July 2017 – mmm-yoso

Rowland Heights – Chengdu Taste and a Walk Around Hong Kong Plaza

July 31, 2017 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants, Los Angeles County, Road Trip

It was that time of the year again; time to head up to City of Industry. This time, like the previous, was a solo trip. Last time, I went and checked out the "West Colima – Azusa – Haceinda Heights side of things. I did this because there was a line outside of the one restaurant I wanted to try; Chengdu Taste. when Chendgdu Taste opened it really created a buzz; some said it to be "the best Sichuan restaurant in America", so forth and so on. Soon enough, it became it's own empire with locations in Rosemead, Houston, Las Vegas, and even Honolulu to go with the original shop in Alhambra. So here I was over a year later and guess what?

No line! So in I went…..

The place sure is a step up from restaurants we used to eat when we lived a few blocks away!

I ended up getting a small variety of dishes; starting with the "Pork with Garlic Sauce". Which came in a very nice presentation.

While I thought the pork more tender and flavorful in the version at Shufeng Garden across the street; I think the basic chili oil-garlic-soy-sugar here was superior. The pork was very fatty and a bit more chewy than I prefer; but man, that flavor was good.

If you've read our little blog for a while; you know I love Zi Ran Yang Rou; cumin lamb. I often make this at home, it's not hard, and yet it seems really hard to get a good rendition at most restaurants that serve the dish. So I had to order the signature and now much copied "Toothpick Lamb".

So, let me just say…I'm not a big fan of toothpicks in my food. As for everything else? Well, for once there was a nice amount of cumin in the dish….I could have done with more, but this is fine. There's a touch of heat from the chilies, but not too much. There's some Sichuan Peppercorns in this version, something I do with lamb loin chops, skirt steak, and even chicken at home. The meat was toothsome but not tough. This was very good. I do think onions and more cilantro would add to the dish.

Feeling a bit guilty, I felt I needed to order a vegetable dish; I ordered the Garlic Eggplant, which was the only mediocre dish of the set.

While it was cooked very well; the interior of the eggplant slices were creamy and molten, I felt the flavors fell short. Too sweet, not enough pungency, in spite of it being called a "garlic" dish, not enough spiciness, just kind of weak on the flavors.

I've been missing a couple of simple Sichuan "snack" dishes….the versions here in San Diego are not very good. So I ordered the Won Tons with Hot Sauce.

While the won tons were totally routine; not quite having that "kou gan" (口感 – mouthfeel) which makes for an excellent won ton. Thought it was not hard and tough, it's when you mix things up…..

And while I could have done with a bit more spice; this hit the spot. It's not quite like what I enjoyed in Chengdu or even what I had at No. 1 Noodle House years ago (my sources tell me it's not close to being the same these days), but I finished the whole bowl.

Leftovers to boot. Surprisingly good service, even friendly. Make me want to head on out to Alhambra to try…Szechuan Impression! Which my friends tell me is even better. Hopefully, I won't have to wait another year to get some decent Sichuan Food. Sorry to say; San Diego does not measure up.

Chengdu Taste
18406 E Colima Rd
Rowland Heights, CA 91748

After lunch I took a walk around Hong Kong Plaza.

I've done posts on this place going back to 2006, we used to live just a few blocks away. Things have changed quite a bit over the years. And new businesses always seem to be opening.

There are places that are still there from back in the late 90's when this was our neighborhood.

Places that I've done posts on over the years.

I even offered to get the Chou Doufu from the place She used to get it from weekly; Shau Mei. The sign has been freshened up and it had me wondering if the Missus would still enjoy the stinky tofu from here.

Was never a fan of RH Garden; but it still stands.

And those buses still pick folks up in the parking lot; whisking them away to Vegas and other places.

And of course; there are shops that cater to….well, the luxuries that come with having money these days.

It was nice to see that those older businesses seemed to be doing well.

