Tokyo, Japan

Chris was in Tokyo, Japan (without me) to hang out with friends, eat some sushi, and drink some sake.  And if those things were his mission, his mission was a success.  Last time he was in Tokyo was in 2002, so he had a packed schedule for 3 days while he was there.

His main objective was to eat some awesome sushi.  Last time we were in Tokyo together (more than 10 years ago), we couldn't afford good sushi, so we only had Kaiten sushi.  So this time he was determined to eat some serious sushi.  He chose Sushi Dai in Tsukiji Market.  Look at these photos!!!  I just want to lick my computer screen.  

It was 3,500 yen during lunch for 9 pieces of chef's choice plus two rolls & miso.  If you want to get the same quality of fish, it will cost 25,000 yen in Ginza.

I have to disclose the information that he waited 2 and half hours for this.  This is coming from a guy who hates waiting, which is a big problem in New York, and he said it was worth the wait.

Another thing, we both don't like Uni that much - actually refuse to eat it, but he said it tasted like butter.

So if you are in Tokyo next time and have a few hours to kill, check out Sushi Dai. 

Sushi Dai
Tsukiji Market Part 6 Bldg. 5-2-1 Tsukiji-shijo, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

81-(0)3547-6797

Tokyo Quest: Ramen 101

Present from Japan

Stephen and Aki brought much anticipated Red Bean Pepsi.
It was actually really good. It was not as sweet as regular soda, which I have a problem of cutting down, but still had a little bit of Red Bean taste.

I want some more....

Next time, I want to try Shiso Pepsi.
http://tokyobling.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/pepsi_shiso_tokyobling.jpg

Reporting from Paris & Tokyo

My friends and family already know about my obsession with food and taking pictures of food.
Since I can't travel at the moment because of work and school, they are doing my job for me.

Michelle was just in Paris (now in London - let's see what kind of pictures I get from London) and Stephen is in Tokyo and they sent me photos of what they are eating.

Thanks guys for making me hungry...

Michelle reporting from Paris

Stephen reporting from Tokyo

Tripe stewed with daikon, onions, carrot, sweet Japanese negi scallion as garnish. Above, though barely visible is a salad of tripe on a bed of shredded lettuce in a light ponzu dressing. Served with ice cold beer (his description of what he's eating at a yakitori restaurant)

Korean Film Festival 2008

Yesterday and today, we watched Korean films. It's a nice getaway from normal Hollywood movies. We also saw a few flims during Asian Film Festival last month.

This time we saw Hwang Jin Yi, 황 진 이 (picture shown below) and May 18, 화려한 휴가.




Hwang Jin Yi, 황 진 이
It's based on a novel; however, the main character, Hwang Jin Yi actually existed.
She was the most well-known Giseng, high level entertainer / prostitute, in Chosun dynasty.
Her poems are still very well known. The movie itself was ok; however, costumes were very beautiful.


May 18, 화려한 휴가
This was also based on true story. This was about democratic movement in 1980's in Korea, specifically in the city of Gwang-Ju. I was too young to remember or understand anything that was going on at that time; however, I am very much surprised at where Korea is now today.
I still think that a country such as Pakistan still has a chance.

http://www.koreanfilmfestival.org/

Food... Japan...

New York Times Magazine

This article made me want to go back to Japan. I haven't been back since 2000. Next time I go back, I would like to go and check out Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto....

BBQ or NOTHING!

Back in Korea again...
This time, Christoff was only staying for 2 nights, and I was staying for 3 nights (plus one more night on the way from Singapore), so Christoff wasn't going to compromise... His request was BBQ all the way! AND his request was granted.

My mom and my stepfather took us to this BBQ restaurant. The quality of meat was amazing... but we found out later that 1 order was 45,000 WON (almost USD45 per order and we ordered 4 orders). The most expensive meal we have ever had in Korea! But the best part of being in Korea.... We don't have to pay for it!!!

This place had the best Makgulli! And it was nice to meet my junior high friends!

More BBQ! This time, Mayumi (from Japan) treated Jennifer who was nice enough to let us stay with her.

On my way from Singapore, I had another stopover in Korea. I treated Jennifer this time. This restaurant served 20 different kinds of vegetable. It was soooooo goooooood....... Next time in Korea, I am totally going back to this place.

Transit

On my way to Singapore (and coming back from Singapore) from Korea, I had to transfer in Narita. Traveling alone is a different experience. You get to watch people and read more.

This time, I decided to take advantage of traveling alone by 'eating.'
Surprisingly, there was not a lot of option, except for Sushi. I was a bit afraid to eat airport sushi, but I was shocked! Sushi was good and affordable (yes, compared to quality and price of sushi in New York).

Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant, Beijing

After watching Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservation" on TV, we were determined to find Li Qun Roast Duck Restrauant. We even decided on our hotel, besides the fact that it was right next to a subway station, based on the fact that it was close to Li Quan Roast Duck Restaurant.

We invited my dad to come along to Beijing with us; however, due to my illness, he didn't really get to enjoy time with us. So... we decided to take him out to a nice meal...

I had the address, so we asked a staff member at hotel to point us to a right direction. He marked it on our map, so we thought... 'that's easy.'

Well... we found the intersection, but the direction that we were looking at - there was nothing. Then a group of French people who also looked lost were coming to our direction. As we suspected, they were looking for the same restaurant. I started talking to them thinking they could help us. I decided to go into a little hair salon nearby to ask for a direction. A girl there pointed me to a direction where there is nothing around except for what it looked like a construction zone. As we started walking, they also followed.
Then we started seeing signs that said, "Li Qun, 500 m away."

Without getting a thanks from the French, they also walked into a restaurant first and got a table before us. How rude!!!

But the food at the restaurant made everything worth a while - the adventure & rude people...
I was told that this is one of few restaurants that still use the traditional oven to make Peking Duck. Plus the crepes, green onion, and hoisin sauce make all the difference!