Trip to Japan

https://youtu.be/Oq58dBexXEw

Tempura

Can't remember the name of this place but it was fun.

I had tempura crab, shrimp, eel, vegetables and a shrimp and mushroom tempura.

Of course I had to try the fried tempura ice cream to complete my meal.

I love that the restaurant had instructions on how to eat their tempura. No questions should be asked lol.

Kaiseki class

Kaiseki is a series of small prepared dishes usually eaten during the New Year Holiday. I had the honor to take a class.
Tokyo cooking time is ran by a Japanese house wife and an assistant. They were so sweet and nice and had a lot of patience for those who had little cooking skills.
I'm so happy I was able to take this class because we prepared 9 small courses that packed with so much flavor. I even purchased a small pan to make tamago.
We got to cook with some of favorite ingredients like, wagyu beef and chanterelle mushrooms. I learned how to make dashi and catepillar a cucumber. Whaaaat!
The plating was so detailed (like mountains) that it made rethink my own plating all together.

Can't wait to practice what I've learned.

My new knife purchased at the fish market

Boy is he sharp. I purchased this brand because the makers were there. The atelier was beautiful filled with all kinds of knives from butchering, pairing, filleting, to samurai.

Shoyu -White Soy sauce

I purchased some white soy sauce aka shoyu at my new favorite grocery store in Tokyo, Takashimaya. I was able to use right away after incorporating it in my forbidden black fried rice.

Yakiniku Bu-mo

Mmm mm mmmm !! Exactly what I have been looking for in Tokyo.

So, I didn't know the difference between Teppanyaki and Yakiniku.

The Teppanyaki experience  is on a flat griddle typically cooked by the chef or in America... Benihana.

The Yakiniku experience is when you cook your own food and cook over a coals (or a cheap butane stove). Well I got to experience the real deal and I'm happy. Those coals were beautiful and real!

The decor was so cute and the menu was automated.

Nothing like A5 Waygu beef melting in your mouth.

Michel Troisgros

Oh My Fucking God never again!! Have you ever felt that you got, got. 630,000 Yen later. Boy was I upset when I saw the bill. Nevermind the fact that someone wanted to treat me to a nice French Asian fusion dinner New Year's Eve in Japan. Please don't tell me that this place is rated Michelin Star???!!!!! They must've been alerted before the visit.

Okay back to the problem at hand.

First, look at the menu printed on a piece of office max paper typed in Bradley font. For 630,000 yen it should've been printed on bamboo.

Second, carefully read the menu. Does that look like a $300 meal per person??

I have been to Cyrus in Healdsburg where caviar was galore,  amazing fishes that I have never heard of, gastronomy at its peak when powder turned into goat cheese for less than this meal.

Has Michel even visited this location. He needs to pay a visit. My "risotto" was runny, the tartare was literally two bites and finger foods (whatever the hell that was) were disgusting. Then they had the nerve to charge an extra $30 for truffle on that milky running risotto. The waiter (jerk) made it seem like it came with the meal. And.... whatever that tasteless unsalted fish was had bones in it. Like really?!!!!!  Oh yes, $24 for Evian water. Oh oh oooh, look at these MINIATURE raviolis, so cute but not so cute when you are hungry. I don't even eat a lot but I had to go to coco curry after I left.

Yes, I'm ranting and probably have never been this upset writing a food entry blog. I even waited 48 hours to see if I'd calm down.

Don't waste your time. Definitely not a delectable experience. I've been to Paris more than 10 times to know this was straight.... you name it!

Curry house CoCo

It was late and I needed nourishment asap! We went to the heart of Shinjuku and was able to get this bowl of delciousness to go. Only $10 or 1000 yen. The curry flavors were deep and rich.
After arriving back to the apartment the chicken was still moist and crispy. Don't ask me how that was accomplished but a must do if you visit Tokyo as there are several locations.

There's a place in San Francisco called Jap-a-curry that is similar but unfortunately I got sick from eating there and they dont fry the chicken or pork in panko crust.

Hands down the flavors are far more superior here.

1st Day in Shinjuku

Had a fun day getting my bearings together in Tokyo. Of course I found all of my French connections like Laduree and Le Genie. Then went on to find grocery stores both local and high end. Finally stopped and got yakitori and soba noodles in the middle of the neighborhood off the beaten path. Mmm mmm mmm mmm. Little Tokyo in LA and Japan town in San Jose I'm calling you out on the BS you serve, calling it Japanese food.

My only question is why do we only sell one type of Kit Kat in the states and Japan has a massive selection. Wth?! I'm jealous. Well it is yet to be determined what I'm missing out on. I purchased new items and will report back.

JCB lounge in Yountville

Well you all know that Raymond is my new favorite Winery, especially the Red Room. However, if you are looking for a tasting room that stays open till 7 p.m. Raymond's little brother JCB is located in Yountville and boy is he sexy (reminds me of Harry of the Royal Family).

Honestly, the pictures speak for themselves. The decor is luxurious and decadent.
I love that he brings a little Paris to Napa Valley. Loooovvveedd it! Two snaps and a twirl.

My complimentary pour (since I am member) was exquisite. My favorite was the °13 which is the Bijoux or Cremant De Bourgogne Rose. As described in their literature, it is the epitome of femininity. I also enjoyed the Ice Wein. Taste just like a delicious warm apple. The things I will make with this dessert wine will be unimaginable.

Next Door is the tasting rooms Atelier where I was able to buy charcuterie and cheeses. I'll say they have the best of the best. They even carry my favorite tea's  (Maraige), mustards and butter cookies.

What a nice hidden gem and a real reason to go to Yountville.  I've never been a fan of the area. Now I am.

Rosemary Garlic Croutons

1/2 French traditional baguette cut into pieces
1 garlic clove minced
2 tbsp quality olive oil
2 sprigs rosemary roughly chopped
Kosher salt / pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F°

Toss all ingredients in bowl. Arrange on cookie sheet.  Place in oven 7 to 10 minutes depending on your crunch level.

Bestia LA

Finally Finally after two years the stars have aligned and I was able to get in and dine at this wonderful establishment.

After studying the menu for two weeks the Agnolotti pasta wasn't on the menu but... that's okay.

We decided to bring our own beautiful bottle of the Dante from VJB. For those of you that have had the honor of tasting the 2013 batch you'll know what I'm talking about. The flavors have settled and it is smooth as ever.

We started off with the (perigod black truffle crostini) egg and truffles on toast. Simple yet luxurious.

Then, graduated to the Bone Marrow with an oscar the grouch green colored gnocchi.  Damn delicious and a must!

Then... the show stopper... Ribeye! I actually licked the plate. Tender, juicy, crust-a-lickious with a refreshing argula and radish salad.

Thought we were done but nope regressed (not progressed) to the Cavetti alla Norcina pasta. Pork sausage and truffles, how can you say no?! Another lickable plate. Someone owes me $10.

Couldn't leave the place without dessert. It was OUR birthday so we had the panna cotta and chocolate budino. Mmmm mmm mm mm mm. Now sing along with me. Flavor flaaaav.

Ambiance: a cool LA vibe with bomb ass music. They played a Tribe called quest, Slick Rick, all the 90s shizzz.
My only complaint, the seats hurt your ass. Im not a fan of communal seating and the look of it. Please LA... stop this damn trend. I had to put my coat under my butt to bare my dinner! If I pay $200 for my meal, my @$$ should not hurt.