Tag Archives: japanese food

Koshu of Japan 2015

Last week saw the return of the annual 2015 UK Trade and Press Tasting of Koshu wines from the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan to The Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. Lucky to have scored a place at the event’s food and wine matching seminar, I’m pleased to share with you some of my faves from the tasting. Continue reading

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Kanada-Ya: Tonkotsu Ramen Worth Waiting For

Since Kanada-Ya opened last autumn in St Giles, the restaurant has attracted steady queues of people waiting patiently for a fix of authentic tonkotsu ramen.
The good news for those shivering outside is, Kanada-Ya is not the kind of place you linger for ages. The menu is ultra streamlined, offering just three choices of piggy goodness (vegetarians, look away now). Sure enough, a couple of spots at a window bench became available fairly quickly. Continue reading

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Den Udon: Time for Japanese Food Lovers in London to Rejoice?

Den Udon’s hip new venue just opened its doors to business, with a clean layout and alternating menus that convert it from a casual luncheon spot to a cosy place for conversation over dinner and drinks. The trendy, minimalist vibe and welcoming staff make you feel right at home, and hearty menu options offer an array of traditional Japanese food with a bit of a twist. Fair portion sizes, a long list of sharable appetizers, and communal tables make Den and especially appealing alternative if you’re dining with a large group. Continue reading

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Healthy and Quick Italian-Japanese Fusion at Beiriso in Holborn

Recently opened Italian-Japanese fusion eatery, Beiriso, brings a tasty assortment of lunchtime and on-the-hoof dining options to the hectic streets of Holborn that’s bound to woo passers-by with affordable prices and a mostly health-conscious selection of food and drink. Continue reading

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Best Restaurants in London – 2014

Most of these ‘best of lists’ I’m doing have been compiled with some degree of difficulty often leaving me feeling guilty for excluding somewhere excellent that for whatever reason was nudged out by another place. However, making a concise and definite list of my favourite few London restaurants visited over this past year was an absolute breeze as five fantastic eateries clearly did stand out from the rest with respect to quality of food and overall dining experience. Continue reading

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Upscale Japanese Served with Knightsbridge Panache at Nozomi

From my wisely suggested and promptly served Japanese Old Fashioned to my palate cleansing spread of homemade sorbets (ooh the pineapple!) – and all the tasty moments in between – there were so many highlights worth reporting from my luxuriant Saturday night out at Nozomi in Knightsbridge. Continue reading

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Elegant Japanese Dining at Kouzu, Belgravia

Japanese fine dining restaurant, Kouzu, opened with a hush of a soft launch (although apparently the Prince of Monaco had already caught wind and paid a visit) last week. Via an invitation extended by the restaurant, Kemey and I dropped by Saturday for what turned out to be a most elegant meal. Continue reading

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Hyper Japan 2014, 25-27 July at Earls Court Exhibition Centre

Returning to London today through Sunday 27 July is Hyper Japan, the UK’s “biggest celebration of Japanese culture, cuisine and cool.” I popped round for a quickie investigation earlier this afternoon. Here are some highlights from my visit to this annual bonanza of banzai. Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Win a Free Dinner for Two and Celebrate Benihana’s 50th Birthday

Famed Japanese teppayaki restaurant Benihana turns 50 this year. With its unique offering of quality food served with a side of kitchen theatrics in a glamorous setting, Benihana is one of the most fun ways to dine in London. Keen to experience a delicious meal with a few thrills and a lot of laughs? Here’s a chance to celebrate the famous Japanese steakhouse’s half century of success with a free dinner for two at one of its three London restaurants. Continue reading

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Ramen Fun at Shoryu Soho, Denman Street

So it’s been about a month since I visited Shoryu Soho ramen bar. But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how much fun I had dining there. Besides, judging from the queue out-the-door I observed when I passed by the Soho outlet last night, I guess the restaurant hasn’t been in need of any positive press. Nevertheless, here’s mine up-thumbed input about the place. Continue reading

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New Year’s Eve Dinner at Nobu London

What a way to end (and start) a year! The seven course New Year’s Eve 2013 dinner and wine menu at Nobu London at the Metropolitan Hotel ended the year on a delectable note and set high the bar for restaurant experiences for the months to come. Check it out … Continue reading

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Restaurant Review: Flesh & Buns … and Rock ‘n Roll

Carnivorous gnashing to a heavy metal soundtrack? Yee-aye-uh! Who knew going out for Japanese comfort food could provide such a rawkin’ good time? The folks behind Flesh & Buns apparently. Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Matsuri

The fine folks from Kikkoman invited yours truly out earlier this week to upscale Japanese restaurant Matsuri St James’s for a soy sauce masterclass taught by Chef Simon Hulstone. Continue reading

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Drink in Knowing Style at London’s Hakkasan and Sake No Hana (OneTravel)

Beyond the fabulous settings and fantastic food, two of the Hakkasan Group’s best Asian fine dining restaurants in London will run a new series of cocktail and spirit masterclasses this summer. Read my complete post at the OneTravel blog.

