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My Trip to Japan – Part 7 – Asakusa
We got up Monday morning, and headed back toward Tokyo from Niigata. This would be the only day without a scheduled baseball game, so it was essentially a “free day” for everyone. Some went to Sumo, some went sightseeing around Tokyo. I decided I would visit Sensoji in Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo.
Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The first temple was built on the site in 645. The current temple was built with donations from the public after bombing raids destroyed the site in 1945. There were a ton of people there, even on a Monday afternoon. The first thing you see is the outer gate, Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) with it’s huge lantern in the center and statues on each side.
Between the outer and inner gates runs Nakamise-dori, the famous shopping street. There are a ton of little shops along this street selling everything from toys to Japanese snacks to custom made kimonos. It’s a good place to pick up souvenirs for the folks back home (and I came back on my last morning in Japan to do that.)
After passing through Nakamise-dori, you come to the inner gate, Hozomon (“Treasure House Gate”). The Hozomon features a large Chochin in the center, flanked by two Toro each weighing 1000kg. The upper floor houses Senso-ji’s treasured sutras.
Between the Hozomon and the Main Hall, you could get your fortune or Omikuji. This guy has pictures and a great explanation of the process. (Another one is here toward the bottom of the post.) I got a “bad fortune,” so my paper got left there. Fortunately, I was reassured by the sign that said by tenaciously doing my best, I could carve out my own fortune.
That night, some of the group went to dinner at a restaurant in the neighborhood around the hotel. It was a nice chance to talk and hear stories from everyone. Tomorrow, I venture out to Akihabara and a game at the Seibu Dome.
The nominee this week is presented by Hisao Taki, the Chairman of the Japanese restaurant guide Gurunavi. The challenger, Yusuke Kawasaki, won the Gurunavi Chef Best of Menu 2012. He will be taking on Iron Chef Japanese Jun Kurogi, who lost his debut battle. He turns to Iron Chef Chinese Chen Kenichi for advice and is told to stay true to his own cooking, man-up and act like the Iron Chef he is!
The theme is Jidori. While the simplest description may be “chicken,” it appears to be more than that. Read more about Jidori HERE, HERE and HERE.
Iron Chef Yomigaeru – S1E06 – Iron Chef Japanese Kurogi vs. Kawasaki Yusuke – 12/7/2012
And I can’t wait until 12/31 and the special featuring Michiba and Kurogi. (Did I see that right? A 5 hour special?)
To most Japanese, Spanish cooking = Paella. The challenger wants to show the possibilities of Modern Spanish cuisine. Iron Chef Wakiya Yuji tries to remain perfect in Kitchen Stadium. It’s Modern Spanish vs. Modern Chinese. Who’s cuisine will reign supreme? (Oops. Wrong iteration of this show.) The theme ingredient is Jagaimo (Potatoes).
Note: Sorry I didn’t get this posted earlier. The video and audio on the first version I found was not up to the quality level we had come to expect since the show returned to air. AND they cut off the announcement of the winner. So, I continued to check my other sources for a better quality/complete version of this episode. (One good thing about that version (to me, anyway) is that the commercials appear to have been left in this video, so you can experience it just as it aired on Japanese TV, breaks and all. If you are interested in seeing that version, send me an e-mail and I’ll send you a link to it.)
Good Gastronomy
After no episode last week, we are given a 2 hour special this week.
Battle #1 – The first battle features a challenger nominated by Akimoto and Kenjo. The challenger works every day in a “mini Kitchen Stadium” as his family’s restaurant has no set menu and the dishes are decided by his father after talking with the customers. The restaurant, Banraien, is located 20 minutes from Oimachi Station in Tokyo. I couldn’t find a website for the restaurant, but I did find a couple of videos on Youtube the restaurant. (Video 1 – The father tells the diners their menu. Video 2 – Poor quality video of the challenger in action.)
He will be taking on the man who appears to be the strongest of the new Iron Chefs, Iron Chef French Yosuke Suga. The theme is Tofu, an ingredient that you would think presents a huge advantage to the challenger.
Battle #2 – The second battle features a challenger nominated by Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai. The nominee works for Iron Chef Sakai at his La Rochelle restaurant. The challenger has worked for Sakai for many years, and obviously has great respect for him. He will take on an Iron Chef that faced his master as a challenger 18 years ago (223 – Sea Urchin – 6/17/1994). We also see an old familiar face with the return of frequent judge Asako Kishi.
Iron Chef Yomigaeru S1E04 – 2 Hour Special
Battle #1 – Tofu – Iron Chef French Yosuke Suga vs. Hayato Nakano – 11/23/2012
Battle #2 – Madara (Cod) – Iron Chef French Yuji Wakiya vs. Toshiyuki Kudo – 11/23/2012
Good Gastronomy
Since there was no new episode this week, I thought I’d put up a couple of classic episodes for everyone to enjoy. Today, I am happy to present two battles featuring Iron Chef Italian Masahiko Kobe.
The challenger is a chef from Kanazawa, home of the great Rosanjin and Iron Chef Japanese Rokusaburo Michiba. He is skilled in creating Kaga cuisine. The Iron Chef is riding a 3-battle winning streak into this challenge. The theme is Shirako (Cod Soft Roe), not exactly a staple of Italian cuisine. Can the young Iron Chef overcome this obstacle to continue his winning ways?
Well, we don’t know quite yet. One battle is not enough to decided the winner between these two chefs and we are going to Overtime!! Both battle were very close, with the judges split 2-2 both times. In the overtime battle, only 2 points separated the scores. Who will end this challenging day with a victory?
544sub – Shirako (Cod Soft Roe) Battle – Masahiko Kobe vs. Kazunari Takada – 11/28/1997
545sub – Botanebi (Pink Prawn) Battle – Masahiko Kobe vs. Kazunari Takada – 12/5/1997
Just wanted to remind everyone that there is no new episode this week. There will be a two hour special next Friday with Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai and classic judge Asako Kishi. Look for it here next weekend.
I’ll do my best to post a few “new” subtitled episodes this weekend. And maybe the next installment in my vacation diary. (I know how much everyone looks forward to that. 🙂 )