Aiste Miseviciute of Luxeat is a friend who put chef Bruno Menard on my radar. My first time to try chef’s cuisine was at a wine dinner at the Imperial Hotel with Don Melchor wines. I was taken in with not only the cuisine, but chef’s fine touches on the dishes to pair them with the…
Category: event
Tsukiji Wonderland
Tsukiji Wonderland is a documentary on the world’s largest fish market. As Tsukiji Market was scheduled to move to Toyosu on November 7th this year, this movie was a chance for the director to capture the market to share with the world. The movie currently being shown in Tokyo is only in Japanese with a…
Umami International Symposium 2016
The International Umami Symposium 2016, was held in Yokohama on Sunday, June 5th. The presenters consisted of chefs and scientists and revealed many new insights. Some highlights from my notes: Fire and fermentation are two ways to change umami in food. At two months a baby can understand umami flavor and has an innate preference…
Nose-to-Tail at the New York Grill (May 16-23)
The Park Hyatt Tokyo’s New York Grill offers a special menu from May 16-23, 2016. The Nose-to-Tail wagyu event is a five-course event for meat lovers. Chef de Cuisine of the New York Grill and Bar Federico Heinzmann is from Argentina. Federico was saying that Argentines eat about 55 kg of beef a year,…
Sumo 101
When I first lived in Japan in the late 80s, there was a great wrestler named Chiyonofuji, nicknamed “The Wolf”. He was very strong and handsome. I became hooked on sumo. We went to Ryogoku to the Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo and watched from the cheap seats in the last row. A decade later I…
Park Hyatt Tokyo Kozue’s Tohoku Heroes
Kozue at the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a lovely spot for Japanese cuisine. At lunch if the skies are clear you have a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji. At night the city twinkles below you. Two years ago Kozue did a special Tohoku menu to show their support for three prefectures that were hit hard…
Chikalicious NY Dough’ssant in Tokyo
For a limited time, Chikalicious NY dough’ssant is available at Ginza Matsuya. I still have yet to try a Cronut, but today while walking through Ginza Matsuya I saw what I thought was a Cronut. There are a few shops making these in Tokyo. The only one that I have liked until now is The…
2015 FoodEx
FoodEx Japan started today and runs through Friday. It is held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. A few highlights included tasting through Finland’s Kyro Distillery’s portfolio. I had never tried a single malt rye whisky that had not been aged in a barrel yet, the Juuri. Lacking the tannins from the barrel it was brighter…
Noma Japan at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
The culinary event of the century. Chef Rene Redzepi and his team in Japan. 60,000, yes, sixty-thousand people, on the waiting list. I was lucky as I was contacted by someone in New Zealand who had a lunch reservation but could not make it. I didn’t believe that I was actually going until we checked…
Chef Narisawa’s Kitchen Car – One of Japan
Starting January 7 and running through March 8 adjacent to the Diner’s Club Ice Rink in Roppongi, chef Yoshihiro Narisawa is serving cuisine from his first Kitchen Car. I much prefer the name the Japanese have given to food trucks, kitchen cars. If you are at all familiar with chef Narisawa’s gorgeous and spacious kitchen at…
Aoyama Farmer’s Market
Food Sake Tokyo is delighted to host guest blogger Janice Espa. Janice is passionate about food and Japan. She is a great photographer and all of the photos here are from Janice. Janice’s most recent guest post on the Best of Japan Tour now being offered at Coredo Muromachi in Nihonbashi, is very popular and some followers…
World’s Greatest Wine Festival
My dear friend Yamada-san September 11, 2001 was a day that changed my life. I had worked as a cellar rat at Windows on the World. A friend of mine, who also started out with me working in the wine cellar, had just been promoted at WOW. We had a wine class together on September…
ABC Kitchen’s Chef Dan Kluger at the Park Hyatt Tokyo
Toast, ricotta cheese, and kabocha puree. It doesn’t get much more simple than this, yet the combination of flavors and contrast of textures was blissful. I was satisfied and ready to call it an evening as it was so delicious. The toast is seasoned with olive oil and then pan-fried. This is exactly what I…
Park Brewery at Park Hyatt Tokyo
Now that the rainy season has ended summer is officially here. Temperatures are soaring and while many are cooling down at beer gardens on department store rooftops, a great all-you-can-drink craft beer offer is at the Deli in the Park Hyatt Tokyo. The Deli has been doing this summer only special for five…
Sepia Chicago at Park Hyatt Tokyo
It’s always nice to go home. Ten years ago, I left New York City to pursue a career in food and wine in Tokyo my first job was as the sommelier at the New York Grill and Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. It’s an amazing hotel and one of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo….