But this is Rowland Heights and there's always change. Man, Shun Fat Market is becoming GW Supermarket.

We always say that we need to get up here more often; but work and life get in the way.

I hope we'll be back soon.

Revisits – Donburi Kitchen and Okan Diner

July 30, 2017 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants

Donburi Kitchen:

**** Donburi Kitchen has closed

I was driving back from a meeting and wanted to grab some lunch. That really horrible katsudon from Minato 3 had me wondering how Donburi Kitchen whom I visited when they first opened last year was doing.

I was hoping that they'd added a couple of more traditional, standard donburi to the menu other than the Unadon. In fact, I recall the nice young man telling me during my visit last year that they would be expanding the menu in the near future.

Well, fast forward nearly a year; and other than now having a ton of sushi roll on the chalkboard; the menu was the same.

So, what to order. I wasn't a big fan of the ramen last time and really wanted some rice. I had seen the Unagi Bowl and was not going to order that. So I went with two items that I thought were pretty good before.

I'd thought the Agedashi Tofu; while not being perfectly dusted/battered was decent; so I ordered that rice bowl ($7.50), along with the Chashu Ponzu ($5.50), which I enjoyed on my previous visit.

The tofu displayed the same pluses; nice molten texture and the same weaknesses, the batter/coating didn't hold up well, and the sauce was really watered down and weak. I'm not a big fan of radioactive green seaweed salad that looks like it's full of artificial coloring. Again, the Vietnamese styled pickled vegetables, and some really good quick pickled, almost "smacked" cucumbers.

The green salad that accompanied the meal was nicely dressed, the veggies crisp and fresh.

This time around, the Chashu Ponzu was disappointing.

Lacking in the previous soy-mirin flavor and without enough ponzu to lift things; this came off as being rather bland. Unlike the previous time I had this; the pork was also dry with some very hard bits.

So, with tax almost fifteen bucks. I was disappointed; at that price point, I could have eaten near my office at Okan Diner. So, to me, as the saying goes, Donburi Kitchen "is what it is". "San Diego" style Japanese food for the masses. Nothing wrong with that; but not my kind of thing.

Donburi Kitchen
6030 Santo Rd
San Diego, CA 92124

Okan Diner:

Speaking of Okan Diner. I returned a few days after my Donburi Kitchen revisit to see if they had expanded the menu a bit. No such luck. But it was a pretty hot day so I went with the Zaru Udon ($8) and added the Katsuni Don ($2.50), which is actually a mini katsudon.

I did enjoy the noodles, which were prepared perfectly….nice toothsomeness. Everything was as it should be; the tsuyu not too salty, not watered down, a touch of wasabi. Still; eight bucks for this? that's kind of on the high side.

The katsuni was three pieces of tonkatsu, but it had held up well, with some parts still crisp. The pork was decently tender; nothing like Japan mind you, but still pretty good. The onions were a bit too raw for a good katsudon in my opinion and there was a lot of rice; but the sauce had permeated everything.

I'd say the service here is still spotty and not up to the level of the food. But it is a "diner" after all, right?

Okan Diner
5430 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Beaune – The Saturday Market

July 29, 2017 mmm-yoso Burgundy, France, Markets & Grocers, Travel

We awoke from a wonderful night of sleep, showered, had our caffeine fix and excited headed out. Why? Well, it was Saturday, and I'd heard so much about the Saturday Market in Beaune. And it really delivered.

Stretching from Les Halles outward, it is a wonderful sprawling maze of deliciousness. Such colors, such fragrances….

With items that made me wish we were spending another few days here.

And it's not only food items….

And while we saw a few tourists; there was a distinctive "local" vibe to the place. From folks catching up on things while buying some produce…..

To one of the local pooches working his way around a walnut.

After taking a quick loop, we decided on the vendors we wanted to hit up. We bought a baguette; possible the best of the trip from the gentleman right outside the Halles.

Right inside the market hall, is a booth full of….loveliness…..of the foie gras variety.

