Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 481

November 17, 2012: Shao Bing and scriptwork! Another rainy afternoon!

Welcome to mid-November, Vancouver-style.  Cold, wet, and rainy.  But that didn’t deter us from checking out the winter farmer’s market today outside Nat Bailey Stadium.  Less fresh fruit, more fresh root vegetables, several baked good stands doing brisk business, and the the food trucks were out in force.  I counted five in all, including one I tried for the first time: Le Tigre Cuisine offering “scrumptious modern Chinese delights”.   I was expecting good and got even better:

Braised pulled pork shoulder bun.  A lot of the time, even a low, slow cook may still hield dry results – which is why I tend to prefer the belly, neck, or jowl meat.  Well, not sure what the secret is but this shoulder meat was probably the tenderest I’ve ever eaten.  Outstanding.   

The Shao Bing = flakey puff pastry sandwich with braised beef, pickled cabbage, cilantro, green onion, and Schezuan chili sauce. Again, the meat is incredibly tender. The pickled cabbage provides a nice crunch.

The roasted beet fries with plum powder and 7 spice mayo.  Brilliant.

My sole disappointment was the fact that I was too full to try the “Kick Ass Rice” – cooked in sake, with butter and dash, and topped with a poached egg, fresh herbs, and thai chili.  You can have it with either pork belly or popcorn chicken.

My new favorite food truck.  You can check out their facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/LeTigreCuisine

After that, it was back home for my favorite rainy day activity = agonizing over a script.  I wrote the tease last weekend, Paul forged ahead and wrote the first act and a half this past week, and I ended up spending most of this afternoon trying to craft the scene in the mental institution.  Amusingly enough, this is the third “mental institution scene” I’ve written in recent memory.  And, in spite of what they tell you, they don’t get any easier.  I’m pleased to report, however, that I got it done, ended the act, and am now trying to figure out how to attack the ensuing scene which involves, pictures, diagrams, and a (hopefully) clear as day explanation of a complex worst-case scenario.

By the way, thanks to everyone who weighed in the last couple of days with: a) suggestions for my insomnia, and b) weird J-pop/K-pop recommendations.  I am officially enlightened.

So, what’s the weather like in your neck of the woods?  And how go your various weekends/secret projects/scripts?

Tagged: food trucks, Le Tigre, Le Tigre Cuisine, Vancouver Food Trucks

November 16, 2012: Dark Matter! Mystery Projects! More J-pop and K-pop videos! And the mailbag!

Whew.  What a day!  It started with a doctor’s appointment and ended with a conference call about an exciting potential new project.  In between, I fielded texts, emails, and phone calls about Dark Matter, read what Paul has written so far on that “other” project, talked to a lawyer, met with my bank rep, and generally kept abreast of all developments on the football front as my Snow Monkeys face their toughest challenge to date, taking on the Mighty Molsons this weekend in fantasy football league action.

I went to see the doctor on Akemi’s (persistent) insistence today after experiencing a one-time pain in my left shoulder sometime during my Tokyo trip (while I was eating my second serving of foie gras and black pudding.  Hey, not my fault!  Akemi wouldn’t eat hers.).  My heart checked out fine and, given the details of my distress, he suspects it was merely an esophagal reaction.  Just to be on the safe side, however, I’m off to get a blood test and EKG on Monday.  The results should reaffirm the good doc’s prognosis.  If not, in the words of my buddy Ivon: “Well, you’ve had a good run.”

Dark Matter aint dead yet!  Those of you familiar with my SF comic book series about the amnesiac crew of a derelict spaceship and the mystery surrounding their interstellar mission (You can purchase the first four-issue arc here: Dark Matter #1 – #4 Bundle) know that I have my heart set on translating it to the small screen someday.  Well, after much back and forth, missed opportunities, lost causes, and blown deadlines, it appears as though – maybe, just maybe – there could be a deal in the works.  Or it could just be a precursor to a deal or some eternal optimist misinterpreting something somebody said.  Whichever the case, let’s call it positive news and leave it at that.  More information as it becomes available.  And if you hear anything before I do, let me know!

This year, Paul and I have focused on writing over producing.  While it pays significantly less, it has allowed me to work from home on my own projects while taking a much-needed year off after a most memorable (for all the wrong reasons) 2011.  Among the projects we’re working on is the development of a series pilot for a fantasy series that has garnered a fair amount of interest.  Paul sent me the first two acts this morning and it’s great!  We deliver at the end of the month and then, I expect, it’ll be smoooooooooth sailing!

