Drinking Japan
Imbibers in Japan, be on the lookout for Drinking Japan, A Guide to Japan’s Best Drinks and Drinking Establishments. The author, Chris Bunting, has an impressive website on Japanese whisky:
http://www.nonjatta.blogspot.com/
Here is the link to the book on Tuttle Publishing’s website:
http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=48053100473120
Shinjuku Saiseisakaba
Saiseisakaba in Shinjuku is one of my favorite standing bars in Tokyo. Located in Shinjuku Sanchome it is close to Isetan department store.
Brain Sashimi
We asked the server for something unusual to start off with. He suggested brain sashimi. We were game, but when it arrived, my husband Shinji (who is a fishmonger and is accustomed to eating many weird things) was not willing to take the first bite. I dug in and actually enjoyed it, similar in texture to shirako (fish sperm sacs).
Stewed Tongue
Moving onto something cooked we had gyutan (cow tongue) that is simmered for a long time until tender, one of my favorite dishes at Saiseisakaba.
The grill at Saiseisakaba
This interior shot overlooking the kitchen shows the sumi (charcoal) grill. Saiseisakaba also offers a variety of different offal grilled. These foods go with beer, sake, or shochu.
Saiseisakaba English Menu
A friend went recently and sent me the new menu in English. Photo credit to Stephen McCready. Arigato Stephen!
Saiseisakaba 再生酒場
Shinjuku 3-7-3, Marunaka Building 1st floor 新宿区新宿３−７−３、丸中ビル１階
Tel. 03-3354-4829
17:00 – 24:00, no holidays
www.ishii-world.jp/brand/motsu/nihonsaisei/shinjuku3/ (Japanese)
Food Sake Tokyo 