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Take a Sake Masterclass at Sake No Hana, St James’s Street

Modern Japanese restaurant, Sake No Hana, is to launch an Introduction to Sake masterclass in July. I participated in a press preview of the class the other night and discovered that there’s a lot to learn about Japan’s celebrated rice … Continue reading

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New Bento Express Menu at Buddha-Bar London (CDCLifestyle)

Buddha-Bar’s new bento features a tasty selection of light Pan Asian starters and mains from which to create your own meal for £27. The bento includes a bowl of miso soup, a side of wakame salad and a choice of steamed rice or Buddha-Bar noodles. Quality of the food is high. Portion sizes are ample with the bento prettily presented. Service is efficient and cordial. If you know Buddha-Bar then you’re aware that the setting is extremely attractive and rather plush, whether you’re there for drinks or a quick meal. Continue reading

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Upscale Bento at Buddha-Bar London

Mention the lavish Buddha-Bar in Knightsbridge to anyone and thoughts of a glamorous night out sipping exotic cocktails with a soundtrack of signature lounge and chill-out tunes wafting through a beautiful people filled lounge probably spring to mind. But what about a “Buddha Bento” express menu for a no fuss lunch or a pre-theatre dinner with a promise to having you in and out within 40 minutes? Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Soryu Koshu 2010

Japanese wine … yes, by “wine” as in fermented grape juice. Who knew? Not me until very recently when I attended the fourth annual Koshu of Japan UK Trade and Press Tasting late last month at the Westbury Hotel. Continue reading

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Photo Story: Tsukiji Market, Tokyo (Urban Travel Blog)

With 23,000 square metres chocked full of wholesalers peddling more than 400 species of edible marine life, Tsukiji is not only the busiest market in Tokyo but the biggest fish and seafood market in the world. Sightseers are certainly welcome, but catering to tourism seems to be the last concern for folks working here. Don’t wear your favourite open-toed shoes. And, unless your Japanese language skills are impeccable, strongly consider going with a guide. Continue reading

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A Couple of Foodie Movie Previews: Jiro Dreams of Sushi + Forks Over Knives (Great British Chefs)

Over the holidays, I previewed a couple of foodie flicks that are due to be released soon in the UK: Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Forks Over Knives. Upon first glance, the two movies might not seem to have a … Continue reading

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Visit Kyoto’s Amazing Food Market: Nishiki (OneTravel)

Known as Kyoto‘s kitchen, people have been buying and selling food and food related items in Kyoto’s Nishiki Market since the 1300s. A stroll through this mile long, covered food market is a must for gourmets, history buffs or anybody who … Continue reading

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In the Kitchen and the Factory with Ainsley #SoupSearch

Howdy folks. I hope everybody’s had a lovely Christmas. It’s been one of the most relaxing ever here on my end. So I thought I’d take advantage of the down time to post another recap in my #SoupSearch adventures. This’ll … Continue reading

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Best Restaurants of 2012 – Everywhere Else

Yesterday I published my list of ten best London restaurants for 2012. Today, I’m sharing a list of some faves from trips beyond the M25. I didn’t get out of town as much as I would have liked during 2012. … Continue reading

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23 Photos of Me in a Beard Snood

Just in time for the festive season and to make your Yuletide bright – here are 23 glorious photographs of me walking around a factory in a smock, hairnet and beard snood. Yes, I have brought sexy back for you … Continue reading

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#Soupsearch Continues … in Leeds

I spent yesterday with Ainsley Harriot and crew up in Leeds at the Symington’s factory (where Ainsley Harriott Foods products are produced and packaged). We chatted about my #soupsearch adventures, trial-and-error-ed our way through all sorts of concoctions based on … Continue reading

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Shinbashi: Blade Runner Lights and Yakitori Delights (OneTravel)

Even though the air is thick with super modernity and elements of cutting edge urban living abound with backlit signage and advertisements for everything everywhere and trains zipping past overhead, there was still something age-old and village-y about the place. … Continue reading

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Tokyo’s Tsukiji: The World’s Largest Fish and Seafood Market (OneTravel)

With 23,000 square metres chocked full of wholesalers peddling more than 400 species of edible marine life, Tsukiji is not only the busiest market in Tokyo but the biggest fish and seafood market in the world. From fresh-off-the-boat tuna to freshly made … Continue reading

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Visiting and Staying in Tokyo’s Shiny Shiodome (OneTravel)

Set on the edge of Tokyo Bay and located near the narrow noodle-shopped lanes of Shinbashi, fashionable and upscale Ginza, ancient and green Hamarikyu Gardens and the super bustling Tsukiji fish market, the central Tokyo neighborhood of Shiodome provides an … Continue reading

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Japanese #SoupSearch: The Adventure Continues

I spent last week exploring Japan in search of the next great flavour for Ainsley Harriott’s World Kitchen range of soups. Now back in London, the next step of my #SoupSearch Challenge is to meet up with Ainsley and crew … Continue reading

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Japanese #SoupSearch Day Four: Kyoto

I spent last week exploring Japan in search of the next great flavour for Ainsley Harriott’s World Kitchen range of soups. What a fantastic opportunity! Japan has been one of my dream destinations ever since I was a kid learning the importance … Continue reading

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Japanese #SoupSearch Day Three: Hakone

I spent last week exploring Japan in search of the next great flavour for Ainsley Harriott’s World Kitchen range of soups. I had so much fun! Japan has been one of my dream destinations ever since I was a little kid rushing … Continue reading

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Japanese #SoupSearch Day Two: Exploring Tokyo

I spent last week exploring Japan in search of the next great flavour for Ainsley Harriott’s World Kitchen range of soups. I had so much fun! Japan has been one of my dream destinations ever since I was a little … Continue reading

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Japanese #SoupSearch Day One: Tokyo!

I spent last week exploring Japan in search of the next great flavour for Ainsley Harriott’s World Kitchen range of soups. I had so much fun. For me, Japan has been a dream destination since I was a little kid watching episodes … Continue reading

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My Japanese #SoupSearch for Ainsley Begins!

Yep, I’m all packed and ready to go, just sitting here waiting for a car to take me to the airport. The next several days are going to be awesome as I zip around Japan (Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto to … Continue reading

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