Also, a good friend (and fantasy football league buddy whose team, sadly, has fallen on hard times) and ex-Stargate colleague has approached Paul and I about a fantastic personal project of his own that looks to have all sorts of potential.  Coming soon to a t.v. near you?  Things look very positive.  Next week, Paul and I will get together with him to discuss creative and what lies ahead.  Very nice of him to think of us.

Went to talk to a lawyer today about an outstanding issue that has plagued me for far too long.  I felt much better after talking to him and look forward to being a little more proactive starting next week as I take steps to finally resolve the issue. You can only be nice for so long…

Finally, an apology to a couple of individuals who are owed scripts.  I didn’t get a chance to send them before leaving for Japan and this has been a busy week, but I promise to give Richard Woolsey the go-ahead and he’ll dispatch the scripts, via jumper, first thing Monday morning.

What’s on your mind?  Let’s hit the mailbag and find out:

gforce writes: “It’s been a busy day or two – my step-mom wound up in the hospital again, this time with a subdural haematoma. They did an operation today to relieve the pressure today and the prognosis looks pretty good. Pretty stressful time, though.”

Answer: Hey, Gary, wishing your mom a speedy recovery.  And you a hopefully less stressful week ahead.

JeffW writes: “I’m over-nighting in London and found that ITV 4 is playing “My Super Ex-girlfriend”…I don’t really remember this one, but maybe Cookie would want to add it to his list?”

Answer: Yep, it’s on the list.

Randomness writes: “Hope you didn’t mind me posting a ton of JPop vids on your update post Joe.”

Answer: Not at all.  I’m always open to checking out new things – and new tunes, especially if it helps me get rid of an old tune stuck in my head.  Chewing chewing chewing chewing chewing cutie cutie chew-chew-chewing loooooooove!

noellam writes: “Here’s a question for Akemi: Why is the lead singer gal in Candy Candy running with a piece of toast in her mouth?”

Answer: Akemi isn’t sure.  I think it’s because she forgot her bento box.

PBMom writes: “It was $50 a plate and open bar (the facility fee, etc. would not have changed though). I think like 10 people did not show up. No one called to say, “Hey sorry I’m sick, I won’t make it.” Just no shows with no explanations.”

Answer: Hate that.  I recall inviting someone to one of my chocolate parties.  Since he had family visiting, I even extended the invitation to his out-of-town guests.  He not only didn’t show up  (meaning five dinners went uneaten and, most importantly, five seats that could have gone to other friends went unfilled) but the next day, at work, was totally oblivious to the inconvenience he’d caused.

Mike A. writes: “Um, Joe, is it weird that I totally enjoyed all of these videos?”

Answer: Who am I to criticize?  I’m a Kyamy Pamyu Pamyu convert.  Here ya go.  Her new video:

So kawaii!

Mike A. also writes: “Are the dogs joining your schedule or have they been able to stay on their normal sleep routine?”

Answer: Nope.  The dogs are pretty oblivious to my issues but make me well aware of theirs.  Issue #1 (first thing in the morning): Where’s breakfast?

Tam Dixon writes: “Did you see any of the groups live?”

Answer: I’m not much of a concert-goer.  In my case, they invariably end up disappointing.  A friend, a life-long Bob Dylan fan, went to his concert the other night – and ended up leaving partway through, this after criticizing a friend who had done the same thing the previous night.

osirisoflight writes: “In my wandering around youtube i came across a group called Baby Metal. They are a half Metal half j-pop teen group. the music is oddly catchy.”

Answer: Bizarrely entertaining!  I found this clip as well:

sylvia writes: “Then…there is the Gangnam Style by Psy that went viral. It’s from Korea.
Once you hear it…can’t get the tune out of your head.”

Answer: Yep.  Even the hard-to-impress Ivon Bartok isn’t immune to the catchy Gangnam Style.  And, while we’re on the subject of K-pop, may I introduce Super Junior…

Tagged: Dark Matter, J-pop, K-pop

November 15, 2012: The weird and wonderful world of J-Pop!