He was REALLY generous with samples. So after doing our rounds we returned and he greeted us with a laugh and a smile. We'd definitely take some foie gras; but also really loved something else he carried.

Yes, that is a smoked duck breast stuffed with foie gras! Problem was, there was no way we'd be able to finish a whole one. The solution? The gentleman joyfully sold us the display!

There was a wonderful charcuterie stand at the back of the market.

We stood in line patiently with the rest of the customers and after working with the really friendly staff had our picks wrapped and ready.

This is my favorite market in France. In the afternoon it turns into a Antiques Market.

Saturdays 9am to 1pm.

It was still not even 10am, so we headed back to the apartment to stow away our bounty. And head back out to breath in the beautiful countryside.

We headed out of Beaune and into the village of Pernand-Vergelesses; to the small streets above the village. There we found the site of the oratory of Notre-Dame de Bonne Espérance (Our Lady of Good Hope). Right in front of the statue is quite a view.

That looks like it comes straight out of a postcard…..

We wandered about a bit more……sometimes taking little side streets…..

Then headed back for an early lunch.

This was a wonderful meal. We'd have enough for lunch on the train back to Paris the next morning.

As I sat back; glass of wine in hand and had "that moment". The one where I realize that this is the payoff for all the long hours and hard work the Missus and I put in. This is why we do it!

Thanks for reading!

Midweek Meanderings – The Wait at Menya Ultra is About to Get Longer, Thai House Under New Ownership, and Is H Mart Coming to Balboa?

July 26, 2017 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers, Ramen, Thai Restaurants

I haven't done one of these in a while; so here goes.

The Wait at Menya Ultra is About to Get Longer:

So, for those that don't follow Eater San Diego (you probably should). Some "personality" was in town filming a new show. Among he places he hit? Menya Ultra. So, it's probably going to be on the new show….especially when you have that person Tweet that it "might be the best ramen in America". In spite of the pet peeve mine in the Tweet….calling it "tonkatsu" ramen instead of "tonkotsu"….I'll let that go as a 140 characters or less fail. The bottom line is; you'll probably have to wait a lot longer for this in the near future.

Our current strategy is to drive by and if there aren't too many people in line; stop. Otherwise always have a plan B.

Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

Thai House Under New Ownership:

**** Thai House has closed

I've got some great readers. Most of whom don't comment on the blog. No less than three people sent me emails telling me that Thai House was under new ownership.

And while I haven't had the chance to drop by for a meal recently; I did a quick turnaround in the parking lot. And yes, it seems there's an ownership change….just a few months after my last post on the place. I've been told that the offerings have taken a change for the good.

Thai House
4225 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Is H Mart Coming to Balboa Ave?:

So, "FOY" Sandy in a comment in this post, mentioned that H Mart was coming to Balboa Avenue in the old Sports Authority location. SJP and one other person also mentioned this to me. So I drove over and took a look. No sign of anything yet.

This sounds much like the info I got about Zion Market's new location back in 2012, so I thought I'd include it in this post. Speaking of Zion Market; I've got kinda tired of quality being lowered over time, customer service being zip, surly customers (remember the "Please Do Not Throw Fruits & Vegetables" sign), that this might be a welcomed addition. Plus, I've heard a bunch of stories about how Zion went out of their way to put Hana Mart out of business.

So, we'll see if karma strikes….

7725 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111

Minato 3 Ramen & Sushi

July 25, 2017 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

**** Minato 3 Ramen & Sushi has closed

A few months back I'd head that a new Japanese Restaurant had opened up in the old Com Tam 75 space. While I wasn't particularly motivated to try the place out; I needed to head over to Northgate Market for a few things and really didn't feel like eating at Pho 87 again. So I decided to head on over to check the place out.

The interior was basically the same as the old restaurant; save a few changes….same odd, wheeled chairs; the counter area converted into a sushi bar that was too high to actually serve folks…..the televisions played Korean Boy and Girls Band videos constantly.

