Category: Izakaya/Restaurant

Glorification of the Monkfish (アンコウ)

Three Monkfish with Mouths Agape That Metaphysical Poet John Donne (1571[?]-1631) with his inimitable poems-cum-pickup-lines (remember “The Flea”?) penned a short poem entitled “The Baite,” which is addressed to a woman that he was presumably hotly—emphasis added—pursuing. The third stanza is as follows:When thou wilt swimme in that live bath,Each fish, which every channell hath,Will … Continue reading Glorification of the Monkfish (アンコウ) →

Kisaki (后): The Queen and Other Members of the Royal Family

Tasting at Iwai Omotesando Tasting Some Kisaki Offerings; Queen on the Right Interesting and Appropriate Pairings As mentioned in an earlier entry, we were invited to the Kisaki Reception in Aoyoma, which was held on November 26, 2021. Iwai Omotesando, the venue, is comfortable and attractive, making it the ideal place for sampling the exceptional … Continue reading Kisaki (后): The Queen and Other Members of the Royal Family →

Rice, Tea, Beer, and Sweet Potatoes: Ogikubo Beer Kobo

Many of us are making efforts these days to support our favorite local businesses, be they restaurants, groceries, breweries, whatever. The economic devastation brought on by the policies of some governments have left the little fish gasping for air, while the big fish do swimmingly. We recently paid a visit to Ogikubo Beer Kobo, a … Continue reading Rice, Tea, Beer, and Sweet Potatoes: Ogikubo Beer Kobo →

Nakano Beer Kobo

Most bloggers who are in it for the long haul are aware of something called “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO). This involves steps taken to enhance the chances of one’s blog being seen by searchers and, it is hoped, visited by same. It’s better to reference the penguin in the overcoat sipping tea than it is to talk about the one sliding on … Continue reading Nakano Beer Kobo →

A Visit to Tokyo Ika (Squid) Center on February 28, 2020

It was a Friday, but no ordinary Friday. The Japanese government had announced the day before that public schools would be on hiatus for the entire month of March as a novel coronavirus countermeasure. Many companies also started earlier in the week to promote teleworking, so the number of people enjoying drinks after work had … Continue reading A Visit to Tokyo Ika (Squid) Center on February 28, 2020 →