It’s nice to know that, no matter where you go in the world, the local music scene is peopled with weird/annoying/colorful characters.  Just a different kind of weird/annoying/colorful character than what you’re used to in your neck of the woods.  Whenever I’m in Tokyo, I’m endlessly amused and, occasionally, mystified by the hot group/singer du jour.  Now I’m no expert on J-pop (Japanese pop)  and am admittedly not at all familiar with the Japanese music scene, but I know enough to know what I like.  And, more importantly, what I find kinDA strange…

EXILE

What I find strange about Exile is the fact that the “group’s leader” isn’t the lead vocalist.  Or lead guitarist.  Or xylophonist.  He doesn’t even play an instrument. He’s the 14-man group’s lead dancer.

“Not dancer,”Akemi corrected me this afternoon.  ”Performer.”

“Oh, what else does he do?”I asked her.  ”Play guitar?  The drums?  Do magic tricks?”

“He dances.”

“Right.”

KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

In a world of Lady Gaga imitators, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a breath of refreshingly bizarre air.  The former fashion blogger, Harajuku model, and entrepreneur (launching a successful line of fake eyelashes),  hit it big when the video for her first single, PonPonPon,  went viral.  She followed up with her next big single, Candy Candy – the video for which I saw for the first time, appropriately enough, at a candy store in Vegas.  If you wanted to sing along to the chorus, the lyrics go: “Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Sweetie, Sweetie, Girls Love.  Chewing, Chewing, Chewing, Chewing, Chewing, Cutie, Cutie, Chew-Chew-Chew-Chewing Love!”

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is her first name by the way.

AKB48

Not to be confused with AK47, this all-girl group is made up of…well…a hell of a lot of members.

“Forty-eight?”I assumed.

“Oh, a lot more than forty-eight,”Akemi assured me.

As it turns out, more like 67 (They apparently hold the world record), split into three “teams” backstopped by a minor league system of young trainees (kenkyusei).

According to Akemi (who knows about such things), the girls are selected for various big events (ie. the recording of a new single) by a popular vote.  The purchase of every new single allows every fan the opportunity to vote for their favorite.  And vote they do, to the tune of over one million after their 2011 single, Everyday Katyusha.  ”But that’s not fair to the unpopular girls!”I’m sure you’re saying to yourself.  Well, fear not.  To ensure the unpopular girls get their fair shot as well, the participants on a second single is determined by a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament involving all 67 members.

Really.

HATSUNE MIKU

It’s finally come to this and, honestly, are you that surprised?  A 3D hologram plays to packed stadiums.  The brainchild of Cyrpton Future Media, Hatsune is a digital avatar and singing synthesizer voice application that has apparently taken the software (and music) industry by storm.  The whole Milli Vanilli scandal seems to unjust in retrospect.

THE BAWDIES

Is “bawdies” the Japanese word for “beatles”?  Just wondering.

Tagged: AKB48, Exile, Hatsune Miku, J-pop, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, The Bawdies

November 14, 2012: Sweet, sweet, elusive sleep! News of note!

Hmmm.  I seem to have lost my grasp on this whole sleeping thing.  After a relatively promising first night back from Tokyo, I’ve been unable get back into a west coast rhythm.  Last night, I lay awake until 3:00 a.m., trying to remember what, exactly, it felt like to fall asleep.  I envy people who can just shut their eyes and drift off through sheer force of will, like William Shatner according to that interview I once saw with the actor many years back (or, conversely, it may have been his character James T. Kirk in the novelization of a Stark Trek episode as relayed to me by my cousin when I was a kid).  There’s nothing quite as sad and frustrating as lying in bed, desperately trying to salvage those dwindling precious few hours of darkness.  Okay, all is not lost.  If I fall asleep in the next twenty minutes, I can still get in three hours sleep!  I remember reading a research article (or it may have been a true or false question on the old Hollywood Squares show) that claimed people fall asleep faster by actually trying to stay awake.  So I tried that.  And reading until I was tired.  And counting sheep.   Nothing worked.  I ended up popping a melatonin tablet and that did the trick.  Tonight, I’d rather not rely on the pill so I’m looking for a natural solution.  I recall reading a research article (or it may have been an episode of Food Detectives) that suggested chamomile tea had yielded positive results with test subjects.  I’m going to try a cup tonight before turning in. Will let you know how it goes.

Please post your surefire insomnia remedies.  It will give me something to read while I’m up late tonight.

Some interesting links:

“Things should improve, Moonves says, as Nielsen begins to count the growing number of viewers who watch shows on digital gadgets including smartphones and tablets.”  Yep, things should improve.  Eventually.  For some shows anyway.  Les Moonves Urges Industry Watchers To “Stop Looking At Overnight Ratings”.

