Considering that we started out for a short walk around the neighborhood, ending up on the train to Ueno was a bit of a surprise. It happened because the Modern Art museum was closed for the month (renovations) and a random walk left us back at the Oedo line in Kiyosumi Shirakawa. These stations often […]
cheap
King of Curry, Otemachi （カレーの王様）
What would you think if, say, McCormick had a fast food chicken place? (I grant you this won’t resonate unless you’re American. McCormick is probably America’s biggest manufacturer of spices. At least it’s the only one I can name, and that usually means something. Like my memory is going.) And they played only 70’s rock? […]
Manhyo, Monzen Nakacho (万俵)
Look, I’m just guessing on the title on this one, OK? It means something like ‘10,000 bags’ though, which is a funny little name when you think about it. This place is across the street from various other destinations (my cleaner, Mahoroba, Tsurugi, almost Petit Nice, Ogawa…I could go on about this stuff forever) but […]
- Other treats
- ...
Sagami, Tokyo (さがみ)
The second floor of Tokyo Station has its own personality – a bit flabby, graying at the temples, and somewhat grumpy. However it’s also a solid source of big dining hall-style places with big trays of mixed food. Once in a while it’s OK. Today was one of those days, and I visited with Zoner […]
- Otemachi
- ...
Kassen Ichiba, Otemachi
I know what you’re thinking – you already went to a Kassen Ichiba in Otemachi under the tracks, on [ ], with Volleyball. You’re so right. But they’ve closed that branch, and anyway they always had this other one. The food was distressingly similar. They offer two basic things – raw fish or fried goods. […]
- Other treats
- ...
Sushi Daizen (大前)
Daizen is a somewhat famous place – it’s right under the rail tracks in Yurakucho, meaning you have to push your way through thick clouds of chicken-grilling smoke to get there. It’s very small (9 seats?), cheap, and offers great cost performance. This is why you’ll need to book well in advance (seriously). Inside is […]
- Kanda
- ...
Minatoya, Kanda (みなと屋)
You knew this week had three holidays in it, right? That’s why there haven’t been any boring lunches until this one (and presumably Friday’s also). Kanda is really a habit with me. I just like the 10-15 minute walk up there and then the feeling that I’m somewhere else in Japan. It’s kinda peaceful and […]
- Chinese
- ...
Shanghai Chubou, Kanda (上海厨房)
Well, if I’m going to have Tonkatsu Tuesdays, should I also implement Cheap Chinese Fridays? Because that’s what I got here. It was sorta soothing, it wasn’t bad, and it was really cheap. I’m totally guessing on the name Work plus an inconveniently-scheduled meeting meant that I didn’t get out for lunch until after 2. […]
Okada, Monzennakacho
Today’s interesting point is this: Japanese culture is different. Thank you for reading. No, I kid, I kid. But I’ve read a bunch of things recently talking about ‘recession food’ and how restaurants are opening or at least restyling in simpler, humbler ways. Japan has had a bit of this too, but with a unique […]
- Kanda
- ...
Yamada Mongol, Kanda
Years ago I read a book by Haruki Murakami that was called ‘A Wild Sheep Chase’ in English. Aside from the funny bit about the girl’s ears, and the overall spaciness and magical quality that it had (first Murakami book I read, so it was especially memorable), I remember being struck by the statement that […]