Asahi Super Dry Extra Gold Bar – Summer Only Bar
As summer is approaching Japan’s big beer companies are shaking things up with new bars and products. Asahi Super Dry Extra Gold Bar Shinjuku opened today and will run through September 30th. It is located just outside of Shinjuku Station’s Nishi Guchi exit at Concourse MB on the 1st floor. It’s a standing bar only….
Hanami 101
Each spring cherry trees around Tokyo blossom while friends, families, and co-workers gather under the blossoms to enjoy the ritual of hanami. If you are lucky to be in Tokyo this week, it is the quintessential Japanese experience. A few tips on how to best enjoy hanami. Most essential is to pick up a bentō. The best place…
Jack Daniels Pop-Up Bar in Ginza
Now through March 22nd in Ginza (Ginza 2-6-3) there is a pop-up Jack Daniels bar. Hours are weekdays 17:00 – 22:00, Saturday 13:00 – 22:00, Sunday and holidays 13:00 – 21:00. No table charge, as you will find at a lot of bars. And light snacks are also served.
Amour du Chocolat at Takashimaya
Kyushu Shochu Chocolates Junmai Ginjo Saké and Uméshu Chocolates Tengumai Saké with Tsujiguchi’s Nama Chocolate * all photos are from the Takashimaya website If you are traveling to Tokyo between now and February 14th, be sure to stop by a department store to check out all of the chocolates that are for sale. Valentine’s Day…
Gourmet Fair at Tokyu Toyokoten in Shibuya ウマすぎグルメ祭
This looks like it will be a great fair. The Umasugi Gourmet Fair at Tokyu Toyokoten. (loosely translated as too delicious gourmet fair) A wide variety of food including Chinese soup dumplings, karaage (juicy Japanese fried chicken), ramen, and much more. Tokyu Toyokoten in Shibuya. 8th floor. Note that the event closes at 6:30 p.m….
Hokkaido Food Fair in Ikebukuro 春の北海道うまいもの会
Ramen, uni donburi, hairy crab shumai, and much more seafood. Sweets from egg custard, Marusei butter sandwich, Royce chocolate potato chips and more at the Hokkaido Food Fair in Ikebukuro Seibu. Event is from Thursday, March 22nd to Tuesday, April 3rd on the 7th floor of the South (Minami) building. Note that the event closes…
Shikoku Food Fair at Shinjuku Odakyu 四国・山陽の観光と物産展
Starting today, March 21st to Tuesday, March 27th at Shinjuku Odakyu on the 11th floor is the Shikoku Food Fair. Highlights include seafood, fresh fruit, and of course udon noodles. There are a few eat-in counters including katsuo tataki donburi (see photo above), ramen, and udon. Note that the event closes at 5 p.m. on…
Kyoto and Kyushu Food Fairs
Wagashi, vinegar, nama yuba, and much more to be had at the Kyoto Fair at Ikebukuro Tobu. One of my favorite products in my pantry, kuro shichimi (photo) is from Hararyokaku. The black shichimi is used the same as regular shichimi, but for me it has a more mellow, rounder flavor. Thursday, March 15th to…
Kagoshima, Iwate, and Kyushu Food Fairs in Tokyo
Three great food fairs starting Wednesday, March 14th through Tuesday, March 20th. Don’t miss the shochu at the Kagoshima Fair at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi’s 7th floor. Show your support for Iwate at Nihonbashi Takashimaya’s 8th floor. If you are in Shinjuku, then don’t miss the Nagasaki castella cake, Satsuma-age fish cakes, and Nagasaki champon noodles at…
Tohoku Event at Ikebukuro Tobu
Tohoku Event at Ikebukuro Tobu
Thursday, March 8th to Tuesday the 13th, Ikebukuro Tobu will be sponsoring a Tohoku event promoting food, sake, and crafts from the Tohoku region. Highlights include local jizake and ramen from Kessenuma.
