Lost In Translation

Doggy's Diner

There's a new American style diner in Aoyama, Doggy's Diner, that specializes in hotdogs and other American food. I tried a chili cheese dog. The sausages are hand made and tasty, but the chili was more like plain black beans and the cheese was nacho cheese sauce. Some of the other menu items looked good so I might be back.

 

 

GQ Best Of In Seattle

Two Seattle establishments got mentions in GQ's year end Food round up, so I'd like to check them out next time I'm in town: 

5. Anchovies & Olives, Seattle 

The best empty restaurant I've ever seen. Anchovies & Olives stays open until midnight in a city where everybody is in bed by 10 p.m. I arrived an hour before closing time. I not only ate alone, I also drank alone—even the bar was vacant. The place, as you might expect, was dark, quiet, and still. I expected to encounter Edward Hopper painting a West Coast version of Nighthawks. All the same, chef de cuisine Charles Walpole was on the job, and his food was everything the ambience was not: bright, vibrant, and lively. So-called Soft Boiled Eggs, hard enough to pick up, the yolks gorgeously creamy, topped with house-smoked tuna. Whole fried baby hake presented on a platter like the one your mother saved from Hickory Farms. Wonderful pastas, some pristinely Italian, like bigoli (thick whole-wheat strands) with garlic, chilies, and artichokes; some exuberantly American, like gnocchi with chunks of swordfish, celery, escarole, and salsa verde. Finally, a real reason to stay sleepless in Seattle.

Quinn's also gets a mention as a great beer bar.

Shamaim

Shamaim, an Israeli restaurant in Ekoda near Ikebukuro, is a Tokyo institution providing healthy, reasonably priced middle eastern fare for many years. I recently had a bonenkai with some coworkers there and it made me realize what a great place it is.

 

Oyakodon

Here's another of my simple lunch favorites "oyakodon" (parent and child rice bowl). It is usually made of chicken, eggs, green chives, and a sauce simmered together then poured over rice.

 

Arms

My search for the perfect cheeseburger continues. This one is from Arms, a great little place near Yoyogi park. It is nicely spiced with tasty special sauce. They also have good chili, and I want to taste the Turkey Pastrami Sandwich next time.

 

Demode 7 Burger

Demode 7 Burger is near Sangubashi station near Yoyogi Park. It has an extensive menu and tasty burgers-a bit miffed that they forgot to put the cheese on the burger while cooking. Good burger, but probably not in the Top 5 in Tokyo.

 

 

Tanuki Udon

Some tanuki udon for lunch.

 

Konig German Deli

When I was in Kichijoji last weekend I stopped in Konig German Deli, a place that had tasty authentic German sausages.

 

 

PhoNam

Nothing like pho on a cold rainy night, this dinner set with a mini curry, is courtesy of PhoNam at Tokyo Midtown.

West Park Cafe

Eggs benedict at the West Park Cafe in Yoyogi Uehara. This is one of my favorite weekend places, because they have western style brunch, burgers, and great sandwiches. Also, this one opens up the windows (see below).