Food and Drink

Apr 12 2011 15 Comments

An old and traditional rice cracker shop

Tokyo’s busy, neon lit areas, are without a doubt fascinating places to wander around, but arguably, their older, less congested cousins, are even more interesting — or at the very least have more character.

Places where the old and new sit comfortably side by side, and tradition is never far away. Like this old rice cracker shop.

A building that undoubtedly shows its age.

As does the work that goes on in its dark interior. The continued practice of tried and trusted techniques that, possibly just like the business itself, have been passed down the generations.

All of which, needless to say, is wonderfully present in the product.

Apr 05 2011 18 Comments

The saddest little dog in Tokyo?

This little fella is undoubtedly well cared for, and similarly well clothed, but while patiently waiting for his master to fill up on beer and yakitori, he not only appeared sad.

But downright inconsolable.

Mar 30 2011 28 Comments

A little boy in a sleazy little alley

The fact that this little boy is stood in a dingy alley amidst a load of dodgy bars definitely has something to do with it, but there’s also something else — something more unsettling about this image.

But quite what that something is, I really can’t say.

Or there again, maybe it’s just me.

Mar 28 2011 8 Comments

Very welcome weekend drinks in Ueno

When there’s even more to worry about than usual, a couple of drinks, with good company, in comfortably uncomplicated surroundings, is sometimes just what’s called for.

Mar 16 2011 29 Comments

Panic buying, but not panic, in Tokyo

A violent jolt early yesterday, and another worrying shake last night, were a stark reminder that aftershocks are still a real threat, but the continuing uncertainty surrounding Fukushima’s nuclear plant is now arguably an even bigger fear — especially so as radiation, regardless of how negligible, was detected in the capital.

Not that there is any panic. Quite the opposite in fact. Even with the implementation of rolling blackouts. And, as I mentioned yesterday, there is a genuine feeling of camaraderie, with Tokyo far friendlier than it usually is.

Until that is it comes to necessities, then, even though it is done with the minimum amount of fuss, and the utmost politeness, it’s every man and woman for themselves. Meaning rice is now a rarity, as, perhaps more surprisingly, is bread. There is simply none to be had.

Apart from the really crap stuff.

Which even those in a hoarding panic won’t purchase.

And it’s the same with milk.

Some vegetables and fruit.

Plus without a doubt, instant noodles. They were the very first to go. All of which isn’t life threatening, and in many ways is merely a minor hindrance, but it does add to the growing sense of unease. Probably further panic buying too.

Feb 22 2011 11 Comments

Basic Tokyo food and booze

Tokyo undoubtedly has an enormous amount of fancy, and even fancier priced, eateries; a situation not lost on Michelin, as it has been very liberally sprinkling the city with its money-filled stars over the last few years.

But despite this rich bounty, the capital still has a much larger number of places with splendidly basic surroundings.