I read this while I was in Tokyo and thought it mighty brilliant – and incredibly touching.  The short story, “The Paper Menagerie”, by Ken Liu, won the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award, the first work of fiction to ever sweep all three. Read it here: Read Ken Liu’s amazing story that swept the Hugo, Nebula and – Io9 and then head on over and tell Ken how much you enjoyed it here: 

A much as I enjoy Guy Fieri’s down-home buffoonery on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, I couldn’t help but savor this NYT critic’s extended lament to Guy regarding his new Times Square restaurant: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/dining/reviews/restaurant-review-guys-american-kitchen-bar-in-times-square.html?_r=0 .  Some of the highlights: “Why is one of the few things on your menu that can be eaten without fear or regret — a lunch-only sandwich of chopped soy-glazed pork with coleslaw and cucumbers — called a Roasted Pork Bahn Mi, when it resembles that item about as much as you resemble Emily Dickinson?” and “At your five Johnny Garlic’s restaurants in California, if servers arrive with main courses and find that the appetizers haven’t been cleared yet, do they try to find space for the new plates next to the dirty ones? Or does that just happen in Times Square, where people are used to crowding?”  Ouch.

From the gang at cracked.com: 6 Iconic Movie Scenes That Happened by Accident.  Poor, poor, Viggo.

Tagged: cracked.com, Guy Fieri, Ken Liu, The Paper Menagerie

November 13, 2012: Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!

To be perfectly honest, there was only one thing I missed during my trip to Japan.  And it wasn’t the food or the television or the general comforts of home.  It was the dogs.  Even Akemi, who admittedly never “got” dogs before coming to Canada, could think of nothing but her dear Bubba those last few days in Tokyo.  It was nice to know that they were in great hands.  Our dog-sitter, Christine, stayed at the house with them, sending us daily updates and, occasionally, photos.

As I struggle to readjust back to Pacific Standard Time and scramble to tend to the 101 things that magically did not get done while I was away (This isn’t like Stargate where I could always rely on the infamous script elves), I thought it might be nice (and relaxing) to dedicate this entry to the gang – in pictures (most of them compliments of Christine):

Tagged: Dogs, french bulldogs, pugs

November 12, 2012: The Supermovie of the Week Club reconvenes! Cookie Monster reviews The Fantastic Four (2205)!

Okay, yes, dis be garbage movie but viewer have to keep in mind dat it made in 1994 by schlock producer Roger Corman for miniscule budget and film never meant to be released…Wait.  What?  Dis NOT de Roger Corman crapfest but de 2005 $100 million budget version?  Are you sure?

Hmmm.  Monster just checked and me already reviewed Corman movie so, yep, dis de new and improved (?) Fantastic Four.  Wit 100 times de budget of de first film, you would tink it be at least ten percent better.

Mr. Fantastic. Powers = Stretchiness, wooden acting, and mysterious greying sideburns.

Movie begin wit scientist Reed Richards, played by some aktor who would make a better waiter, pitching research project to super rich scientist Dr. Viktor Von Doom.  Really, wit a name like Von Doom, he destined for villainhood.  It like  Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkins naming their daughter Fluffy.  Poor kid never stood a chance.  Viktor give de okay to de projekt dat involve study of passing cosmik clouds on his space station.  Research crew made up of Reed, his right-hand goon Ben Grimm, beautiful scientist Sue Storm, and Sue’s douche bag brother, Johnny.

Projekt gets off to bad start when cosmic clouds show up early and end up irradiating everyone.  As a result, everyone end up wit strange powers.  Reed acquires body-stretching ability.  And greying sideburns. For some reason.  Sue acquire power of invisibility – which be pretty much useless throughout movie and only used for completely illogical reasons – and ability to manifest force shields.  Johnny acquire power to manifest flames and fly around.  Ben acquire super strength and super hard rocky exterior.  And Viktor start to slowly, kinda, turn into metal…but not really…and acquire ability to control elektricity.  Oh, and knack for falling in and out of British accent.

Invisible Girl. Powers = Invisibility and unnecessary stripping.