I glanced over at what the other two tables where eating…..rolls; I knew I wouldn't be going for the sushi….so I looked over the "Ramen" part of the menu. I decided to just try one of their basic ramen. Not that it matters, but when the employees spoke, it was in Korean; thus the videos

I went with the Tonkotsu Ramen ($8.99).

So that's what arrived; a super thin, bland, lukewarm "broth", that had a rather odd fragrance that I can't quite place. Eventually, the beni shōga (pickled ginger) bled all over the soup. The noodles were typical mass produced, "JFC" stuff and quickly got mushy. The boiled egg was fine, but not seasoned, and ice cold. The chashu was actually pretty decent; slightly porky, tender, and had been heated before serving. Of course there was all the corn and other stuff in the broth.

Maybe it's because the last couple bowls of ramen I'd had before coming here were at Menya Ultra, Ichiran (mediocre, but ten times better than this) in Kyoto, Gogyo Ramen (Kyoto), and Kizo (Tokyo), that this seemed below mediocre. But I'm fairly certain that if I even went to Ajisen tomorrow, it would be several levels better than this. Bummer.

Well, you know me, right. A couple of weeks later I decided to head on over to Minato; just to…..well see if my meal had just been an off day. There was no way I'd be having ramen; but since it seemed everyone really enjoyed the "sushi" here; I'd at least try the fish. So I ordered what was called "Carpaccio Salad" ($7.95) on the menu. Which was basically four slices of sashimi drenched in ponzu and sesame oil with some Kaiware (radish sprouts) and two slices of avocado as the "salad".

The salmon was the best piece here; the shiromi (white fish) was still partially frozen and stiff as a board and even drenched in the sauce; the maguro, which actually looked good, tasted a bit off.

I'd also ordered the Katsudon ($10.99), which I kinda expected to look like this (my home version), if not better.

This is what I got.

Check out that albumen. They didn't even bother to cook the eggs at all. It seems they just decided to crack a raw egg over the tonkatsu. Hey, I love tamago meshi, but this ain't that. This definitely needed more onions and cabbage really doesn't belong. The pork was tough and rubbery; the sauce tasted like the bottled stuff you add water to.

Good lord, I hate to be harsh, but this was pretty bad. Makes Katsuni at Okan Diner seem like it deserves a Michelin star.

Usually, I'd give a place another shot….three strikes and all that. But I just can't bring myself to return. The folks working here are sort of friendly. That is, the Server, who was actually chewing on food once when he served me, is really nice. The sushi guys are kind of detached. I'm hoping you enjoy the food here more than I did if you check them out.

Minato 3 Ramen & Sushi
5420 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Clearing Out the Memory Card – Village Kitchen Revisited

July 24, 2017 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants

While it seems that the "other Village" is getting a lot of play these days……when a couple of folks from work asked to have lunch with me. Well, I picked Village Kitchen. It had been a while since I'd visited and I was interested in how things were coming along. I'd also heard that the owner wasn't around much these days….he was busy opening restaurant elsewhere.

The meal was a line-up of dishes I'd enjoyed in the past and a couple of new one's. Here's a short and sweet rundown.

Pork Intestine with Chilies.

The intestines were nicely cleaned, but were on the mushy side. Not very spicy; I actually enjoyed the previous version with slightly bitter greens more.

I wanted to check out the La Rou here and though they were out of several versions; we ended up with the Smoked Pork and Dried Radish.

Not a great version as far as I was concerned. The pork was way too salty and had kind of an artificial flavor to it. The radish hadn't been prepped perfectly and was too hard. Beauty Hunan definitely makes better La Rou.

The best dish at VK is still the Eggplant and Green Chili with Preserved Egg; though it's much more eggplant, that has been made a lot creamier.

