patisserie Sadaharu Aoki

Despite having traveled to Paris before, I never heard of patisserie Sadaharu Aoki until now. Aoki was born in Tokyo but moved to Paris to learn the art of French baking. He opened his own shop in Paris before expanding in his homeland. I give him an A+++ for mastering French baking. Above is the matcha eclair incorporating the French pastry with his Japanese background. The eclair is filled with a matcha custard and topped with a matcha ganache. Aoki did a wonderful job in bringing out the true matcha flavor. It was so supremely divine that to this day, I still dream of having another bite.

Look out for it at the Shinjuku Isetan on level B1F.

The location I went to was Japan〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku 新宿3-14-1, but there are plenty of other locations in Tokyo. See the map below.

Mentsu-Dan (東京麵通团)

If you’re a noodle lover like me, I highly recommend Mentsu-Dan. The fresh handmade noodles will elevate your udon standards. The noodles are chewy and have the perfect bite. I haven’t been able to appreciate udon anywhere else after this. Being the tourist I am and willingness to try new things, I ordered natto with a fresh egg. I soon learned natto was fermented soy beans. I don’t recommend this unless you are a fan of fermented soy beans. It was difficult for me to overcome the fermented flavor despite how great the noodles were. I recommend the beef udon with broth instead. The beef is yummy, and the broth is clear and easy on the taste buds.

After you get your udon, head over to the tempura area where you can select from the vast varieties of tempura. I got the squash, katsu and squid. Overall, the freshness of the noodles makes this a must go when in Tokyo.

(7 Chome-9-15 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan)

20May2015

Robot Restaurant

Posted in Tokyo by yumtravels

When my friend first recommended Robot Restaurant to me, my first instinct was pass. Too loud. Looks like Vegas on steroids in one room. However when my friend said “Let’s go!”, I went along and I’m glad I did. Throughout the show it was “Wtf are they thinking?,” yet I was amazed by their musical ability, taiko drumming abilities, and dancing. Overall, it was thoroughly entertaining.

First, you check in here.

Then you go down the street and turn right to the entrance of the restaurant. Go upstairs and redeem your free drink, admission includes one free drink. Take a seat, but don’t get too comfortable, and enjoy the pre-show concert of robotic guitarists and singer.

After about half an hour, you are instructed to head downstairs. Take your seat and enjoy the show!

Before the show, you are instructed to lean back if you are in the first two rows. The stages can swipe your head off as they come by. They are THAT close.

Taiko drumming battle.

Everything is measured to the inch. The stage drops down with barely an inch left between you and the stage.

Robot vs. animal battle ends with pyrotechnics.

“Ssssss”- snake robot

Superman peacing out with his robot friend.

We booked our reservations from here.

The show comes with a sushi dinner option for an extra 1000 yen but we opted out due to reviews stating that it’s mediocre.

( ロボットレストラン Japan〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−7−1新宿ロボットビルB2)

Pierre Herme

Pierre Herme Is in Japan! Pierre Herme is in Japan!

Never would I have thought it would have made it out here but I’m glad it did. It is located at the food hall at the lowest level of Isetan. Look for the pastry section and all the way in the back wall is Pierre Herme.

From front to back: earl grey, passion fruit chocolate x2, citrus, and rose.

The earl grey was decadent and very flavorful. I’ll update on the rest as I taste them.

The location I went to was 〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿3-14-1 本館B1F, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, but there are plenty of locations throughout Japan especially in the lower food court level of malls.

Isetan Food Court

Bento box filled with all types of tuna- tataki, seared, and chu-toro- makes this is a tuna lover’s delight. The fish was fresh. The chu-toro was smooth.

You can find this at one of the stands in the food hall at the lowest level of Isetan. Only cost ¥1447.

(Japan〒160ー0022 東京都新宿区Shinjuku, 3 Chome−14伊勢丹新宿店新宿3−14−1)

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

An oasis of lush greenery, tea houses, former residences, koi, and bridges within the city. A perfect place to picnic or take wedding photos. No need to bring food for the picnic. They sell bento boxes and drinks through out the park.