Ben all upset.  He leave hospital and call up his girlfriend who come down to de street to meet him.  In her lingerie.  She horrified by sight of him and run away.  For some reason, Ben surprized by dis and go hang out on bridge.  He try to save suicidal jumper and cause huge pile-up.  Reed, Sue, and Johnny, who JUST HAPPEN to be on de bridge and happen to see him, want to get to Ben but can’t get thru de crowd.  So how to get through?  Have Reed stretch his legs so he can carry Sue and Johnny over de people? Have Johnny use his flying powers to carry Sue and Reed over?  Nope, let’s have Sue turn invisible and push her way thru de crowd becuz, of course, people will move over for an invisible person more dan dey would for a regular person. Dis probably de single stoopidest moment in a movie filled wit stoopid moments and, really, only an excuse to get actress Jessica Alba in her bra and panties.  But Monster not complaining.

Dey reach Ben.  Save a fire truck racing toward de scene.  And become heroes.  Dey call demselves The Fantastic Four.  Reed = Mr. Fantastic. Sue = The Invisible Girl.  Johnny = The Human Torch.  Ben = The Thing.  But Ben very sad becuz his girlfriend JUST HAPPENS to be on de bridge and see him and takes off her engagement ring and leave it on the ground before walking away.

Movie plod along, filled wit lame sight gags and dialogue.  Reed tests Ben’s reflexes wit hammer.  He kick chair across de room!  Reed walk in on Sue getting out of de shower. She turn invisible (P.S. But Monster not complaining)!  Reed uses stretchy arm to reach out of bathroom for toilet paper!  Goofy music accompanies deir anticks! Hardy har har!

Dey become celebrities.  Sue mobbed by fans and, to eskape dem, strips off her clothes, turns invisible and runs away.  No.  Really.  P.S. Monster not complaining.

The Human Torch. Powers = Flaming, flying, and general douce-baggery.

Meanwhile, becuz of accident on space station, Viktor’s company in ruins.  Investors pull out.  He exakt revenge by killing dem all.  He convince Ben dat even though Reed promised to change dem back, he really just interested in spending time with Sue.  Which bring monster to super-weak romantik triangle involving Sue, Reed and Viktor. Seriously.  Superhot intelligent girl and best she can do is choice between milquetoast loser and asshole?  Dat’s it?!!

Viktor convince Thing to step into HIS cosmic accelerator dat will turn him back to normal.   And it work.  But it also give Viktor extra power he needs to get super strong!

The Thing. Powers = rocky exterior, super strength, and sulking.

Viktor try to off de rest of de Fantastic Four but unsuccessful.  Ben turn back into Thing (somehow) and fight Viktor who, by dis point, has donned snappy new costume and metal mask dat JUST HAPPENS to be on display at nearby exhibition.  FF used deir combined powerz to take down Doom and bring movie to a merciful end.

Dr. Doom. Powers = Metallic disfigurement, super strength, control of electricity, and cheesy villainous preening.

Movie end wit after-party.  Reed propose to Sue and she accept.  Ben get together wit blind woman who love him for who he be.  Meanwhile…

A frozen Doom shipped off in container to homeland of…Latveria!!!

Verdikt: Dog poop.

Rating: 2 chocolate chippee cookies.

Tagged: comic book movies, Comic Books, Comics, Cookie Monster, Cookie Monster reviews The Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four, superhero movies, superheroes, Supermovie of the, The Fantastic Four, The Fantastic Four (2005)

November 11, 2012: Best of the rest! Football Sunday/Ice Cream Resumes!

Some of the best of the rest photos of our Tokyo trip -

Akemi’s Hello Kitty bento lunch.

Akemi presents: The Quebec. Huh?

Akemi makes a new friend in Omotesando:

Akemi ready to head out in her new outfit.

Japanese cotton swabs come with one regular tip and one sharp tip for perforating ear drums when you unwittingly flip the to clean the other ear.

Weird stained glass bunny art at Shinjuku station.

“Protect our favorite town (presumably from Yakuza gangsters” campaign in Omotesando.

Ginza at night.

Even though I was on holiday, I wasn’t on vacation from fantasy football.  With my Snow Monkeys in the playoff hunt, I couldn’t afford to be.  And so, amid the sushi and shopping, I also made time for injury updates, waiver wire additions, and line-up changes.  As a result of my commitment, my Snow Monkeys have reeled off four straight wins, and now sit in second place with three weeks to go.  Today, we took our show on the road – over to Rob’s house to watch the various games with Ivon.

The sausage selection.

Ivon goes turkey.

Rob is all smiles because his Cowboys actually won. No. Really. They won.

