good eats around japan

I'm in Shibuya once again, but this time at Wired Cafe on the 6th floor of Q-Front, which is a lot like Tower or Virgin. Internet here is free when you order stuff, so I got a raspberry tiramisu. I think they ran out of ladyfinger cookies to make it with though, because they used Frosted Flakes... not that that's a bad thing.

Anyway, here are some reviews of the restaurants I visited today~

Omete-Sando/ Harajuku

“Seven Seas”

Lunch Buffet – 1500yen

This is a fantastic lunch buffet very characteristic of the Japanese culture. The cuisine itself is not entirely Japanese, ranging from ham mousse quiches to tonkatsu and curry to bortsch, it’s its preparation and execution that makes his upscale joint a popular place for housewives to unwind while their husbands are away. Flavors are delicate, and don’t overwhelm the palatte, as many American buffets tend to do. When compared to most American buffets, the selection may seem minimal, but as with most of Japan, it’s about quality over sheer quantity. The care taken into each dish is apparent. Dishes aren’t served in large metal tubs, heating over boiling water, but rather in ceramic dishes. For 1500yen a person, the Seven Sea’s lunch buffet is highly recommended even if you're not in the Omote-Sando area.

Ginza Line => stop at Omote-Sando => Exit B5

Restaurant in underground, two escalators up from exiting the station.

Located in a plaza known as Diamond Hills, along the stretch of Omote-Sando hills, ripe with plently of window-shopping locations ranging from Prada to Ralph Lauren. woot woot.

^f-ing AWESOME chicken.

Odaiba

“Gazen”

Izakaya (Japanese-style tapas) => 200yen – 800yen

Izakaya translates to “snack bar,” essentially, but it’s far from the bags of Doritos and the bowl of mixed nuts that one may associate with the term “snacks.” Izakaya can be likened to the Spanish tapas, appetizer-sized dishes that are relatively inexpensive are perfect for sharing. With enough for a generous bite-sized serving for 4 or 5 people, these dishes are popular amongst Japanese businessmen looking to unwind after work. Izakaya restaurants are also a great place to go for wide selection of local beers and mixed drinks.

Tokyo Decks is Odaiba’s landmark mall, home to Joypolis, the amusement park run by Sega. Each floor is decorated to look like an old fashioned street market, with stone pathways adorned by paper lanterns. Each floor is a different culture, for example, the 6^th floor is called Little Hong Kong. Be mindful though, Tokyo Decks is two separate buildings, so manage your time wisely between the two. Little Japan on the 4^th floor of the building opposite Little Hong Kong is definitely worth checking out.

After splurging your holiday budget on all sorts of little knick-knacks, a buffet might not be what you have in mind, especially at 2000yen a person. Unfortunately, when it comes to dinner options, many of the restaurants on the 5^th and 6^th floors of Tokyo Decks are buffets. So instead, give izakaya a try and head up to the 6^th floor to a restaurant called Gozen.

With a view of the Rainbow Bridge that absolutely can’t be beat, and devilishly romantic, Gozen is great place to unwind. Try the ozashiki (Japanese mat) seating for the full Japanese experience. Their tuna and avocado summer rolls and Agedashi-style tofu come highly recommended. Although a seasonal dish, their stewed Daikon radish with pork is an award-winner at competitions. If they have it, it’ll be on a laminated insert. Unfortunately, the inserts are in Japanese, so ask for a translation if possible.

Yurikamome Line => stop at Odaiba Kaihi-Koen

Exit heading towards Tokyo Decks (look for the yellow labels next to the map that’ll lead you in the right direction)

Gozen is on the 6^th floor of the building on the right~

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So by now I finished my tiramisu and ordered some random tea so it wouldn't look like I was just sitting here pilfering internet, but it turns out this tea tastes like balls. Well, not really, it's one of those odd flavors that only tastes odd because you're not sure what it is you're tasting, but once you know what it is, it's not that odd anymore. You know?

... yeah.

For everyone back in the States, Office season finale tonight!!

// tim