Less peppers and Pidan this time around. "RR" asked me what this was and seemed kind of afraid to eat it….I told him it was "Chinese Babaganouj"….. Smokey, creamy, a slight bit of spice….Calvin agreed that this is still the best thing on the menu as did the Missus, who enjoyed the leftovers.

I still enjoy the Sour and Spicy Chicken Gizzards; something that I was given by accident. It's still pretty good.

This was the spiciest dish of the day. Nice crunchy gizzards, decent saltiness. Though VK bills itself as a Hunan Restaurant, the dishes aren't very spicy like our favorites in the SGV. Though I probably can't tolerate that level of spice anymore. "RR" didn't know what gizzards were….I Googled it for him….he wouldn't touch this.

"RR's" favorite dish of the day? The Hunan Style Lotus Roots; another favorite of the Missus.

Nice and crisp.

I really enjoyed the Baby Radish Leaves.

Slightly bitter, making this quite savory. Not as spicy as I recalled.

All in all; a decent lunch. GK did real well for a kid from Minnesota and of course Calvin enjoys eating this stuff. "RR" is from Italy and talks a good game; but he could only handle the Eggplant and the Lotus Root. I'm not sure he'll ever go out to lunch with me again….oh well.

Even without the owner present; VK is still doing pretty well. It may not be on the top of the Chinese Food heap here; but it's much better than most. I need to return more often.

Village Kitchen
4720 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

The Lanai Leucadia

July 23, 2017 mmm-yoso Loco Mocos, Plate Lunch

***** The Lanai has closed

One evening after a long day at work, I dropped by one of the local watering holes for a beverage. One of the folks there started up a conversation; mid-thirties surfer dude, very friendly. As is typical in the category of what "locals" back home call the "wea' you wen grad" moment….that is I was asked where I'm from and mentioned "Honolulu". In a sort of a conspiratorial whisper he asked me if I knew what a "Loco Moco" was. A funny moment in deed. Do I know what a Loco Moco is?

Anyway, the fella' mentioned his favorite spot was a place in Encinitas called "The Lanai". Which I filed away for "one of these days when I have time." Well, one of the good things about having to work weekends is that you can take as long for lunch as you wish. So on a bright and sunny Sunday, I headed up to Leucadia and hit up the Lanai.

Interesting locale…..the Surfer Dude told me that this used to be some Organic Taco shop or something? Anyway, it's quite hipster-hippy-ish looking; basically a food trailer parked in a "lanai looking" lot with picnic/patio type seating, next to a Nursery.

It's the typical "food truck" type of thing; order and pay at the window. Though they do bring your food out to you.

The menu ranges from Sandwiches, Poke Bowls (of course), Salads, Rice Bowls (the cheapest item on the menu at $9.25 and up), and Plate Lunches….with four different items available. The Loco Moco was $10.25.

Whoa, sunny side up eggs on this one, instead of easy over. Really good eggs. The hamburger patty was very lean and really tough and chewy, decent beefiness though. The rice was nicely done; edging on dry, but ok. I didn't care for the gravy. It had that made from base flavor to it….like the institutional stuff I used to work with from companies like "Knorr". Still, it was not bad if a bit on the pricey side. And no Tabasco….it's Sriracha all the way here.

So of course, there was the following Sunday.

You know, I kinda like this set-up….though I wouldn't want to be here when it rains (but heck, it's SoCal) or when it's really hot.

I went for the Mixed Plate ($14.00) which after tax was over fifteen bucks, yikes! I got the Kalua Pork (thankfully they spelled it correctly) and the Chicken Katsu.

First off the rice was a tragedy; mostly hard bits. The Kalua Pork was pretty darn good if on the dry side….it looks like they dump it on the griddle to heat up. Nice salt, mild smoke, other than being dry, it was nice. The Chicken Katsu was not to my liking; it looked like it had been pounded flat, with more, really hard instead of crisp breading than chicken and not much in terms of flavor. The katsu sauce tasted odd; like there was something fermented in it?

