Tokyo 2009!

After a hellacious trip that started with a 4 hour delay in my flight thanks to the typhoon, I finally arrived in Japan a little after 7:00 local time. I thought it would be smooth sailing from there, but that was not to be, the Narita Express train that we were on stopped about a dozen times and then eventually stopped a few stations shy of Shinjuku, leading to a semi-conscious trek through the Shinigawa train station to find something that would get me to my hotel. Ended up checking in at the hotel around 11:pm, and was in bed shortly thereafter. I just realized that rambling incoherently, time to get some lunch!

Sakagura (still not a) Liveblog!

The following is another one of my "liveblogs," wherein I visit a drinking establishment and record my observations as I become less and less coherent!

Tonight i'm at Sakagura, the best izakaya in all of New York, possibly the east coast. My guest to be got screwed at and is stuck at work, so i'm flying solo tonight. Can I has Sakagura Liveblog? You're damn right I can!

I'm trying a new sake called Dassai, it was recommended to me by a writer (though since she works for the brewer that makes Dassai, so she's not exactly impartial) who interviewed me at the Joy of Sake event last week.

Dassai 50, even the bottle looks cool

Fortunately, it seems that this recommendation was warranted, this is some damn good sake. Very smooth, a hint of fruit, and a clean finish. Just in time for my edemame!

I swear the edemame tasts almost buttery here, how the hell do they do that?

It's always a struggle to get seating here, and i've never seen the place anything less then completely packed, tonight is no exception.

Tonight I'm going with the soba and some Jagadango, since i'm not feeling particularly adventurous. I'll save that for my trip to Tokyo, and then only if im really drunk.

Speaking of... Since the Dassai was so good, i think i'll ask the staff here for a suggestion based on it they're usually very good with that.

The bartender/waitress reccomended Eiko Fuji, a Junmai Ginjo

Eiko Fuji, not the highlight of my night

OK, I've made a wondrous discovery... I do not like Eiko Fuji. Not very smooth and way too damn fruity. That's $13 i'm not getting back. Waitress Fail.

My guest finally confirmed that he can't make it, which is good in a way, since about a minute ago, I gave up and ordered my dinner, Soba is on the way!

Now that's some good soba!

Noting my displeasure with Fuji, the waitress just appeared out of nowhere with a glass and another bottle for me to try. This one came in what looks like an oil can, and goes by the name of Narutotai. Coincidentally, local Sake supplier, Sobaya's proprietor recently recommended the very same bottle a few weeks ago. It's not very smooth, however the flavor is quite good. It went very well with my soba. Waitress Redeemed!

Important Note: Jagadango, which is basically mashed potatoes coated in doughnut batter, then deep fried, and also happens to be my favorite dish at Sakagura, does absolutely nothing to make the Eiko Fuji any better.

That about wraps it up, time to pay the bill and hop the train, ciao!