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A Local's Guide to the Perfect Tokyo Experience
A Local's Guide to the Perfect Tokyo Experience

Condé Nast Traveler

time7 days ago

  • Lifestyle
  • Condé Nast Traveler

A Local's Guide to the Perfect Tokyo Experience

Transcript I'm Melinda Jo, a food writer based in Tokyo for more than 15 years. Over that time, I've helped a lot of people navigate this confusing but beautiful city that we call Tokyo. Today, I'm gonna curate my perfect Tokyo experience, looking at a number of recommendations from the internet, but ultimately I would like to take you to some places off the beaten track. [upbeat music] [bouncy music] When you come to Tokyo, of course you have to eat sushi. Tokyo is the birthplace of Nigiri sushi, which is the kind of sushi that we all know and love. We have so many options here in Tokyo from your cheap eats, standing sushi or the Kaiten sushi, which is the revolving sushi bar to the little neighborhood run mom and pop style sushi restaurants, and of course the high end Omakase style sushi restaurants. When you're looking for sushi in Tokyo, you're gonna see a ton of recommendations, especially concentrated around Oshiage where the old fish market was. So one of the main ones will be Sushizanmai which is of course a very solid chain. My recommendation is Sushi Kadowaki in Ginza. It's a relatively newly open space, and the reason I love it is that it's traditional style, but with innovation, and you have a very, very charming sushi chef that makes you feel very comfortable. [both speaking in Japanese] Of course, this is an Omakase course so it's all chef selection, seasonal, and whatever the chef thinks is best on the day. One of the things that's really special is how he uses fish that is not actually found in a lot of other restaurants. Instead of getting the fish from the market, he has direct relationships with fishermen and with special distributors. Mm! [Takatoshi speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [Takatoshi speaking in Japanese] [all laughing] [Takatoshi speaking in Japanese] [upbeat music] There's only one way to take in the staggering scale of Tokyo, and that's with a view from above. Let's take a look at what the internet says for recommended views. Alright, yeah, Mori Tower in Roppongi of course, a great choice. Oh, the metropolitan building in Shinjuku. That's a great idea, especially if you want to get a view without having to pay an entrance fee. So if I'm going to pick a place with a view, I feel like we should also have some time to enjoy that view with a great drink. And so my pick is the Ritz Carlton Tokyo. For me, the bar at the Ritz Carlton Tokyo achieves the trifecta of great location, wonderful view, and world-class cocktails. Also, it opens at 3:00 PM and I'm a big fan of day drinking, so this is my choice for where to go when you wanna have an afternoon tipple and watch the sunset, I'm gonna meet my friend, producer, Erico Miagawa and we're going to have some drinks mixed by one of my favorite bartenders in Tokyo, Wada-san. So it looks like the menu is based on the seasons. Yes, if we see, oh, this is a beautiful season with Japan, it's easy, but that's pretty much anyone does. So why don't we go further, which is sweet Wind travels around the season of Japan. Okay, so what do you recommend for us today? Why don't we introduce our spring cocktail, which is Usui, Sakura Zen Sen. Oh, this is based on American rye whiskey, and honey comes from Kurume City and lemon comes from Hiroshima and Aromatized with a little bit of matcha. Matcha comes from Kyoto Uji. [Melinda] You said that this has a story? What you see leaking is Tears of Geisha. Oh. Isn't that so cool? That's so cool. Drink. Comes in waves. Right? Yeah. [upbeat music] If you're coming to Tokyo for the first time, of course you wanna have ramen. I was the same way when I first came to Tokyo oh so many years ago, I had ramen all the time. It was such an easy way to go get something that was delicious and filling and great for just one person. There are so many great places to choose from. Let's see what the internet says. We have ramen Ichiran, the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum, also Ramen Street in Tokyo Station. Actually, these are all great choices. Shinyokohama Ramen Museum is so much fun, actually, it's like going to the Disneyland of Ramen. The Ramen Street in Tokyo Station is also a really good way to see what's going on in the ramen scene today, all in one place. What I really recommend is an experience that you can have only in Tokyo, and that's why I wanna take you to Ginza Hachigou. [both speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [Yasushi speaking in Japanese] [both speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [both speaking in Japanese] [Yasushi speaking in Japanese] [Yasushi speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [Yasushi speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] The balance is really important, and that's what I'm finding in this bowl of ramen. You have the texture of the noodles, which is both delicate and pliant and with enough chew to make you feel like you're really eating noodles, but you see that they are thin so that they don't feel too overpowering. There's not a trace of heaviness in this for me at all. It's really the natural flavor of the ingredients coming through. [upbeat music] Well, of course, Kyoto is the capital of temples in Japan, but in Tokyo we also have a lot of cool temples to visit. So let's take a look at what the recommended ones are. The very first one that comes up is of course, Senso-ji in Asakusa and it is a beautiful temple. It is iconic, it is huge. And if you need to get your Instagram moment, then of course I think you should go there. But I recommend for a really unique experience right here in the middle of Tokyo, Fukagawa Fudo-do. [peaceful music] [water splashing] One of the things that makes the temple so unique is that every day, five times a day, they perform a Goma ritual, which is a fire ritual. That is a time that people can pray for different wishes and come for spiritual purification. It doesn't matter if you are yourself religious, it's just more you get a sense of how these institutions are still very much a part of people's lives here. [upbeat music] When people come to Tokyo, they always ask me about Kobe beef, but I think there's a little misunderstanding about what exactly Kobe beef is. Kobe beef refers specifically to a brand of beef made from cattle grown in a certain prefecture in Japan, Hyōgo prefecture. It is one kind of beef in the category of Wagyu. Kobe beef is of course delicious. It's strictly regulated, but there are many other brands of Japanese beef or Wagyu that are also wonderful. So where can you taste this succulent beef? Let's see what the internet says. Okay, so it's so popular that tons of things come up, and I'm sure that a lot of them are great. But I would like to take you to what I think is maybe the best Wagyu experience. Wagyumafia. [crowd cheering] There's no way to put into words the intensity of the energy and the pure flavor that they deliver here at Wagyu Mafia. [both speaking in Japanese] [Melinda] I mean, really spectacular. It's not like at a restaurant at all, and it's not like at a house. It really feels like a performance. [both speaking in Japanese] You are such a big personality. When people think about Wagyumafia, they think about the performance and they think about indulgence. Food has to be fun, food has to be enjoyable. Before Wagyumafia, you sit down quiet for two hours, very end of the meal, you get a tiny bit of Kobe beef, but you're not allowed to talk big, you know? With Wagyumafia, I wanted to create excitement 'cause I think the happiness is new part of our money. People shout and I have a 93-year-old lady as a one of my regular customers. She can understand that. She said, oh, I feel young now. This is a food I wanna serve to my family. Right, right. And my friends. And I want to eat. Yes. Yeah, day off, no, I come back to Wagyumafia to eat it. [both speaking in Japanese] [upbeat music] Tokyo's drinking culture and its bar scene is legendary, not only for the precision and craft of bartenders at high-end cocktail bars, but also for the sheer breadth and variety of the drinking establishments that we have here. We have lively Izaki where you can get a cheap and easy drink. We have bars that are standing room only where you can drop in to say hi and have a beer. And then we have experiences that you can only find here in Tokyo. I'm gonna take you to a one of a kind place called Twillo. The best way to describe it is that it's a kind of food truck meets high-end cocktail bar that moves around the city in a different place every night. [both speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [Shotaro speaking in Japanese] [both speaking in Japanese] I'm gonna drink poison. Hm... [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [Shotaro speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] [both speaking in Japanese] [Shotaro speaking in Japanese] [Melinda speaking in Japanese] One of the things that makes the city so dynamic is the way that you have old and new right next to each other. You might have a restaurant that is a hundred years old next to a really tiny contemporary restaurant with only eight seats. Or you might find the most unusual shop stuck in a high rise building with no real sign. When you walk around Tokyo, you will always find something new. There's so much to see in this city. You have to just be open with all of your senses and start taking a look. [upbeat music]

5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 26 to 29
5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 26 to 29

