Lost In Translation

Hokusai Updated

I am a big fan of the ukiyo-e artist Hokusai and when I saw there was an exhibition, Hokusai Updated, with some not seen before works at the Mori Arts Center Gallery I had to stop by despite the usual large crowds.

Tori San Wa

I was in Roppongi to see a museum exhibit and stopped at Tori San Wa at Midtown for Nagoya Cochin oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), which I learned is a specially bred chicken from Nagoya. The set menu (I think it was ¥1200) came with chicken broth and a chicken meatball-very tasty I'll have to try it next time I visit Nagoya.

Korico

I tried a new Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant in Ebisu, Korico. Some of the dishes were better than the others. For example the fusion quesadillas and Bulgogi tacos were good. Ironically the beef tacos weren't all that appealing.

Here's another winner-yangnyeom-tongdak - extra-crunchy deep-fried chicken with a sweet and spicy coating. Here it's served with a sour blue-cheese spread that has the consistency of cream cheese.
 

Toyoda's Cheese Steak

Finally made it over to Hatagaya to try Toyoda Cheese Steak-it's probably the best in Tokyo. I also got a side order of pulled pork. I'll definitely be back.

Da Isa

I had been meaning to get around to trying Da Isa, the award winning Daikanyana pizzareia. I finally made it and they do make a mean Napoli style pizza-Diviola pictured above.

Baan Esan

I've long been told that Baan Esan in Koenji is legit-I finally ate there and concur. Lunch sets for ¥700-this is a seafood fried rice dish.

Lupi 32

I saw that a new local restaurant, Lupi 32, got included as a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection, so stopped by tot check it out. Pizza Diavora.

Kurashi beef from Aomori.

Rigatoni with Kurashi beef and Yonezawa pork. I was really impressed, not cheap, but I'll be back sometime.

Gino Seno

Bacon and cabbage cream sauce penne lunch set with salad and a drink for ¥1000 at Asagayaa Gino Seno Italian restaurant. I'll be back.

Bia Hoi Chop

I recently stumbled on a new Vietnamese shop in Nakano, Bia Hoi Chop, it seems to be connected with the two in Koenji that I often go to: Chopsticks and Binh Minh.

Chicken Pho plus fresh spring rolls and a drink for ¥850 at lunch-a bargain.

Kinten

Kinten is a traditional style tempura shop in Minami Asagaya. I go the tempura set with a variety of tempura 5-6 pieces, miso soup, rice, and pickles for 1800 yen-bit pricey, but delicious.