And waiting for me upon my return, this weekend’s Sunday Morning Ice Cream delivery. This week’s flavor: Cap’n Crunch

For dessert, I picked up a dozen from Beta 5 on my way over along with some brownies and aerated chocolates.  After all, what says “football afternoon with the guys” better than sausages and cream puffs?

Goooo Snow Monkeys!

November 10, 2012: Sayanora Tokyo! Dai San Harumi!

There are a grand total of three possible sleeping positions on an airplane seat and I exhausted all three today.

I quite like the timing of the flights both to and from Tokyo.  On the way there, the flight departs in the mid-afternoon, giving you plenty of time to sleep in and do your last minute checks and cross-checks before jetting off. By the time you get in, you’re thoroughly exhausted so that, once you’ve touched down, completed the 90 minute ride from Narita airport, checked in, and had a late meal, you’ll be read for bed – at about 9:30 – 10:00 p.m. local time – which is about 4:00 a.m. or 5:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.  If you keep to this schedule, you’ll be waking up at 6:00 in the morning every day, ready for a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Market, followed by a nice full day and early night.

The return flight is not quite as great.  It leaves at about 7:00 p.m. local time and, after about nine hours of flying, gets in to Vancouver at approximately 11:00 a.m. The game plan is to sleep through the flight as much as possible and then stay up as late as possible on the longest day back to force your body back into a sleep rhythm. Taking a couple of melatonin pills before bedtime helps but, all the same, you’re going to come up against certain nights (actually early mornings) where you’ll find yourself, wide awake, at 4:00 a.m., wrestling with a powerful craving for sushi.

Speaking of which – for our last meal in Japan, I thought it would only be appropriate to go out for sushi.  We ended up at Dai San Harumi, a tiny, friendly little place in Shinbashi.  Some of the highlights -

Welcome to Dai San Harumi

The bonito (tuna) is seared over an open flame so that its exterior attains a certain smokiness while its interior maintains that mouth-melting high-grade tuna texture.

According to our chef, the restaurant only sources the best of these very best fresh, organic Japanese tiger prawn – about 1% of each catch.

Saba (chub mackerel), lightly cured with salt and vinegar.

Plump anago (conger eel).

And, for dessert, the tamago.

Thanks for coming!

An excellent final meal that made me kind of sad as a reminder of exactly what I’d be missing.

After lunch, we stopped by Akemi’s old workplace, the Pierre Marcolini Cafe, so that she could say goodbye to her old friends and co-workers – oh, and grab a dessert while we were there.

A role reversal for Akemi who finds herself being waited on instead of the other way around.

I had a marron (chestnut) parfait while Akemi had this terrific new addition to the menu -

It’s described as a dark chocolate drink.  It’s cold, bittersweet, and so thick and rich you have to eat it with a spoon.

Afterwards, we made one final trip to the Mitsukoshi department store and picked up some Christmas gifts, then walked back along one of Ginza’s main streets that is always closed to traffic on weekends.  On the way, we were stopped by a camera crew and asked to identify a couple of mysterious dollar store items.  We failed miserably as both of my guesses, cucumber zester and dog hammock proved incorrect.

It seems like there’s a camera crew parked every ten feet down Ginza dori.  Last time I was in town with Ivon, we were stopped and interviewed about the grand Japanese tradition of the Christmas sock.

The return trip was uneventful.  And this is what greeted us upon our return:

It’s funny but, by the end of our time in Tokyo, Akemi told me that she was actually happy to be leaving and returning to Vancouver.  Surprisingly, there was little wistfulness at our departure, just happy memories of our trip, the hope to return for an equally short visit some time next year, and an overwhelming desire to see Bubba again.

Soooo tired.

Tagged: Dai San Harumi, Japan, Japan travel, sushi, Tokyo, Tokyo food, Tokyo Restaurants, Tokyo sushi, Tokyo travel

November 9, 2012: Last full day in Tokyo! Restaurant Esquisse! Chez Tomo!

The familiar face of Chef Lionel Beccat

My friend Moro-san suggested we go to lunch at Restaurant Esquisse, a relatively new addition to the Ginza dining scene.  It has only been open for about four months now and yet, in that short time, garnered some great word of mouth. Always up to trying something new, I booked us a table.

