Lost In Translation

Gachimaya

I found a new Okinawan restaurant in Nakano off the shotengai, Gachimaya, that has a reasonable taco rice lunch set at ¥700

Pizza Studio Tamaki

I had been hearing good things about Pizza Studio Tamaki in Akebonbashi (now there's a second shop in Roppongi). And it lived up to the hype, it was one of the best pizza's I've ever had with perfectly cooked crust with a hint of salt in the mix. I got the Diavola with handmade sausage.

The appetizer plate with a flavorful mushroom and super fresh vegetables and hand made meatballs was also notable.

The meal ended with one of my favorite desserts-tiramisu. I will be back to try other pizzas and appetizers.

440 Broadway

There's another great Mexican food alternative in Ebisu a stone's throw from my old apartment at 440 Broadway Taco Shop. Pictured is the small sized chicken burrito, which was totally filling and warmed up handmade tortillas with guacamole.

Yaumay

I recently tried a new dim sum restaurant in Marunouchi, Yaumay. It has a very sophisticated atmosphere and great food. However, it is a bit pricey. It's not the kind of place I'll be eating at regularly, but definitely worth it on occasion.

Crispy bean curd and prawn cheung fun

Poached Peking dumpling

Stir-fried baby bak choi, garlic

Sichuan won ton

Seasame prawn toast

Siu mai

Lychee martini

Char siu bao

Shimpo

I first heard about Shimpo, a seafood izakaya and the highest rated-restaurant in Nishi Ogikuo on Tabelog, on Facebook from a guy who used to live in Japan. I can see why it is so popular, it is one of those place that hasn't changed the decor in 30 years and survives by their reputation of serving the freshest seafood available. Above is the mixed seafood sashimi plate-plenty of challenges there for me, but I finished every bite and gained a better appreciation for uni and scallops.

These oysters from Sanriku, Iwate were massive and tasted of the ocean.

Even the "otoshi" (seating charge appetizer) was tasty-buri and daikon in broth.

Back From The Grave: 5,6,7,8's & Jackie And The Cedrics

I saw a double bill concert, the 5,6,7,8's and Jackie and the Cedrics, in Shinjuku at a live house called "sinnjuku red cloth": the 5,6,7,8's are most famous for their appearance in Quentin Tarantino's film Kill Bill. They play 60s style garage rock. I first saw them while in graduate school in Bellingham in the mid-90s at the "Garage Shock" musical festival held yearly by Estrus Records.

I also saw the other band, Jackie and the Cedrics , at the same festival in Bellingham.

Chimoto

I hesitated visiting Chimoto because I thought it was only a Japanese confectionery shop, but I had noticed some people eating noodles. So I finally stopped by and had a great bowl of mushroom soba for less than ¥800-I'll be back.

The Dark Side Of Tokyo Tour

Not long ago I saw a Raizo Ichikawa period film in which the protagonist mentions that he is staying at Jokanji Temple, which I learned was still around and was known for being the dumping grounds of 25,000 Yoshiwara (a famous red light district in Tokyo) prostitutes. This information came from a 2002 article from The Japan Times on a dark history tour of Tokyo.

The first stop was at Minami Senju station in Arakawa ward. This is the fomer Kozukappara execution grounds where 100,000 to 200,000 people were executed. It is located near two temples, the one on the right is Kozukahara Eko-in (in the above and below photos).

The second temple is Enmeji Temple.

The next stop was Minowa Station to visit the aforementioned Jokanji temple.

Next stop was Iriya Station to visit the famous Yoshiwara red light district, here is Yoshiwara Shrine.

There are still some shady activities going on today in the area that was known as "Yoshiwara"-it is now "Senzoku 4 chome."

Historical marker.

Not far from Asakusa where the Sky Tree resides.

The final stop was at Kodemmacho Station which used to have Denma Rogoku, which used to be Japan's largest prison until 1875. This is Daianrakuji Temple.

The bell tower in Jisshi koen across the street from the temple.

Kitchen Carrot

I've heard good things about Kitchen Carrot in Nish Ogikubo before, so I was finally able to check it out. It is a famous for filling grilled dishes such as the hamburger steak, tomato chicken, and crab cream croquette set with rice and miso soup I got for ¥980. It was excellent and very filling. There are several other options including various sizes of steaks.

Ramen Ishibashi

 A new ramen shop, Ramen Ishibashi opened up in the Pearl Street Center shotengai recently and I finally visited for the first time. They specialize in chicken-broth based soup ramen (salt and soy sauce based flavors) and tsukemen (dipping noodles). I got the basic shio (salt) style for ¥780 and thought it was quite nice. I don't hinkthere's another chicken broth flavored ramen shop in the area, so nice to have another option.