The Mac Salad was ok, if a bit odd in flavor….I think some of the kimchi juice had mixed with the salad. Simple stuff; macaroni, peas, mayo…..it was decently chilled.

The bok choy kimchi was okay; I enjoy my stuff a bit more fermented and didn't expect that here.

Food was kind of a mixed bag overall. Also on the pricy side. Nice folks working. I also kind of enjoyed the vibe, but am not sure how things would be if they were busy. Drinks are limited to coconut water, bottled water, some teas, kombucha (of course), and the ubiquitous Hawaiian Sun (which, strangely, I actually worked for a zillion years ago). Though if you want a plate lunch; I'm not sure what else is around here since Kealani's closed.

The Lanai Leucadia
1114 N. Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours:
Tues – Sat 11am – 9pm
Sun – Mon 11am – 3pm

Nagoya – Nadai Kishimen Sumiyoshi

July 22, 2017 mmm-yoso Japan, Japanese Restaurants, Nagoya, Travel

I slowly awoke on our last morning in Nagoya. Unfolding myself from the futon….man; it had been awhile since I've slept on the floor and my body really wasn't used to it. Plus, we'd put in some mileage over the last two days. Still, falling into an exhausted sleep really helped since our apartment was pretty small and the train tracks were literally outside our window.

We got our things together, cleaned up the apartment, showered, closed up, and basically crossed the street to the JR Nagoya Station where we checked out some of the shops featuring local snacks….the ever present Nagoya Teba, in gift boxes for your enjoyment!

Anyway, we headed up to our tracks. We were about an hour early, our Shinkansen wasn't scheduled to leave until around 0845. There was a reason for this. If you recall, the Missus really enjoyed the Kishimen at Kaburaya and I promised Her we'd get another bowl of this Nagoya specialty. But where? Well, on our return trip from Tsumago, I pointed out this little booth between tracks 10 and 11.

This is one of the shops of Nadai Kishimen Sumiyoshi, there's another between tracks 3 and 4 as well. I'd read a bit about this tiny, stand up noodle shop; where you eat standing up, before catching your train. I told the Missus that folks had even recommended making a stop here just to grab a bowl on the train tracks before transferring to the next passing train. The Missus was fascinated with these type of shops, so She was totally game!

Of course ordering was by ticket machine and the Missus being to read Kanji helped a bit. We put our money into the machine and got our tickets. The shop opens at 0730; it was almost 8 and the only other customer in there was finishing up already. We surrendered our tickets and the woman went to work. It was a tidy little shop; a one woman show here….she was super organized and even communicated via sign language to let us know that there already was an egg in what the Missus ordered and did we really want another? The answer of course was yes.

The Missus had ordered the "Shop Special", only for this shop; the Shrimp Tempura Version, 500¥, think a bit over $4.50, with an additional 79¥ for an extra egg.

I got the "Seasonal Special", a vegetable tempura version for 500¥.

Boy, the soup, which tasted like a sweeter, stronger, dashi forward Kitsune Udon broth really had that "aaah" appeal. Very comforting; it was the beginning of April, but there was still a chill in the air. In fact, I'd read and Kat had mentioned to me that it had snowed in several parts of Japan just he previous week. The Missus of course loved mixing in that raw egg…or in Her case, the raw eggs. It's really the noodles that appealed to the Missus, flat and slightly wide, these noodles had a really nice "stretch" to them; what my Taiwanese coworkers would call "QQ"…..enjoyably chewy and toothsome, but not hard. No spoons here….you drink from the bowl! Man, this was good!

Nadai Kishimen Sumiyoshi (名代きしめん) – Between Tracks 10 and 11 JR Nagoya Station
1-1-4 Meieki
Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

As our train arrived, I went to the ever present vending machines….one could write several blog posts about these; and bought some hot coffee and tea and we boarded.

And we were off. Our reserved seats were right behind the Engineer and I really enjoyed watching him. Taking note of he various hand signals and how he sped up or slowed down.