I arrived early and had just taken a seat at the table when I was greeted by a familiar smile.  It was none other than Chef Lionel Beccat, the culinary magician who had crafted one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had the pleasure to sit down to in Tokyo – which also happened to be my very first date with Akemi (all the details in pictures here: November 30, 2009: Tokyo Travel Day $6 – Ginza La Tour, Michel Troisgros).  Back then he was at Cuisine Michel Troisgros.  Today, he heads the kitchen at Restaurant Esquisse and, judging by the meal we enjoyed, he is still firing on all creative cylinders.

Our set lunch course included…

Apple soufflé.  Incredibly delicate, airy, but with a lovely pronounced apple bite.

Lobster with caviar, mushrooms, lobster brain and mustard cream.  Like all Chef Beccat’s dishes, it balances delicacy with complexity of flavors.  

Mussels with trumpet mushrooms, apricot, and lemongrass foam.

Foie gras with grilled anago, mandarin orange, and maitake mushrooms.  Loved the creme brûlée preparation of the foie. 

The wild duck

Scallops with truffles and almond-hazelnut foam.I know some aren’t fans of foams but when done right (like in this dish) they had a whole other level of scent and flavor.

Monkfish prepped in konbu, then yogurt, wrapped in black olive and sepia accompanied by its spinach-wrapped liver with raisins.  A stronger, meatier fish that marries well to the black olive and squid ink.

Japanese oysters with apple and daikon horseradish emulsion topped with lemon caviar.  A refreshing palate cleanser to break up the robust flavors of the bracketing dishes.

The lemon caviar in its natural state.  They go for about $10 a pop.

Wild duck with a (not) celeriac puree, beet, white carrot, red radish, and Cyprus salt – accompanied by its date-covered leg.  Duck is tricky.  Undercooked, it’s chewy.  Overcooked, it’s inedible.  Here, the preparation is perfect, crispy-skinned and tender.

I say the duck was served with (not) celeriac puree above because, although that’s what I assumed it was, our helpful waiter explained it was actually cerfeuil.  And, when I expressed confusion, he popped back into the kitchen and returned with a sample.  Chervil!  Really?

Sorry.  By the time I finished it, I realized I’d forgotten to snap a pic.  I toyed with the idea of hanging around and getting a photo of our neighbor’s plate but ultimately decided to go with this.  What you missed: Grape sorbet from Kyojo with whipped grape champagne creme brulee and a confit Porto, topped with an anise treat.

Tarte tain with vanilla ice cream, creme anglaise, roast pear, rusk, and sugar caramel.  Another triumph of taste, temperature and textural contrasts – sweet, salty, sour, warm, cold, crispy, crunchy, soft, and chewy. 

Our guide on this culinary odyssey: Chiba Tadashi who painstakingly explained every dish and, whenever I expressed confusion, ducked back into the kitchen to retrieve the ingredients to hopefully help clarify.

Les mignardaises

Chef Beccat

A wonderful lunch.  Much thanks to Chiba-san for going above and beyond the call to make our lunch as informative as possible (even though, I’m sure, I’ve missed plenty of the details in attempting to jot them down, shorthand, on my iphone notepad).  And, of course, many thanks to Chef Beccat for yet another memorable meal.  I’ll definitely be back on my return visit to Tokyo.

Last night, we dined at Chez Tomo in Ginza with Akemi’s friend, Megumi.  Akemi was particularly looking forward to the restaurant’s signature vegetable plate.  I was dubious – but ended up pleasantly surprised.  You’ll see why in a moment…

If there are two things I’ve eaten A LOT of on this trip, it’s foie gras and sea urchin.  And that’s been perfectly fine by me.  In this dish, the sea urchin is served with lobster in a bisque-like preparation served in the uni’s shell.

Interesting.  Flounder-wrapped around Japanese pear accompanied by a Japanese pear ravioli, beets, seawater gelatin cubes, and black olive tapenade.  Quite a few acidic notes.

A mosaic of between 28-30 organic vegetables from Yamanashi.  This dish was a blast to eat, offering up an incredible variety of tastes and textures.

A soup duo: chilled chestnut on the left and a warm beet-laced vegetable medley on the right.

Roasted Hokkaido wild Yezo deer roast, patty and heart sauté, served with black pepper sauce.  The presentation left a little something to be desired but the dish was delicious nevertheless.  Surprisingly sweet and lacking in black pepper kick given the black pepper in the description.

Instead of trotting out finished desserts for us to select from, we were presented with the main ingredients that went into each of the four desserts of the day (ie. the fresh egg and vanilla beans that go into the creme brûlée).  We all decided to go with -

The chocolate trio.  A so-so cold chocolate drink accompanied by a delightfully dense chocolate ganache and bittersweet chocolate ice cream.

