{ Shoraian 松籟庵 }

2012, Nov 22

What a treat. Shouraian is located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, where the beautiful bamboo forest and the famous Togetsukyo (渡月橋) “Moon Crossing Bridge” are located.

Shoraian, a restaurant that specializes in Tofu cusine (豆腐懐石) is tucked away in the middle of the mountain and a little bit difficult to find, but it is worth the journey and every penny of the price. Beyond the precise detail of the presentation of Japanese cusine, the location and intimate beauty of the surroundings are unbeatable. The fact that you get to dine right next to the river overlooking the lush and colorful mountain makes this the ultimate Japanese dining experience in Kyoto. We ordered the 3800yen Matsuba lunch course and everything was absolutely delicious… it’s really amazing how much they can do with tofu!

This place is by reservation only so make sure you call in advance to reserve a spot.

…………………………………………………
Related Posts on Kyoto:
1) Fall in Kyoto
2) Iyemon Salon
3) Shoraian 松籟庵
…………………………………………………

Address // Sagakemonoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 075-861-0123
Website // http://www.syouraian.jp/

Food:
Decor:
Service:
Cost:

{ La Table de Joel Robuchon }

2012, Feb 14

I’ve been dying to try Robuchon’s restaurant in Ebisu because it’s one of only 11 three-star Michelin rated restaurants in Tokyo. Although I later realized the one I went to was La Table de Robuchon and the three-star rated restaurant was on the 2nd floor (called Joel Robuchon Restaurant)… oops

Anyhow, as soon as you arrive, you are greeted by this beautiful mansion and you instantly feel like you are walking into luxury. When we went, the restaurant was completely full with madames having lunch. The food and service were exquisite and it was definitely worth checking out. The attention to detail and presentation of every dish transformed the food into more of art pieces than dishes for eating. I definitely recommend giving this restaurant a try for a special occasion.

Address // Ebisu Garden Place, 1-13-1, Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5424-1338
Website // www.robuchon.jp/ebisu/la_table.html

Food:
Decor:
Service:
Cost:

{ Aoyama Flower Market Tea House }

2012, Feb 10

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House was beyond Ah-mazing. This beautifully put together tea house is located inside of a flower store. If you are just passing by, you would never know such a gem is inside. But because of that it’s still the best kept secret in town. Actually, this tea house only recently opened less than 3 months ago. We were in awe of how much thought was put into creating this space. The tables are transparent so that you can enjoy the fresh flowers beneath them – some tables even have tiny holes in them for white roses to peek out above the glass like a vase.

Though they only offer tea (no coffee), they have a large variety including herbal, dry herbal, and special seasonal teas. They also have a small food selection – which happens to include the most delicious french toast I’ve ever had (the food rating is strictly based on the french toast we had). It was so good that my friends and I had to order another plate before the first plate was even done – and we noticed the lady behind us did the same! The service is very slow since they are under-staffed, but it’s brand new, so I can definitely look past that. The ambiance, food, and tea were so perfect together that you’ll almost certainly find yourself not wanting to leave. We certainly didn’t!

Address // 5-1-2, MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3400-0887
Website // www.afm-teahouse.com

Food:
Decor:
Service:
Cost:

{ Blacows }

2012, Jan 5

In Japan, there are many famous high-quality meats – including Kobe Beef, Matsuzaka-gyu, etc. And then there is ‘Yazawa meat’, and A5 rank wagyu-beef. Blacows is a burger joint that uses strictly Yazawa meat and it is SO GOOD. The combination of their meat, bun (specially made by Maison Kayser!), and sauces makes the most mouth watering burger I’ve had yet. I used to love Mos Burger (a popular fast food burger place in Japan), but after having Blacows, it’s just not the same anymore… the quality and taste are at a completely different level. I’ve also tried some other popular burger joints in town such as ‘Burger Mania’, but none of them have beat Blacows in my book. This place has consistently been a crowd-pleaser for all of our friends, and I highly recommend that you try it too.

If it’s your first time, you should try their signature Bacon Cheese Avocado Burger, you won’t regret it. Since I’ve gone so many times, I keep on changing the ingredients I choose inside. Their cobb salad is good as well. To my friends in California, this beats In-N-Out burgers!!

……………………………………………………

BlacowsはA5ランクの黒毛和牛のみを取り扱う矢澤ミート直営のハンバーガーshopです。こちらのお肉、バン（メゾンカイザー特注品！）、タルタルソースの織りなすコンビネーションは、今まで私が食べてきた数々の中でも一番美味しいと言っても過言ではありません。バンズの旨みと黒毛和牛のパティの旨さが本当に素晴らしい相性です。Blacowsを知る前はモスからAS Classicsまでいろいろ食べていましたが、このジューシーな和牛パティに香ばしいパンを一緒に食べてしまうと同じハンバーガーなのに全くの別物だとすぐわかります。個人的にはポテトがイマイチ残念なのですが、周りの友人達の間でも”ハズさないハンバーガー店”として定番化していますので、是非一度訪れてみて下さい。

私は毎回違うバーガーを頼んで楽しんでいます。サイドメニューのコブサラダもおいしいですよ。

……………………………………………………

Address // 2-11-9, EbisuNishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3477-2914
Website // www.kuroge-wagyu.com/bc/

Food:
Decor:
Service:
Cost:

Tag Archives: 4.5 stars

{ Shoraian 松籟庵 }

{ La Table de Joel Robuchon }

{ Aoyama Flower Market Tea House }

{ Blacows }

{ About }

{ Search }

{ Blog Courtesy }