As we got closer to our destination; there it was….snow!

The Missus and I looked at each other and smiled….whatever was waiting, we'd make the best of it.

And as we had learned during "Typhoon Day" several years back, from Kat and others. When there's a possibility of unknown weather ahead, an important step is to………have snacks!

So, at least we were prepared for that!

Thanks for reading!

Nagoya – Hinotez 2

July 21, 2017 mmm-yoso Japan, Japanese Restaurants, Nagoya, Travel

We had intentions of revisiting the original Yakyuudori againon our last evening in Nagoya. Taka-san even told them to expect us. Yakyuudori doesn't take reservations, so our initial plan was to be there right when they opened. However, we'd had a pretty full day already and had passed out after lunch at Yabaton. When we awoke, it was getting late….but since Taka-san had told them to expect us; we had to show up. And we did. Yakyuudori however, was absolutely packed….folks were eating on the benches against the wall! The really nice guy from last time came out from behind the grill and told us; "you go to Hinotetsu 2"….so we decided to go down the street and find the place. But, in typical Japanese manner, he came out from behind the grill and insisted on walking us there!

We felt really bad in having him walk us to the place…..but he insisted and was so nice. He made sure to introduce us to the chef.

We quickly noticed something about the style of grilling at this location. There was minimum use of tare.

As was evident by the Kimo; chicken liver.

Though the Missus said She really liked this version as it had really absorbed the bincho flavor.

The butashiso was very good; the pork was tender and moist and the flavor of the shiso came through nicely.

A very nice version.

Last time around, I didn't know that Yakyuudori and Hinotez serves up basashi, raw horse, one of my favorite things. This time I made sure to order it.

While a bit leaner than my favorite version; the flavor was clean and the ginger and ponzu really made this refreshing.

We tend to use Tsukune; chicken meatballs, as our measure of a yakitori shop. This version didn't do it for us.

This was really tough and hard, totally different from what we enjoy in a good tsukune. It really had the texture of an over worked sausage; even the beautiful egg yolk, nor the tare, of which it was drenched in couldn't help.

The teba; chicken wings were prepared in a different manner than the classic Yakyudori/Taisho splayed version, but the skin was very crisp and it was seasoned well.

We finished off with some kawa; the chicken skin.

This did real well with the straight up bincho grilling. It was nice and crisp and salted quite well. Though we did miss the crisp edges and the buttery interior of our favorite versions.

Overall, a mixed bag, but not bad. If anything, we appreciated Taisho even more after this visit. We'll make sure to get to Yakyuudori on time when we're back in Nagoya.

Hinotez 2
105 Fujimigaoka
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

Beaune – A Walk Along the Ramparts and Dinner at La Ciboulette

July 20, 2017 mmm-yoso Burgundy, France, French Restaurants, Travel

Beaune seemed very different in the evening after the tourists are gone or are done in after a busy day of wine tasting.

After taking our own short nap, we awoke, refreshed and ready to do more exploring of the village before dinner.

We started at the what we considered the heart of the old town; Place Carnot. Things were much more relaxed and peaceful at this hour; even on a Friday evening.

Perhaps folks were just resting up for a busy night ahead.

We decided to head out and do part of the city wall; the "Remparts" (ramparts), the city walls of the old town. Beaune is a medieval walled city and much of it still stands. We decided to take a stroll on the ramparts during the "Golden Hour", which just made everything come alive.

Things were fairly quiet….so you could just imagine how things might have been back in the 14th and 15th Century.

I was fascinated by this tower.

So I did a bit of research and found that this is the Madeleine Tower, once used to store the ingredients' for gunpowder.

We stepped down at Rue d'Alsace, where the Missus decided we should just take a walk down the street right outside the walls, Rue du Faubourg.

Here there was much more hustle and bustle. You get a better feel for what life in today's Beaune is like.

