and six vegetable side dishes.

Joma Cafe: Luang Prabang

The Joma Cafe has locations in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Hanoi. This was my wifi hangout for my last trip. Good coffee and great sandwiches, pizza, soups, salads, and bakery goods.

Luang Prabang Morning Market

Our guesthouse was near the daily morning market, which was full of colorful food like the dried squid above.

Local vegetables.

Here's some pre-cooked foods on offer.

Grilled meats for sale.

 

Buffalo jerky and other dried goods.

This is a dried rat...no joke.

These are big for fresh water fish, ugly too.