A Pleasant Surpirse

I went out to a Japanese Restaurant last night with a few friends. We had a great time talking story, eating and ...., well you know. After a few hours sharing stories and many laughs, we decided to cap the night off with one last dish. As we gleaned through the menu starting from the top (appetizers) moving downward, this dish caught my eye. I thought to myself that this a great way to top the night...., just like in Japan. Motsuni.

Needless to say, the Motsuni was great. The broth was rich and flavorful, the tofu was firm. As you can see from this picture, I was so excited that I was half way through before I realized that I should take a picture.

Asahi Black

This past Sunday, a good friend invited me to the 10th anniversary celebration of the Pineapple Room at the Liberty House (oops) Macy's. The food using local ingredients was simply awesome. Of course, we have come to expect culinary excellence from the great chef Alan Wong. There were too many excellent food dishes that I am not able to remember one that stood out more than another.





However, I did find something that was unusual and to me nostalgic. At one of the beverage stations stood a familiar bottle. I thought......, I was back in Japan.

It was Asahi Kuro Nama (朝日黒生）. I had to try one. As I took my first drink from the bottle, there was the special experience of the carmel flavored suds that is unique to Japanese beers. My second sip was smooth and rich with a light smoky flavor. Aaah, a dark lager the way its supposed to be.

I did not think that a North American brewer was able to or would agree to bottle a beer with the foamy draft. I was right the Asahi Kuro Nama being served was brewed and bottled in Japan.

This is definitely on my list of treats to myself. One of my favorites, here at last.



Here is a picture of the decadent desserts. Looks so elegant, tastes so good.

In all this was a special night of fine dining complemented with a fine beer.

Hase-Dera

Getting off the Enoden, we walked up one of the many quiet streets of Kamakura.
Our first stop on our tour of Kamakura is nearby..., Hase-Dera.






Has-dera is officially known as Kaikōzan Jishōin Hase-dera. Founded in 765 AD, this is one of the most influential temples in Japan.



This building houses the 11 headed Kwanon. This awesome statue stands 30 feet tall and is carved out of one piece of lumber. The statue is thought to have been completed in 721 AD. Unfortunately, pictures are not allowed.