This was at the end of October last year; so the sun started setting quite quickly. It was time head to dinner.

We had learned our lesson the previous night. You needed reservations; so we headed out last evening and tried to make them for the places on my list. We got two, which we were happy with.

I had really enjoyed my first taste of traditional Burgundian food at Chez Leon in Dijon and really wanted to have another dinner with those type of dishes. I had La Ciboulette on my list and we managed to get reservations for dinner.

The restaurant is located within the city walls, but on the North side of town. The place was quite bust when we arrived. We really enjoyed the service here; it was warm, unassuming, and very friendly. They even accommodated our request for five "entrees" (appetizer/salad/soups), instead of the usual three course meal.

But first, some wine for the Missus…..

Now my French is horrendous; I believe I've detailed my strategy of trying to get train tickets in French and "crashing and burning" spectacularly….to the point the agent would undoubtedly say; "monsieur, monsieur, I speak a little English……". Luckily, I do know basic French food items, cooking techniques, so this was slightly helpful.

We started with the Veloute de Potimarron – potiron = pumpkin, marron = chestnut. So this was some type of Pumpkin/Squash soup. Turns out this was made from Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Squash and was quite delightful.

Very clean flavor; mild sweetness, but very refreshing.

You know if there's foie gras on the menu, right?

A workable version; good flavor, rich, mild offal flavor with a not too sweet fruit compote.

The Missus absolutely loved the Escargot here.

The snails were so plump, tender, and juicy. The light parsley based sauce really allowed us to taste the earthy, almost mild shellfish flavor of the snails. These were Her favorite version of escargot of the trip, but I still preferred the version at Chez Leon.

We got the Salade d'aiguillettes de canard.

If I recall; aiguillette would mean a specific way of cutting skinned and defatted duck breasts into strips. The duck was on the chewy side; but the flavor from what tasted like a Balsamic glaze was delicious and went well with the mildly gamey duck. Of course; the Missus wanted some salad, and we got it here.

And of course; the classic Oeufs en Meurette – eggs poached in red wine.

In spite of the not quite tasty looking presentation, this was really delicious. Those slices of "lardon" were super tasty; the eggs perfectly poached, so runny, making this into a velvety, rich, tangy, slurry of goodness.

They even dropped off a good sized ramekin of potato gratin.

After lunch and this meal; we sadly, had no room for dessert.

As you can tell, we really enjoyed our dinner here. We loved the atmosphere; the service was lovely. We're definitely coming back here if/when we get back to Beaune.

La Ciboulette
69 rue de Lorraine
Beaune, France

We decided to stroll slowly back to our apartment taking in the sights and sounds….

This is the Porte St Nicholas, the North Gate to the walled city.

This current gate replaced the old gate in 1770 which used to have a drawbridge and fortifications to defend the city.

We were starting to understand that there was quite a bit to see; like the "Beffroi", the Romanesque Clock Tower which I read was built in the 1400's.

There would be much we didn't see or visit; like what is considered the most important sight; the Hotel Dieu des Hospices de Beaune.

We've found out over the years that in order to really enjoy ourselves; we should always think like we'll return someday.

We made our way back slowly. The once bustling shopping streets were now quiet. There was a different, relaxed feeling in the air.

Arriving back at our accommodations, we found that we weren't tired in the least. So it was time to take advantage of one of the nice features of our apartment, the wine "cellar". I've mentioned how much we loved this accommodation before.

But I'll say it again….we loved this place. And what could be better after a full day, than to relax with a bottle of wine. The appliance had a sheet on the top, describing each wine and the price. Things worked by the "honor system". You just got the bottle you wanted and left the money in the drawer.

The prices were really inexpensive and seemed cheaper than the wine shops and markets.

We each had a glass. The Missus relaxing, I wrote a blog post.

We stored the rest of the wine for tomorrow.

I was sure that it was going to be another full one. And I'd need a nightcap for sure!

Thanks for reading!