Event details can be found here. The event is on the 8th floor and closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Go and show your support for Tohoku.
Kyoto Food Fair at Nihonbashi Takashimaya 第26回 美食の京都展
http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/tokyo/top/img/info_120307_tokyo.pdf
Wagashi, bento, and much more from Kyoto are at the Kyoto Food Fair from Wednesday, March 7th to Monday, March 12th on the 8th floor of Nihonbashi Takashimaya. Note that the event closes at 6 p.m. on the final day.
Ohmi Food Fair at Nihonbashi Takashimaya 第24回 琵琶湖夢街道 大近江展
Ohmi wagyu is considered by some to be the best wagyu that Japan produces. Here is your chance to try it in a bento. Other highlights include ayu from lake Biwako and regional wagashi (confectionaries). The event runs from Friday, February 24th to Thursday, March 1st. Nihonbashi Takashimaya on the 8th floor event space. Note…
Antenna Shop Food Fair at Shinjuku Keio 京王新宿店でアンテナショップ＆ご当地グルメ展
Friday, February 24th to Tuesday, February 28th, Shinjuku Keio on the 7th floor event space is holding a gourmet fair of antenna shops featuring food and beverages from throughout Japan. Click here to see photos of some of the many offerings. Note that the event closes at 5 p.m. on the final day.
Wine Fair at Shinjuku Isetan
Isetan in Shinjuku is hosting an international wine fair starting Wednesday, February 22nd to Monday, February 27th. The event takes place on the 6th floor and closes at 6 p.m. on Monday. Highlights include a wide selection of Japanese wine, including my favorite Japanese winery, Coco Farm and Winery in Tochigi. There is of course…
Ekiben, Hokkaido, and Shimane Food Fairs in Tokyo
Today starts three food fairs in Tokyo. Get this amaebi donburi at the Hokkaido Food Fair at Tobu Ikebukuro (8th floor event space) running through January 24th. Select from over 200 ekiben at Shinjuku Keio’s event also through January 24th. At Shibuya Tokyu Toyoko Ten on the 8th floor is a Shimane Food Fair running through…
Sushi and Bento Fair at Ikebukuro Seibu 寿司・弁当とうまいもの会
Ikebukuro Seibu will host a Sushi, Bento, and Delicacies food fair from Friday, January 6 – 18, 2012 on the 7th floor. (Note that the event closes at 6 p.m. on both the 12th and 18th.) Regional food and sake from throughout Japan are available. Highlights include sushi from Ginza Kyubey (Jan. 6-12) and ramen…
Akita and Tohoku Food Fair at Shinjuku Odakyu
Now through Monday, January 9th at Shinjuku Odakyu on the 11th floor is the Akita-ken to Michinoku Bussanten food fair of products from Akita and Tohoku. Highlights include the Nihonkai no Sachi donburi posted above from Aomori, seafood on the rice bowl include salmon, ikura, uni, and hotate. Also look for bouzushi or presed sushi of…
Hakodate Zundou at Shibuya Tokyu Food Show ずんどう
Thanks to Robbie Swinnerton for pointing out that the famous ramen shop Zundou from Hakodate in Hokkaido is at Shibuya’s Tokyu Food Show (until this Thursday) on his blog. Zundou sells a great bottled spicy takana with red chili peppers that we love over rice. If you are in Shibuya, stop by Tokyu Food…
Nihonbashi Takashimaya’s Aji Hyakusen Gourmet Food Fair 第32回 グルメのための味百選
It is that time of year again, my all-time favorite gourmet food fair at Nihonbashi Takashimaya. It is also very popular with the customers so I suggest coming early in the day as the event gets very crowded. Takashimaya brings in the top restaurants and food purveyors from around the country twice a year for…
Hokkaido Food Festival at Nihonbashi Takashimaya
Now through Monday, October 10th, at Nihonbashi Takashimaya on the 8th floor, is a great Hokkaido Food Festival. Highlights include pop-up restaurants serving sushi from Hokkaido seafood like ikura, uni, and crab, local ramen, and grilled pork over rice. Lots of sweets, seafood, and cheese. Check out this promotional flyer for photos of some of…
Tuscan Food Fair at Shinjuku Isetan
Now through Monday, October 10th, at Shinjuku Isetan on the 6th floor, is a food festival promoting the great food and wine of Tuscany. From pizza to gelato to wine, there is a wide variety of products available. Note that the event ends at 6 p.m. on Monday.