Homeward-bound today and Akemi and I are really looking forward to seeing the dogs.

See you in Van and thanks for tagging along!

Tagged: Chez Tomo, Japan, Japan travel, Restaurant Esquisse, Tokyo, Tokyo food, Tokyo Restaurants, Tokyo travel

November 9, 2012: Tokyo Day….? I’ve lost count! Star Bar! Nodaiwa! Nakajima! Quintessence!

When I travel to Tokyo, I usually stay at The Imperial Hotel.  The service is great, the rooms very comfy, and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather spending my nights. With the exception of Star Bar, a truly awesome basement bar Ivon Bartok and I discovered on our trip here a couple of hears back.  Like The Imperial Hotel, the service is great and the room is comfy.  Also, the drinks are outstanding. Whenever I’m in town, I make it a point to drop by.  Master bartender Hisashi Kishi and his right-hand man, Yamasaki Tsuyoshi, are now like members of my extended family.  I’m always thrilled to see them and, conversely, sad to part ways with them whenever my trip comes to its inevitable end.

I stopped by twice on this visit and, as always, Master Kishi-san was always at his warm, jovial, and welcoming best, whipping up killer cocktails and Moscow Mules that I’ll dream about long after I return to Vancouver.

Master Kishi-san rocks the shaker:

Yamasaki-san follows suit:

Beefeater Gin with fresh muscat grape juice.  Deceptively smooth and delicious.

At the conclusion of my visit, I always leave Master Kishi-san with a little something – in this case a bottle and a selection of olive oils (because, in addition to being a great bartender, I hear he’s also a terrific cook).

And Master Kishi-san ended up surprising me by presenting me with my very own Star Bar copper (Moscow Mule) mug.  It was totally unexpected and greatly appreciated.  Oh, and much needed.

Star Bar Ginza, B1F Sankosha Building, 1-5-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku,Tokyo; (03) 3535-8005 

Night time view by the Pensinsula Hotel, Ginza.  Christmas is almost upon us!

Rooftop park on the 9th floor of the Shinjuku Isetan.

Unagi at Nodaiwa.

Iwasha (mackerel) sashimi at Nakajima.

Faux ice cream bar from Sebastien Bouillet.

Chiffon cake with sweet potato and maple butter cream (disguised as a soufflé).

Choux creme from Seijo Alpes

Last night, Akemi and I dined at Quintessence, a 3-star Michelin restaurant and, apparently, one of the top ten hardest places to book.  Dinner was outstanding. Unfortunately, because of the no-photo policy (it may annoy the other guests), I wasn’t able to snap any pics of the culinary highlights.  Fortunately, I was able to source some photos of the said culinary highlights from the internet:

Goat milk bavarois with lily root, olive oil, and rock salt (photo via http://www.qliweb.com/food/Quintessence).

Another instant where I’m uncertain of the English name of the fish, but it was perfectly prepared – crispy on the outside and rare at its center – accompanied by a duo of sauces.

The incredibly airy meringue ice cream.

After we were done and on our way out, the restaurant’s chef and owner, Shuzo Kishida, came out to meet us.  At 34, he’s already been awarded 3 Michelin stars (four years in a row) for his work at Quintessence.  We chatted, mostly in French, a language I assume he mastered while working in Paris at the 3 Michelin star l’Astrance.  Unfortunately, I spent little time in Paris and it’s been a while since I practiced my French in Montreal so I was a bit…oh, let’s call it rusty.  Still, I managed well enough to let him know what a spectacular it was – every dish brilliantly conceived and flawlessly executed – as great as our first visit/my second date with Akemi three years ago: (December 4, 2009: Tokyo Travel Day #10 – Quintessence, Monnalisa Marunouchi, I hit the wall – and I’ve still got 11 restaurants to go!)

Well, looks like our Tokyo Trip Late 2012 (not to be confused with Tokyo Trip Early 2012) is drawing to a close.  I can look forward to three final no-doubt-memorable meals (and maybe about a half dozen notable desserts) before I head off.  And I look forward to them.  But for now, I’m looking forward to a nice change of pace breakfast:

Plain oatmeal, sliced bananas, and a half a grapefruit.

Tagged: Japan, Japan travel, Nakajima, Quintessence, Star Bar, Tokyo, Tokyo travel