What's On

time26-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • What's On

5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 26 to 29

Here's what's cooking this week… New week, new reasons not to cook and book a table instead. From chef collabs to menus made for golden hour, here's what's catching our eye (and appetite) at 5 of the best restaurants in Dubai right now. HANU For one night only, HANU at St. Regis Gardens is hosting a culinary crossover worth clearing your calendar for. On May 28, Chef Kyung Soo Moon joins forces with Emirati pitmaster Hattem Mattar for a one-off menu layering refined Korean tradition with smoky barbecue. Offer: Expect creative plates like Sujuk Gyoza with kimchi hummus (Dhs68), Cast Iron Scallop with prosciutto and kimchi butter (Dhs95), Smoked Duck Tteokbokki with black sesame (Dhs82), and a Wagyu Bulgogi Bibimbap reimagined with Mattar's signature smoke (Dhs98). Dessert? Kunafa Bingsu (Dhs65) – a sweet nod to both cuisines. When: May 28 Where: HANU, St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah Contact: (0)4 278 4844. @hanu_dubai Magadan Set against one of Dubai's most iconic sunset backdrops, Golden Hour at Magadan is giving your afternoons a serious glow-up. Offer: Golden Hour menu with sushi, seafood appetisers, and cocktails Timings: Daily from 3pm to 7pm Location: Magadan, The Club, Palm West Beach Contact: (0)50 407 1735. @magadandubai Derwandi Derwandi, known for its lively Lebanese vibe, has launched 'From Sea to Table' at both Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations. This seafood-focused set menu highlights coastal Beirut dishes with a modern twist. The menu features mezze, char-grilled seabass, shrimp fatteh, and Samkeh Harra Beiroutiyeh, all served with Derwandi's signature warm hospitality. Offer: From Sea to Table set menu Timings: Available now, lunch and dinner Location: Derwandi, Jumeirah 2, Dubai Contact: (0)4 385 0800. @derwandi OAnjo Located above the city at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, OAnjo invites diners to skip the menu and let the chef take the lead. Its Omakase Experience is a rotating tasting menu built around seasonal Japanese favourites and a few surprises. Offer: Omakase tasting menu, priced at Dhs150 for 3 courses, Dhs180 for 5 courses, Dhs210 for 7 courses Timings: Tuesday to Sunday Location: OAnjo, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Contact: (0)4 377 2007. @oanjo Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia Atrangi at Al Qasr has introduced a new menu that leans into the kind of Indian food most people rarely see outside of home kitchens. Designed by chef Ritu Dalmia, it's a deep cut into lesser-known regions, with dishes that span from coastal spice to hearty grains and preserved meats. Offer: New à la carte menu now available Timings: Daily, lunch and dinner Location: Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai Contact: (0)4 366 6750. @atrangidubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

BottleRock's most luxurious bites: 7 fancy foods to indulge in at the 2025 festival
BottleRock's most luxurious bites: 7 fancy foods to indulge in at the 2025 festival

San Francisco Chronicle​

time23-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • San Francisco Chronicle​

BottleRock's most luxurious bites: 7 fancy foods to indulge in at the 2025 festival