Hanamaru Market Food Fair at Shinjuku Odakyu
Hanamaru Market is a morning television variety program. While it is not a food program, it introduces the favorite food of each day’s guest. I have found this program a great way to be introduced to products I would not necessarily come across. Food items include regional items from guests’ hometowns to some local favorites…
Hokkaido Food Festival at Ikebukuro Tobu
Running now through Tuesday, September 27th at Ikebukuro Tobu is a big Hokkaido Food Festival. My favorite food to pick up here is always the amazing bento, both seafood based but also including some wagyu. I am always a fan of the seafood from Sato Suisan, like the bento layered with uni, ikura, and crab…
Tohoku Food Festival at Takashimaya Nihonbashi
This weekend through Monday the 12th, stop by Takashimaya Nihonbashi’s 8th floor (large event space) for a special food festival featuring the food of the Tohoku region. My mother is from Yamagata so Tohoku holds a very special place in my heart. Shinji also works with many fishermen from Aomori to Iwate and Miyagi…
Hokkaido Food Festival at Shinjuku Odakyu
Just a reminder that the Hokkaido Food Festival at Shinjuku Odakyu runs through this weekend. If you are near Shinjuku, stop by Odakyu department store. Click here for more details.
Okinawa Fair at Shinjuku Isetan めんそ〜れ〜大沖縄展
Shinjuku Isetan will hold a Okinawa Festival, including many local foods and awamori, shochu made from Thai rice, from Wednesday, July 27th to Monday, August 1st. The event closes at 6 p.m. on the final day and is held on the 6th floor of the main building. This is a great opportunity to try Okinawan…
Gotta Go – The Sake Fair on June 15th in Ikebukuro
The do not miss event for any sake aficionado, The Sake Fair, will be held on June 15th in Ikebukuro. A rare opportunity to try up to 450 nihonshu (impossible, but nice to dream about) at one time. And all for the bargain price of 3,500 JPY (3,000 JPY if you purchase ahead of time)….
Yamagata Food Fair at Nihonbashi Takashimaya 第9回 やまがた展
Nihonbashi Takashimaya was my home for two years. I loved working in the depachika and one of my favorite part of the job was the special food fairs held on the 8th floor of the department store, not in the basement where we were most of the time. Starting this Wednesday through Monday, the 30th,…
Wagashi Fair at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi 第65回全国銘菓展
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi will host its 65th festival of famous wagashi purveyors. This is one of my favorite events at Mitsukoshi as the variety and beauty of wagashi is so impressive. Best of all, artisans are handcrafting edible works of art at some of the stalls so it becomes an education on how delicate and intricate…
Okinawa Food Fair at Keio Department Store in Shinjuku
Keio department store in Shinjuku will showcase the unique food of Okinawa at a food fair from Thursday, May 12th to Tuesday, May 17th. Do stop by if you are in Shinjuku. Highlights include an eat-in corner where you can order a bowl of the local noodles, soki soba. Other foods to try include rafute,…
Hokkaido Food Fair at Keio in Shinjuku
An insider’s tip when visiting department stores is not to limit yourself to the basement’s depachika. Inquire at the concierge if there is a special food event on the event floor, usually the top floor. Today through April 12th at Keio in Shinjuku the food of Hokkaido is featured on the 7th floor. Hokkaido is…
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