A KFC Christmas
So we’re a day ahead of the US. I can still wish everyone back home a Merry Christmas.
One of the interesting things I learned many years ago is the tradition family Christmas Eve dinner is KFC. Here in Kanazawa (and probably other areas), KFC basically closes down and you’re only able to buy if you’ve pre-ordered.
Combine the party barrel with a Christmas cake, and you’re good to go – Japanese style.
I just had the opportunity to try Haagen Dazs new flavor, “Maple Cookie.” Imagine sweet cream ice cream with bits of graham cracker and maple syrup. It’s pretty much a ramped up version of cookies and cream, absolutely delicious. If you’re in Japan, you need to try this one.
On my trip to Costco the yesterday, I scored! In the beer section, there was this glorious mini-keg of Heineken that was calling my name. For $18 I absolutely had to try it out. Since I do not have the space for a keg fridge, this mini-keg of Heineken was a perfect fit in my small apartment.
Tapping the keg was easy, there are two plastic pieces that fit together on the top, to form the tap, and in a few seconds the perfect pint! As with most kegs, the first glass is all foam, but going forward it’s all good.
After enjoying my first glass, I’m hooked. I don’t know how I will handle bottle/can beer anymore. If you’re into a some imported lager, you definately have to try this one!
Nowadays, most people have heard of all the different kinds of things you can buy in vending machines. I came across this picture of a can of ramen, which I’ve never seen before.
Sapporo Ramen Can is what the label says, for 250 yen. I’m not exactly sure what flavors are shown, but it looks like shoyu (soy sauce) on the left, and miso on the right.
Even though I love ramen a lot… I don’t know if I’d actually want to try this. Is it a drink?? Is it like cup o noodles?? I’ll have to find out!
Source here. [not safe for work]
Nissin Cup Noodles have been around for quite some time. The version they sell in the US was cheap, but not something you’d look forward to eating. You can buy a whole case of the stuff for just a few dollars. Oh, the good ol’ days of college.
Recently, Costco came out with their Kirkland Signature Traditional Japanese Style Cup Noodles. It’s still made by Nissin, but the flavor is so much better, tasting like what you would buy in Japan (read: MSG goodness). The chicken and vegetable variety shown below has little bits of chicken, green onion, carrot, and egg, minus the spongy texture. As the label indicates this is definately a premium product, well as premium as a cup of instant Nissin noodles will get.
In Seattle, a case of 12 costs just $5.59. A little more expensive than the regular variety, but completely worth it. If you like eating this stuff, the it’s worth the $50 Costco membership!
With the ban on American beef lifted in Japan, Yoshinoya was a able to produce 1,000,000 servings of their famous gyudon (beef bowl) for sale across the country. They were all sold yesterday during Yoshinoya’s Gyudon Resurrection Fair. Gyudon is one of my favorite dishes in Japan, and is probably the most popular Japanese fast food. Here are some pictures from a Japanese blogger in Kichijoji (outside of Tokyo). Yoshinoya should reopen on October 1st, and I really hope nothing stops them from staying open when I go back to Japan next winter.
Read more here.
Mmmmm, I’m sitting down to my favorate lunch. A Philly Cheesesteak from Philadelphia Fevre. I actually haven’t tried any other Cheesesteak aside from the places at the mall, but this one is so good you wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. If you live in or visit Seattle, and love cheesesteak, Philly Fevre is a must.
Every so often companies pass out free food samples on the streets by my office. Most recently was Coca-Cola BlaK. I tried it, and it was not for me. I just don't see how coffee flavored cola could be a hit product, it just doesn't taste very good. If I want coffee, I'll drink coffee, if I want to drink Coke, I'll drink Coke; mixing the two is just wrong.
I can't believe I spent so many years in Bellingham without trying this gem of a restaurant. The Oyster Bar located off of Chuckanut drive is a small restaurant with a gorgeous view overlooking the oyster farms on Samish Bay.
As I'm not a fan of raw oysters, I tried the golden pan fried oysters and a cup of crab bisque. Both were wonderful, as were the tender lightly battered fried calamari we had as an appetizer. For desert I couldn't resist the cappucino creme brulee topped with creme fresh, which was very tasty indeed.
The thing that surprised me the most was the level of service, which was excellent. Our server was extremely knowledgable not only about the menu, but also the history of the restaurant and the area.
With the excellent view, wonderful service, and great food with decent prices, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone travelling to Bellingham, WA. The restaurant is fairly small, and due to its popularity, reservations are a must for lunch or dinner, especially in the summer.
Kaiten-zushi or mawaru sushi (as they say in Ishikawa) is a sushi shop with a conveyor belt that circles around the restaurant carrying various types of sushi to all its customers. The big draw of kaiten-zushi is the price; you always know what you’re paying, because the prices are set per plate which are specially designed so that you know the cost of each one. Seattle’s Blue C Sushi is one of these kaiten-zushi restaurants, and is quite popular. Sunday we had lunch at the newly opened University Village location.
After living in Japan for a while, I’ve never really been satsified with any of the usual sushi bars here in Seattle. However, I was quite impressed with Blue C Sushi. Fresh fish, small sized tasty shari (the rice, Blue C uses Nishiki brand), and a hip atmosphere produced a completely enjoyable experience. The Unagi nigiri and California roll were quite good. My wife enjoyed the egg nigiri (it is said the quality of the sushi restaurant can be judged by how good the egg nigiri is). I was disappointed with the spider roll however, cold soft shell crab is not good eats. Spider rolls must be enjoyed warm and crispy.
Blue C’s theme is the Japanese train system. Plates are designed with different colors representing various subway lines, with prices differing according to the color of the plate. Most of the seating is “bar” style, customary of kaiten-zushi places, however there are several booths able to hold up to 4 people, whoever sits on the inside gets to serve everyone sushi. With dim lighting and the techno-esque music louder than most restaurants, it was a bit like being in a dance club, which was fun.
Everything considered, I understand why Blue C Sushi is so popular. The freshness of the ingredients, taste, and atmosphere are top notch, and I’m looking forward to eating there again soon.
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