A weekend at BottleRock can easily cost as much as a dinner at the French Laundry — or more — but there's plenty of caviar and truffles to go around. Here are the fanciest dishes to seek out at this year's three-day festival in Wine Country. The Godzilla, Sumo Dog ($20) This Japanese-inspired footlong hot dog from the newest vendor at Napa's Oxbow Public Market could easily feed up to four people. Featuring a mix of toppings that will make your head spin — miso beef chili, togarashi cheese sauce, wasabi relish, pickled peppers, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, furikake, miso mustard coleslaw, jalapeño and nori — the flavors somehow all work to create a delicious, fulfilling and extremely-Instagrammable meal. New England lobster roll, Mustards Grill ($29, VIP only) This sweet, buttery roll from a Napa Valley institution (and a San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 restaurant) is jam packed with refreshing and delicious Maine lobster, and pickled onions bring a burst of acidity and flavor to every few bites. Be sure to eat some of the meat on its own (there's plenty to go around) to truly bask in all of its glory. Omakase Roll, Omakase ($22) This San Francisco sushi spo t is serving two rolls: A California roll ($18) and Omakase's house special. The latter is a spicy tuna and cucumber roll topped with generous cuts of spicy salmon, tobiko and green onion. It's refreshing yet still filling, and a great gluten-free option. Lobster corn dog with caviar, Under-Study ($32) Arguably BottleRock's most famous dish for three years running, the lobster corn dog topped with caviar from the Michelin-starred team of Napa Valley's Press Restaurant is available to all BottleRock festivalgoers for the first time this year. Look for the giant 'Lobster Caviar Corn Dog' sign at the Under-study booth in general admission and VIP areas. Rolled tacos, Chispa ($23, VIP only) These adorable rolled tacos from Napa tequila bar Chispa are essentially taquitos, but they taste a thousand times better than the frozen ones of your childhood. Served in a cup and dipped in a tasty concoction of jalapeño crema, salsa, pickled cabbage and cotija cheese, these crunchy snacks have a slight kick. And they're perfect for sharing as each order comes with five. Wagyu hot dog, Charlie's ($23) Making its triumphant return, Charlie's Wagyu hotdog served in a pretzel bun and topped with ketchup, mustard and a green tomato relish, is one of the tastiest dishes at the festival. But to enjoy it in true Napa style, you'll want to add caviar for the extra $15. The Napa Valley hot spot's famous caramelized onion dip with caviar and salt and vinegar chips ($20) is also back and you won't want to miss the Chucko Taco ($12), a mini and upgraded play on the discontinued Choco Taco ice cream treat. Honorable mention: Anchovy sundae, Lao Table ($15) This dessert from San Francisco Laotian spot Lao Table should win the award for 'Weirdest dish at BottleRock,' but the fried anchovies topping also qualifies it for the fancy category. Beyond the anchovies, there's a lot going on in this dish, including a brioche roll, rice, coconut ice cream and a brown sugar caramel sauce, which gives the sundae a rich, butter-and-caramel popcorn flavor.

Dining deals of the week: 18
Dining deals of the week: 18

ILoveQatar.net

time18-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • ILoveQatar.net

Dining deals of the week: 18

Time to get a new week started packed with delectable dining deals! This weeks deals handpicked for you by the (ILQ) team include an afternoon tea with a honey-infused specialities, a sushi & robata night, an Omakase experience & more! Sunday Campagnia Caffe - Marriott Executive Apartments City Center Doha Deal of the week: Business Lunch - Take a break from the office and treat your taste buds to an amazing business lunch in town- served within an hour. Details: Monday The Courtyard - The Plaza Doha Deal of the week: Honey Afternoon Tea - Savour a sweet escape with the Honey Afternoon Tea, an elegant selection of honey-infused treats and fragrant teas served in the serene surrounds of The Courtyard. Details: Tuesday Scarpetta Doha - Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha Deal of the week: Scarpetta- Giro D Italia - Tuesdays just got tastier! Discover the flavours of Italy with Scarpetta's Night of Taste - a curated selection of regional pizzas made for true pizza lovers! Details: Wednesday Morimoto - Mondrian Doha Deal of the week: Omakase Experience - When every dish is a secret worth tasting. Embark on the Omakase journey - a unique culinary expression. Details: Thursday Sahab Restaurant - Retaj Al Rayyan Deal of the week: Business Lunch - Get your midday fuel at Sahab Restaurant with their business lunch at QR 49, which includes a buffet of 6 main courses and various appetisers and desserts. Details: Cuisine: International Price: QR 49 Timings: Sunday to Thursday - 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm Location: Sahab Restaurant, Retaj Al Rayyan, West Bay Contact: +974 6602 5326 Instagram: @ Friday Musheireb Restaurant - Four Points by Sheraton Deal of the week: Asian Nights - Satisfy your cravings for Asian flavours and endless sushi at Musheireb Restaurant's Friday evening special Asian buffet. Details: Cuisine: Asian Price: QR 75 per adult | Half price for kids between the ages of 6 to 11 years old | Free for kids 1 to 6 years old Timing: Fridays - 6 pm to 10 pm Location: Musheireb Restaurant, Four Points by Sheraton Doha, Msheireb Contact: +974 4433 8888 Instagram: @fourpointsdoha Saturday Sora - Park Hyatt Deal of the week: Sushi & Robata Saturdays - Dig in to a flavourful combination of sushi and robata-grilled specialities every Saturday. Details: Cover image credit: Shutterstock

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